With linen a dapper choice for warmer climes thanks to its breathable low thread count, British tailoring brand, Henry Herbert offers its top tips on how to pack a suit for travel overseas, and how to keep it in tip-top condition.
As the climate changes, so should your wardrobe. And no ensemble is more adapted to the warmer weather than the suave and stylish linen suit. Screaming hot vacation vibes, lightweight linen offers effortless and versatile style easily transporting you from the beach to the wedding party and back to the boardroom. However, knowing how to pack your linen garments correctly is vital, especially if you wish to avoid your delicately woven masterpiece resembling a crumpled mess.
Travelling with linen has long been a conundrum, but thanks to Henry Herbert, your invested linen pieces will arrive in pristine condition with these top tips:
Get your outfit professionally pressed or steamed at least one day ahead of packing. “This may sound obvious, but it is crucial in helping your suit arrive in the best possible condition,” says Alexander Dickinson, director at Henry Herbert. “Starting with a crease-free garment already puts you ahead of the game.”
Invest in a hard case to hold structure and minimise wrinkles.
Layout your individual items on a clean surface in preparation for the unique Henry Herbert folding technique.
- Starting with your jacket buttoned up and facing you, check it before flipping over and brushing away any creases.
- Fold in each side of the jacket, ensuring the arms are flat and smooth, sliding tissue paper in between.
- Fold your trousers over, then fold in half twice (again, utilise some tissue paper) and place them on top of the jacket, at the neck end.
- Fold the bottom part of the jacket up and over the trousers to keep everything compact.
- Flip your folded suit lapels up and smooth out any creases and wrinkles.
If you are taking multiple linen trousers, the best way to pack these is rolled together, with tissue paper in between each pair. Go slowly and ensure any potential creases are smoothed out as you roll. This is also an excellent space saver.
For those travelling with hand luggage, place your linen items at the top to avoid them being squashed. However, if you are putting your luggage in the hold, pack your linen in the middle for added protection.
Unpack as soon as you arrive – the beach can wait! Removing your suit from your bags immediately allows extra time for the fabric to breathe. “Linen isn’t the easiest fabric to pack and travel with which is why we also suggest putting linen garments in the shower room as the steam helps to relax the material and ease out any unsightly creases,” adds Alexander.
Top Tip – Pack a small empty spray bottle to help refresh items between wears. Simply fill with some water, spray lightly, and hang to dry in the shower room. “Run the shower as hot as it will go to produce excess steam, turn off and leave your items for around 20mins for a professional dry clean finish,” advises Alexander.
Helping to propel your style for warmer climes, London-based tailoring expert, Henry Herbert, specialises in exemplary one-of-a-kind linen suits (and shirts) each brimming with refined elegance. Offering an unparalleled choice of colours and cuts to ensure a sharp and sophisticated appearance, Henry Herbert recommends an easy-wearing design in neutral shades for a relaxed and classic vibe or a paler shade of blue for a sleek and striking look.
“As with every suit, like cars and watches, it’s what’s inside your summer suit that counts the most, and for summer you want to avoid heavy cloths and dark colours and instead aim for breathable fabrics. For maximum comfort, opt for completely unlined.” – Henry Herbert.
Made in England, each suit takes 8-9 weeks to complete (an Express Service is also available), is finished to the highest standard, and is filled with subtle elements that expose the delicate craftsmanship and superior quality of the design.
Bespoke British Tailoring for the Modern Gentleman
8 Lamb’s Conduit Passage, London, WC1R 4RG