How to fold a suit

It can seem like no matter how many different folding variations you attempt, you will end up with unwanted creases when trying to fold your suit regardless. 

Whether you need to pack a suit for an upcoming trip or you simply want to store it carefully in a wardrobe, there are plenty of ways to ensure that upon unpacking, you’ll be greeted with a wrinkle-free garment. By folding your suit in a way which deters any creasing, you can save time and money as there won’t be a need for any last-minute pressing arrangements.

How to fold a suit jacket

The jacket is perhaps the most complex aspect of a suit to fold without creasing the entire ensemble. This is because suit jackets can be heavy and when placed down, the added weight can cause further creasing of the trousers or shirt. However, it is possible to achieve a crumple-free jacket by following these four simple steps: 

Step 1: Place your jacket facing down   

Ensure that your suit jacket is facing down on a flat surface. You should be looking at the back, with the bottom of the jacket closest to you. 

Step 2: Fold the left arm 

Pinch the left shoulder of the jacket and fold the left side outwards to the right so that the arm is brought to the middle of the jacket with the lapel facing upright. Make sure that the arm is flattened down the back of the jacket to prevent creases.

Step 3: Fold the right arm 

In the same way that the left arm is folded in Step 2, pinch the right side of the jacket and fold it outwards to the left so that the arms are overlapping. Make sure that both lapels line up and appear parallel to one other. 

Step 4: Fold the jacket in half   

Hold the bottom of the jacket and fold it upwards to just below the collar so that the garment is folded in half. Flip the piece over and you should be faced with a compact square.

How to fold trousers

Knowing how to fold suit trousers, or any trousers for that matter, will help keep them looking pristine so that they’ll be ready to wear to any occasion without any extra ironing, pressing or steaming needed.    

●     Lay the trousers on a flat surface and smooth out any pockets and layers to ensure that everything is flat. 

●     Find the crease in the trousers by holding them by the cuff where a natural crease should start to form. Arrange the trouser legs so that the creases form on the outside rather than the middle of the trousers.

●     Fold one leg over to sit on top of the other leg and smooth out the fabric to eliminate any wrinkles. Fold the trousers at the zipper or button and make sure both legs sit directly on top of one another so that the side seams are on the edge. 

●     Grabbing the bottom of the trousers, fold them vertically to the waistband. To save room, you can fold them in half again so that the line of the new fold is again in line with the waistband.

How to use trouser hangers

Hanging your trousers require the correct folding method so that they don’t get crumpled. Standard clothes hangers, the ones shaped like a triangle, are the most common. Clip hangers are also suitable for a wide range of trousers, although they can cause denting and imprints in the waistline so may require extra ironing. The most expensive of trouser hanging solutions is the clamping hanger, which consists of two bars of wood that pull together.

How to fold trousers on a hanger

If using a standard triangular hanger, fold the trousers in the following way: 

●     With your trousers outstretched, fold them in half vertically so that the pockets are on the inside. 

●     Drape your trousers over the hanger bar evenly so that the waistband touches the bottom cuffs.   To avoid slipping you can also implement the Savile Row fold:   

●     Hold one trouser leg by the cuff (upside down) with one hand and do the same with the other leg. 

●     Drape one leg over the hanger bar and fold it across the bar. Pull the cuff down so that it lines up with the crotch section of the trousers. 

●     Fold the other leg over the first leg and drape it over the bar. Pull this leg down until the pants line up and hang evenly.