Bridesmaids, wedding-goers, vacationers, and dress-wearers of all ages rejoice because we’ve compiled the best ways to travel with dresses without the fear that the garment will look more like a crumpled mess than a dress once you’ve arrived at the destination. Taking your favorite formal garments to a destination wedding or a formal event can be more stressful than anyone can handle. Flying, driving, or even walking with your dress can lead to unwanted wrinkles and damage, which is why we’re introducing the importance of the crunch test, our newest long garment hanger, and the beauty of garment bags.
Before packing your bags, before even packing your toiletries, you should probably consider what type of fabric will travel best– minimizing your post-arrival stress. The Crunch Test is the easiest and fastest way to check your dresses, or any outfit, travel-ability. Essentially, all you have to do is crunch the fabric of your garment in your fist tightly before releasing– the fewer wrinkles you see, the better. In general, velvets, crepe satins, tulle, flowy silks, and jacquards won’t wrinkle too severely and travel well. On the other end of the spectrum, cotton sateen and taffeta don’t travel well. So, before you head off and start considering which outfit will Instagram the best, it is essential to consider which will cause you the most minor headache upon arrival.
The next question is whether you pack your garments in luggage or a garment bag. In general, you can carry more items in a suitcase, but you risk crushing your dress as you travel. This is why we suggest investing in a garment bag. You probably already have one that comes complimentary when you purchased your formal wear, but that garment bag is most likely made of a thin material that won’t last the duration of your trip. Most high-quality garment bags also offer double duty and have plenty of space for all your travel accessories, making them the perfect carry-on for short weekend trips, whether for work or pleasure. Most airlines consider these bags as carry-on luggage, so you won’t have to worry about the airline losing your luggage, leading to a (well-earned) melt-down.
A quick hint for packing your formalwear in a garment bag, whether it be a carry-on case or a simple bag you pack away in your luggage, the key is to avoid crushing the garment. Be gentle as you lay the clothing in the bag, and if it has any sleeves, gently fold the arms (only) toward the back so as to prevent any heavy creases.
Having said all that, here are the seven essential items for traveling with formalwear to ensure you are the star of any photograph.
Many garment bags are made with men’s formalwear in mind, the classic suit pant-jacket combo– meaning they are a bit shorter than that elegant floor-length gown you may have in mind. It may even be too short for that midi-dress you love, which is why the Long Garment Hanger is ideal for travel, cutting down your dress length by half with its innovative two-part components—providing a beautiful yet functional way to hang your longer dresses, chic jumpsuits, or two-piece outfits, without any of the unnecessary creases or snags. The best part? You can take it right out of the garment bag when you arrive at your destination and hang it in the closet, stress-free.
Alternatively, if you aren’t flying to your destination but driving, it is easier to hang your garments in the back. The Long Garment Hanger will ensure that your dress won’t drag on the floor or be sat on by other passengers.
Now if you’re asking yourself: What if my dress is really, like really, long? We got you. Our hanger initially only comes with two components, the first one (which looks like a traditional hanger) can take on two of the secondary parts. This means you have double the folding power for all of your closet’s necessities. Don’t worry; even extra extra long dresses get some appreciation.
Why do we suggest this Classic Garment Bag? It does exactly what it says it does. It is simple and durable, made from a ballistic nylon fabric that will endure the test of time (and multiple flights). On the inside, the interior lining is soft to care for your garments and leave them undamaged. On the outside, the bag straps make it an effortless carry-on, and the two large mesh pockets can fit all your travel accessories with ease.
It is 22.5 x 24.5 x 2 inches and weighs 3.2 lbs.
We love this Garment Bag for any long weekend full of events, parties, and (let’s be honest) drinks. You can fit 2-3 full-length garments in this bag, and its interior and exterior zip pockets hold your very necessary shoes and accessories. Made from nylon with leather, this bag is water-resistant and features a trolley sleeve and luggage clip for easy travel– not to mention the padded shoulder strap. Once you arrive at the location, the Garment Bag has a zip-out hook to easily hang from a door or in a closet for quick access.
It is 22.5 x 3.35 x 20.5 inches, and weighs 2.7 lbs.
The Suit Carry On Garment Bag is simple and gets the job done. We love its numerous pockets, as well as its no-frills design. Pack your garment as well as shoes and accessories in the zippered, mesh, and velcro pockets. It also features an adjustable shoulder strap and an additional strap to secure it to your luggage handle. When it comes to travel stress, your garments shouldn’t even rank on the list.
It is 22.9 x 4 x 22 inches, and weighs 2.86 lbs.
The Convertible Garment Bag is perfect for the incognito traveler who doesn’t want to carry a bulky garment bag. This product transforms into a duffel shape that can carry your accessories and toiletries, featuring two zip pockets and a garment zip pocket to hold your favorites. You will be able to pack in four full outfits– on four hangers– making it ideal for long weekend adventures and events.
It is 19.75 x 13.75 x 9 inches.
This aesthetically rose-colored ribbon is a modern take on the classic potpourri sachet, minus the mess and the hunt for dried florals. Designed for small spaces, the scented ribbon can be placed in your luggage to ensure that when you arrive at your destination, your clothes smell fresh and good– and not like they’ve been traveling for hours on end.
The Scented Ribbon comes in the Morgan Park scent, an alluring yet soft, smoky-sweet unisex scent infused with pepper, cedar, ylang-ylang, and sandalwood.
Some wrinkles are unavoidable, and the Nori Press is the slim iron that fits in your luggage and ensures that you and your clothes look fresh and not wrinkled. If you could carry a flatiron with you to the event, then you can probably fit a Nori too. It only weighs 1.4 lbs, is 14 inches in length, and has an 8-foot cord for easy maneuvering. Because let’s be honest, no matter what you do, your garment is going to be compressed in a small space for a few hours, and that always has the potential of leaving them looking rumpled. The hotel iron rarely does the trick; more often than not, damaging the clothes with excess water leakage and the likes. So, ensure you look good because you deserve it.
Now that you know how to travel with your long garments, dresses, and two-piece outfits, you’re ready to make a splash at that wedding, party, extended vacation, or conference without any of the stress. With our seven suggested products for easy travel, you can show up, smelling good, looking good, wrinkle-free for a night to remember.
