Natalia
Packing a sports coat can be a tricky task, especially if you want to avoid creases and wrinkles. There are several methods to fold a sports coat, and the right technique will ensure your jacket looks its best when you need to wear it. This guide will take you through the process of preparing your sports coat for travel, offering tips and tricks to keep it neat and tidy.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Initial position | Lay the jacket flat on a surface, unbuttoned |
| First step | Fold one shoulder inside out |
| Second step | Tuck the other shoulder underneath the first |
| Sleeve position | Straight down the jacket, one on top of the other |
| Breast panels | Facing outward |
| Final steps | Fold in half twice, or roll up |
| Placement in the suitcase | On top of everything else |
What You'll Learn
The tucked-shoulder fold
To achieve the tucked-shoulder fold, start by laying your jacket flat on a surface, unbuttoned. Gently work one shoulder inside out, then tuck the other shoulder into it, seam against seam. The sleeves should lie straight down the jacket, one on top of the other. Next, fold the breast panels over the jacket, with their linings turned outward, to sandwich the whole thing. Finally, fold the jacket in half from the bottom and it's ready to be packed away.
When using the tucked-shoulder fold, be sure to handle the jacket gently during the folding process to avoid any damage or distortion. By following these steps, you can confidently pack your jacket, knowing that it will remain wrinkle-free and ready to wear upon reaching your destination.
Buttoned-Up Style: Sport Coats
You may want to see also
The shirt-style fold
Here's how to do the shirt-style fold:
- Place your sports jacket on a flat surface with the front facing down.
- Tuck the sleeves behind the back, ensuring that the shoulders overlap slightly in the middle. This creates a compact fold and helps keep the jacket in place.
- Fold the jacket in half from the bottom, tucking the bottom hem up under the collar.
- Place the jacket on top of your other clothing items in your suitcase to provide some cushioning and prevent creases.
While the shirt-style fold is convenient, it may result in some creases where the folds cross each other. To minimise creasing, you can place tissue paper or a dry-cleaning bag between the folds. Remember to handle the folded jacket gently when packing and unpacking to prevent any unnecessary wrinkles.
Sport Coat Sizing: Men's Guide
You may want to see also
The jacket roll
If you want to avoid creases at all costs, the jacket roll is the way to go. This method minimises the number of folds in the fabric, which is the key to preventing wrinkles.
To begin, lay your jacket flat on a surface, unbuttoned. Then, fold one shoulder inside out and underneath the jacket. You will then flip it over and pull the other shoulder under the first, so that one side is resting underneath the other. You will then fold the jacket in half twice, and place it on top of the other items in your bag. This method does take up more space than a flat fold, but it is the best way to prevent creases.
If you want to save even more space, you can roll the jacket up like a sleeping blanket or sleeping pad. This way, you can gently curve the fabric without pressing it flat into a corner. You can also use this method to roll a shirt or a couple of pairs of underwear inside the jacket for extra space-saving. However, be careful not to cram too much inside, as this will make the roll less effective and more likely to create wrinkles.
Sport Coat: The Perfect Length
You may want to see also
Packing a sports coat inside out
When packing a sports coat, it is recommended to pack it inside out to avoid staining the outer fabric. One way to do this is to first lay the jacket flat on a surface, unbuttoned. Then, fold one shoulder inside out and underneath the jacket. Flip the jacket over and repeat the process with the other shoulder, tucking it into the first shoulder, seam against seam. The sleeves should lie straight down the jacket, one on top of the other, and the breast panels should be tucked in, with their linings turned outward. Finally, fold the jacket in half from the bottom and place it on top of everything inside your suitcase.
This method, known as the tucked-shoulder fold, distributes pressure in a suitcase from being applied to folds and seams. While it does involve a large fold down the centre of the jacket, it reduces the number of folds that aren't on seams to one. It is also preferable to a roll, which takes up more space, especially vertical space.
When packing a sports coat inside out, it is important to avoid folding the jacket across a flat plane of fabric, as this can cause creases. Instead, keep the folds along the seams, and try to work with the natural structure of the jacket. Additionally, if possible, stow the jacket with the lining facing outward; if the jacket lining gets scuffed, stained, or torn during transport, it won't be visible when wearing the jacket.
Modern-Fit Sport Coats: A Definitive Guide
You may want to see also
Using a garment bag
If you want to pack your sports coat in a suitcase using a garment bag, you'll first need to fold it. There are several methods you can use to do this, but the aim is to minimise creasing and wrinkling.
One method is the tucked-shoulder fold. Lay the jacket flat on a surface, unbuttoned. Fold the right shoulder inside out and underneath the jacket, then flip it over. Pull the left shoulder under the right, so the left side is now resting underneath the folded right side. Finally, fold the jacket in half twice. This method distributes pressure in the suitcase from being applied to folds and seams.
Another method is the shirt-style fold. This is a quick way to fold your jacket if you're in a hurry. Tuck the sleeves behind the back, with the shoulders overlapping slightly in the middle. Then, fold the jacket in half from the bottom, tucking the bottom hem up underneath the collar. This creates a neat square shape. However, as you're folding the jacket in several places, you're more likely to end up with creases.
The jacket roll is another option. Instead of folding the jacket, you simply roll it up. Turn the jacket inside out and roll it from the shoulders down to the hem. This reduces the number of folds in the fabric. You can also tuck a shirt or a couple of pairs of underwear into the roll. However, this method takes up more space in your suitcase.
Once you've folded or rolled your jacket, place it carefully into your garment bag. It's a good idea to hang the bag up as soon as you reach your destination, and to give the jacket a quick steam if there are any creases.
The Sporty History of Sports Coats
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
There are a few ways to do this. One way is to lay the jacket at the bottom of your case, with half of it sticking out. Pack everything else on top, then fold the remaining half of the jacket over. Alternatively, you can try the tucked-shoulder fold: lay the jacket flat, unbuttoned, and gently work one shoulder inside out, then tuck the other shoulder into it, seam against seam. The sleeves should lie straight down the jacket, one on top of the other, and the breast panels should be outermost, sandwiching the whole thing. Then, fold it in half from the bottom.
The best way to avoid creasing is to roll the jacket, rather than folding it. To do this, you need to do some creative tucking and layering. Roll the whole jacket up like a sleeping blanket or sleeping pad into a soft tube of fabric. You can also tuck a shirt or a couple of pairs of underwear into the roll.
The quickest way to fold a sports jacket is to do the shirt-style fold. First, tuck the sleeves behind the back, with the shoulders overlapping slightly at the middle. Then, fold it in half from the bottom, tucking the bottom hem up underneath the collar. The lapels and collar should sit on top, resulting in a neat square shape.
The best way to transport a sports coat is to use a garment bag to shield the jacket from wrinkles and dust. First, gently fold the jacket along its natural lines and place it in the bag. Alternatively, you can wear the jacket during your travel.
You can use a full-length garment bag and keep the jacket on a hanger. This works on airplanes or in cars, but they are limited in carrying capacity.
