Men's Packing Woes

By: maxine greco


Packing men's clothing is easy once you get organized. As a rule, they will not take as many items as women pack so you can use a smaller case. Lightweight luggage with a removable suiter inside is the easiest way to go if you are packing one or two suit or sports jackets. The suiter will keep the jackets almost wrinkle free. Of course, you can always pack a travel steamer just in case. There are models that will use any type of tap water. International steamer models can be used around the world. If the luggage does not have a suiter or if you are taking more than two jackets, you will have to use a garment bag. A garment bag will hang all of the clothing on hangers right from your closet. Shirts can also be hung on the same hanger underneath the jacket. Garment bags are easiest to pack when they are hung up. Gravity will pull the clothing straight and keep everything neatly in order. There are usually small mesh pockets and other zippered pockets for underwear, pajamas and shaving gear. A small narrow pocket will hold ties. Shoes or sneakers will fit on the bottom of the garment bag. Pockets that will hold socks are located on the top on either side of the hanger hook. Because hangers slope down, this is a perfect area for small items. In the outside pocket, you can slip some casual items or gym clothing. Try to leave room for a lightweight raincoat and a small travel umbrella. Garment bags come in soft models or those with wheels and a pull handle.

Packing a Pullman case with the removable garment sleeve is very easy. Jacket and slacks can go on one thin wire hanger. Place them inside the garment cover. They will usually fold once or twice depending on the size of the luggage. Then the balance of the clothes you've chosen can be packed. The garment cover is generally in the top part of the luggage. Underwear should go in first on the bottom of the case, against the inner bars of the pull-up handle. It's easiest to pack first inside a packing cube, so he can unpack quickly by dropping the cubes in one of the hotel drawers. Next, pack any additional slacks on hangers to continue to make unpacking easy. His cotton shirts can be packed in a shirt cube. These keep the shirts from wrinkling and they will look like you just picked them up from the laundry or cleaners when you unpack. This type of cube also keeps everything from shifting inside the suitcase to further eliminate wrinkles. His socks can be placed inside the shoes or sneakers. Cover the shoe or sneaker with a travel shoe cover and pack them around the perimeter of the bag. Continue to pack any travel accessories around the perimeter of the case.

The new airline regulations do not allow you to take your toiletries on board. The only liquids and gels you can carry with you have to fit inside a quart sized clear plastic bag. Inside the bag, liquids can be in containers no larger than three ounces. And travelers may take only one of these on board. Easy-go and Travelon are two companies that make this convenient 3-1-1 bag with the correct sized travel bottles included. The balance of your toiletries must be packed in your luggage. That means hair gels, toothpaste, shampoo, mouthwash, and shaving cream and after-shave lotion all must be carefully packed. The safest way is to cover each container with plastic wrap and then pack everything inside a man's shave kit. These are usually leather on the outside and washable nylon lined inside. If anything leaks or spills, the kit will hopefully protect your clothing from being soiled or ruined. Discount luggage can also be stained inside from these dangerous spills and leaks.

Many shorter trips can use a carryon bag. These trips have to plan carefully because carryon bags generally can be no larger than 45” measuring length plus height plus width. Some of the carryon bags have a suit fixture inside. You will need to pack your slacks and jacket on one thin wire hanger inside the carryon. It will fold up with soft padded folds usually once or twice depending on the design. Toiletries will have to be in the regulation 3-1-1 clear plastic bag. There's usually room inside these carryons for a small travel umbrella. Underwear and pajamas will fit inside one of the smaller packing cubes. These carryon bags are convenient and easy to travel with on short trips. You don't have to wait at the baggage carousel and can be on your way as soon as the plane lands. These cases are popular corporate gifts and can be individually monogrammed with your initials, or with a company name or logo. However you travel, pack well and enjoy your trip!


Maxine Greco has been in the luggage and travel business for over 38 years. She is currently working at Village Luggage and Gifts.