Rolling suit up for travel?

[matei]

Hello all,

I wasn't sure if this should be in "The Steamer Trunk" - so apologies if this query is in the wrong section...

Can anyone advise on how to roll up a suit for travel? I've heard of this technique being used several times on this board, but I've never seen it done. Is it as simple as it sounds - just take my suit, lay it out flat and roll it up?

I've got one of those suit bags for travel, but it always leaves my suits rather rumpled looking.

Thanks!

 

[Salv]

Most of the advice on the web recommends folding the jacket and trousers around other items in the case to prevent wrinkles. For instance:
Colin O'Brian - although I think they have the second and third pictures switched around

World Wide Travel do it slightly differently:

Suits: pants first. Unzip fly and fold lengthwise on creases; place in case with seat of pants toward hinges; don't fold them inside the case yet; allow legs to hang outside. Button the jacket and place it face down on the pants, collar nearest the hinges and bottom hanging out of the bag. Sleeves should be folded back and flat along the length of the jacket. Now, carefully fold trousers legs into the suitcase over the upper part of the jacket, then fold jacket bottom over the trousers legs. Interlocking keeps everything from sliding. With more than one suit, place the two pairs of trousers on the bottom, with the legs pointing in opposite directions.

Men's Wearhouse is slightly different again, recommending that you leave the suit jacket until last.

 

[Matt Deckard]

I have a thread I started in the Steamer trunk on the Fedora Lounge Jet Set which will detail better ways to fold a suit. On my trip to New York I folded two and wore one and rolled a fedora. They all came out okay. I don't roll suits, they tend to get ruined that way. I do fold a certain way, and contrary to what websites and books tell you, I myself have seen that turning your jacket inside out for packing purposes is not the right thing to do.

 

[matei]

Thanks guys for the advice. It looks like I won't be rolling my own any time soon now! I'll take notes from those pages and see how I get on.

 

[nightandthecity]

I have tried all sorts of rolling and folding, but I generally use - and thoroughly recommend using - a WW2 USAAF B-4 suitcase. You can buy similar cases today but if you look on ebay you'll soon find an original B-4.

It's a bit hard to describe how it works but I'll try...

It zips open round the sides, and opens out fully. The jacket lies in it flat. Unless you are very short the trousers have to be folded in one place, i usually opt for near the top where any crease will be hidden. A snap down canvas cover then holds the suit down and when you close the case the suit folds over an adjustable centre bar. The jacket and trousers fold over themselves but not tight....you are basically carrying your suit hung over a bar. The system was designed to keep dress uniforms pukka, and it works better than anything else Ive tried.