Five expert tips to keep your formals wrinkle-free when packing

There are few things quite as nerve-wracking as packing a suitcase to the brim with your finest formal wear. Making sure your sharp business suit stays pristine and crumple-free throughout the upcoming journey can be pretty stressful, especially when you’re short on time and you know that the luxury of ironing upon arrival just isn’t an option.

It may be tempting to ignore the problem and wait until you can steam them in the hotel room bathroom, however this is likely to lead to your garments losing their shape over time. 

With this in mind, Wayne Mills, Head of Operations at Seven Seas Worldwide and no stranger to packing, reveals five top tips you can use to keep your clothes impeccable.

1. The Tension Technique: Maximising space and minimising creases

The Tension Technique involves creating a firm, organised environment inside your suitcase to prevent your clothes from shifting and folding in ways that cause wrinkles. By tightly packing your garments and securing them properly, you minimise movement and keep your clothes smooth during your journey.

Wayne Mills emphasises, “A well-packed suitcase reduces the likelihood of clothes tumbling around. By applying consistent pressure and using packing straps, you create a stable environment that preserves the natural lines of your formal wear.”

2. Silk scarves as protective layers

Don’t underestimate the humble silk scarf. Wrapping delicate pieces, such as dresses or shirts, in silk scarves adds an extra layer of protection against friction and sharp folds. Silk’s smooth texture helps garments glide over each other, preventing the formation of stubborn creases. Additionally, scarves can serve dual purposes—acting as versatile accessories once you’ve arrived at your destination.

Mills advises, “Silk scarves are incredibly versatile tools in a traveller’s arsenal. Not only do they protect your clothes from unwanted wrinkles, but they also help maintain the fabric’s natural drape and structure.

3. Use dryer sheets for smooth fabrics

If you find yourself short of silk scarves, incorporating dryer sheets into your suitcase can work wonders for your formal wear. Place a dryer sheet between each layer of clothing to reduce static and minimise friction, which are common culprits behind unwanted wrinkles. 

The slight moisture and anti-static properties of dryer sheets help fabrics glide smoothly against each other, keeping them flatter and less prone to creasing during transit. Plus, your clothes will retain a fresh scent, adding an extra touch of comfort when you unpack at your destination.

“Dryer sheets are a smart backup that many overlook. What makes them especially useful is their ability to neutralise static, which can be a hidden cause of wrinkling during long trips,” adds Mills. “By layering them between fabrics, you’re effectively creating a smoother, less friction-prone environment for your clothes. Plus, they’re lightweight and multi-purpose!” 

4. Utilise the bundle packing method

The bundle packing method involves wrapping your clothes around a central core, such as a pouch filled with soft items like underwear or accessories. This technique distributes pressure evenly across your garments, reducing the formation of sharp creases and wrinkles. 

By avoiding rigid folding and allowing clothes to drape naturally, the bundle method preserves the integrity of your formal wear, resulting in a smoother appearance upon arrival.

Mills emphasises, “The beauty of the bundle method is how it mimics the way clothes would naturally sit on your body. It’s all about keeping your garments in their intended shape, almost as if they were never packed at all.”

5. Packing Cubes: Organise and protect

Packing cubes are a game-changer for keeping your formal attire neat and wrinkle-free. By dividing your suitcase into separate compartments, you prevent clothes from shifting and tangling during transit. 

Assign different cubes for suits, shirts, and accessories to maintain organisation and ensure each garment retains its shape. This method makes packing more efficient while also making unpacking a breeze, allowing your clothes to arrive perfectly prepared for your business engagements.

“Think of packing cubes as mini-wardrobes for your suitcase,” Mills says. “They keep everything in its place, giving each garment the space it needs to breathe while preventing that suitcase chaos that leaves your clothes wrinkled and crumpled.”