Folding Sport Coats: Travel Edition

Folding a sports coat for travel can be a tricky task, especially if you want to avoid creases and wrinkles. There are several methods that can be employed to fold a sports coat, and the chosen method often depends on the type of fabric and the duration of storage. Some common techniques include the tucked-shoulder fold, the shirt-style fold, and the jacket roll. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages in terms of crease prevention and space optimization. Additionally, the use of garment bags, hangers, and careful placement in luggage can also aid in maintaining the structure and appearance of the sports coat during travel.

The tucked-shoulder fold

First, find a flat, clean surface and place your blazer on it, unbuttoned and spread out, with the interior facing down and the exterior facing up. Next, gently work one shoulder inside out and then tuck the other shoulder into it, so that the seams of both shoulders are lying against each other. The sleeves should now be on top of each other, pointing downwards, and the breast panels should be inverted, sandwiching the entire jacket. Finally, fold the jacket in half.

The result is a compact fold that can fit in a duffel bag. This technique is more crease-proof than most, as it reduces the number of folds that aren't on seams to one. However, it is not as crease-proof as a roll. To prevent creases from forming, avoid stacking too much weight on the folded jacket.

The shirt-style fold

To start, lay your jacket flat on a surface, unbuttoned. Then, tuck the sleeves behind the back, with the shoulders overlapping slightly in the middle. Next, fold the jacket in half from the bottom, tucking the bottom hem up underneath the collar. Finally, the lapels and collar will sit right on top, resulting in a neat square shape.

This method is faster than other folding techniques and can be done without a flat surface. Simply tuck the collar of the jacket under your chin and make three quick folds.

While the shirt-style fold is convenient, it's important to note that it involves folding the jacket in several places, both vertically and horizontally, which may result in creases, especially where the folds cross each other. Therefore, it may not be the best option for longer trips or if you plan to pack other items on top of the jacket.

The jacket roll

Firstly, lay your jacket flat on a surface, unbuttoned. Then, pop the shoulders inside out by grabbing the front of the collar and pulling it back. You should then push the shoulders out so that the sleeve holes are now on the outside. The sleeves themselves should not be inside out. Next, fold the jacket in half lengthwise, so that the front, open part of the jacket is facing out. The shoulders should now be touching. Now, simply roll the jacket from the top edge down to the bottom. It is important not to roll it too tightly, as this could cause wrinkles in the fabric. Once rolled, you can place the jacket in your suitcase.

Lay the jacket at the bottom of your case, half out, then fold over

Laying your jacket at the bottom of your case and folding it over is a simple and effective way to pack a sports coat for travel. This method minimises creases by avoiding thin folds. It also protects the outside of the jacket from accidental stains during transit.

• Lay the jacket at the bottom of your case, with half of it sticking out.
• Pack everything else on top.
• Fold the jacket over the top of your other items.
• Turn the jacket inside out to protect the outside from stains.

This method is a quick and easy way to pack a sports coat for travel. It avoids the need for complicated folding techniques that can be tricky to do without a flat surface. It also means you don't have to worry about your jacket getting squashed under the weight of other items in your case.

However, it is worth noting that this method does involve folding the jacket in several places, which may result in some creases. If you are going on a longer trip or plan to pack heavy items on top of your jacket, you may want to consider a different folding technique or invest in a garment bag to minimise creases.

Use a garment bag

Garment bags are a great way to transport your sports coat without the bulkiness of a suitcase. They are ideal for business trips and can be carried on planes or in cars. If you want to use a garment bag, follow these steps:

Firstly, clean and press your sports coat before travelling. Send it to the dry cleaner's or iron it yourself, ensuring the lapels are well-ironed. This ensures your jacket is in tip-top shape before you pack it away.

Next, turn your jacket inside out. This is a simple step that can protect the outer fabric of your jacket. If your jacket incurs any wrinkles during your travels, they will be on the inside of the jacket and won't be visible when you wear it.

Now, pop the shoulders inside out. Put your hand inside the coat and push your fist into the shoulders so that the lining of the shoulders pops out. This makes the jacket easier to fold as you won't have to deal with the awkwardness of inward-facing shoulder pads.

Then, fold the jacket vertically. Gather both shoulders in one hand and use the other hand to grasp the jacket at the midpoint of its collar. This will fold the jacket in half lengthwise. Straighten the material of the jacket out after folding—the liner should still be on the outside.

Finally, fold the jacket in half horizontally. Place your forearm horizontally across the middle of the jacket and fold the top half over. This will create a roughly square bundle that fits easily into your garment bag.

To minimise wrinkling, place only other flat, folded items of clothing on top of the jacket inside the garment bag. Avoid placing hard, awkwardly-shaped items like shoes on top of the jacket.

When you arrive at your destination, simply undo the folds and turn the fabric right side out. Wrinkling should be minimal, but to combat any remaining wrinkles, hang the jacket up immediately.

Frequently asked questions