Tested: The 6 Best Garment Bags for Travel

Touring together with your regular, informal attire is tough sufficient. However in the event you’re jet-setting for enterprise functions, you probably additionally have to deliver a swimsuit and tie alongside, which poses a good larger subject: transferring your swimsuit from A to B with out wrinkling and/or creasing it. However that’s precisely what garment baggage are for. Should you actually care about your formal put on, you may wish to spend money on a devoted, purpose-built vessel for transporting it. Under, you’ll find our favourite garment baggage after testing one of the best ones in the marketplace.

How We Examined

There are plenty of choices on the market for garment baggage. And in the event you’ve bought a luggage set, it’s fairly probably that you just’ve bought one. Nonetheless, not all of them are created equal. These items can vary from the inexpensive (~$100) to the luxurious (~$2,500). We’ve aimed to discover choices at each ends of the spectrum and in every single place in between, in addition to sort out what warrants this worth vary.

To create our shortlist for testing, we actually explored this area to determine which manufacturers had been most revered and why. We additionally checked out among the lesser-known boutique or heritage choices from smaller corporations you might not be accustomed to, taking a look at supplies, building course of, aesthetic, and options. From there, we sourced our items for testing and bought hands-on with every garment bag, taking a look at how nicely they felt and operated, together with how they regarded in individual. Our findings and extra are detailed beneath.

What to Look For

Closure: The format of your garment bag will probably decide each how nicely it retains your garments wrinkle-free and the way compact it’s. Nonetheless, that is all the time a compromise, as the 2 components are opposing. Some garment baggage roll up, making them very compact however growing the danger of wrinkles. Others supply a extra mild half-fold, however take up extra space than their rolling counterparts. You’ll need to resolve which is extra vital to you: fewer wrinkles or higher packability.

Exterior Materials: You’re in all probability unlikely to seek out your self in a thunderstorm in your travels, nevertheless it’s nonetheless a good suggestion to contemplate the chance. Meaning it’s best to take note of the exterior materials of your garment bag. Many these days are made with coated fabrics that assist repel water — retaining your swimsuit safer than it would in any other case be. The tradeoff right here is that extra weatherproof and sturdy materials are usually dearer, so that you’ll need to weight the choices in opposition to your funds.

Inside Lining: Sometimes, this isn’t an vital consideration, as most each garment bag in the marketplace has a delicate liner that’s simple in your delicate attire. Nonetheless, it’s vital to concentrate on the liner materials and the way it may have an effect on your travels and your clothes. As you may anticipate, the softer the fabric, the higher it probably is in your swimsuit(s).

Carry Handles: Very like the closure fashion, the way in which you carry your garment bag is a reasonably large issue to contemplate. Some supply little greater than a pair of suitcase handles, whereas others may supply wheels and telescoping handles and even backpack straps. Should you’re carrying a number of baggage by means of the airport, one of many latter choices could be one of the best. However in the event you’re solely hauling the garment bag, then suitcase handles will work simply superb.

Extraneous Particulars: Before everything, your garment bag must be a suit-hauler. However they usually supply a bit greater than could make all of them the extra engaging for journey. In some instances, they’ve a few additional pockets for equipment and/or different gear. Others are extra complete in how a lot they will carry. All of it is dependent upon your particular person wants. Simply concentrate on all these components when making your concerns.

Halfday Journey The Garment Duffel 45L

Greatest Price range Garment Bag: Simply since you personal good fits doesn’t imply that these fits value you an exorbitant amount of cash. To associate with your funds three-piece is that this The Garment Duffel from Halfday Journey, a large-sized 45-liter choice made out of a waterproof 420D woven polyester exterior and waterproof taslan inside. Weighing simply 2.3lbs, this two-in-one bag suits a swimsuit within the outer layer like a daily garment bag however then buildings itself so you may load 5 days’ price of clothes inside like a duffel bag. Presently out there in 9 completely different colours, it additionally is available in at under $100!

The Good

From premium, sturdy supplies to an modern design that brings a ton of versatility, The Garment Duffel from Halfday is a implausible funds bag. In truth, I actually couldn’t determine why the value tag was so low. In my brief time utilizing it, I had basically no actual surprising complaints. Appears-wise, the Halfday is a classy carry-on with good-looking styling and texturing. Plus, I’m a fan of the model’s engaging brand, which is entrance and middle right here.

I’d be mendacity if I stated the zipper design didn’t boggle my thoughts, and I’m glad I wasn’t the one in command of determining the particular mechanics of such a spiraling setup. I believed it might be tough to get my swimsuit eliminated when zipped up as a duffel however this wasn’t an issue. Although I supposed in the event you had heavier objects inside, it might be. Oh yeah, there’s additionally a pair of shoe sleeves, which simply held my measurement 12.5 costume sneakers, in order that’s a particular plus.

Regardless that I examined this bag within the summertime, it makes a strong winter-spring choice with its waterproof supplies. Though, it’s vital to notice that the zippers don’t declare to be waterproof.

The Not So Good

If I needed to quibble, I’d say The Garment Duffel is a little bit too simple to unzip. Which means, it’s meant to retain some construction for doubling as a duffel bag. And since this factor can unfold all the way in which, that would pose a difficulty in the event you solely deliberate on taking out 1 or 2 objects with out unraveling and spilling its total contents. Nonetheless, in the event you’re just a bit bit cautious, you shouldn’t have any actual points right here.

Additionally, whereas fairly sturdy, the handles on prime weren’t essentially the most comfy to hold, even when wrapped. Likewise, the Velcro wrap was a bit inflexible and didn’t really feel nice in my hand

Verdict: A garment bag with duffel bag versatility, The Garment Duffel from Halfday Journey is an outstanding bag with a novel design. And in the event you think about its sturdy supplies and good-looking look, you’d be shocked to seek out out that it’s some of the inexpensive choices on the market. We had small complaints concerning the consolation of the highest handles and the zipper, which was too simple to open unintentionally, however all methods go for this garment bag.

Henty Wingman Commuter Swimsuit Bag

Greatest for Commuting: Most garment baggage on the market are decent for travel however are cumbersome and tough to handle for nearly every other sort of commuting. In contrast, it looks as if the Henty Wingman Commuter Swimsuit Bag was made to be good on any sort of transport. With backpack straps, it’s simple to haul round from cab to coach to aircraft and again once more, nevertheless it nonetheless contains a roll-style closure that may assist maintain your swimsuit wrinkle-free. It’s additionally waterproof and even has a devoted laptop computer sleeve — making it nice for bike commuting to and from work within the metropolis, as nicely.

The Good

If you want to commute with a swimsuit, whether by bike or prepare, there’s actually no higher choice than the Henty Wingman. The structurally sound bag rolls and unrolls with ease, however the swimsuit itself is hidden inside an accessible zippered pouch with a hanger gap up prime. Except for the laptop computer sleeve, this bag additionally comes with loads of exterior pockets of various sizes. It may also be hung up when unfolded, making these gear pockets much more accessible. There was additionally a supplementary waterproof duffel that you would use for any extras, like underwear and socks. This may be connected to the Wingman in the event you so select.

As a backpack, the Henty is very comfy and supportive, with easy-to-adjust straps for the sternum and waist. Regardless that the bag is waterproof, it comes with a hi-vis orange poncho that expands to go excessive of the rolled-up pack. Whereas I didn’t use it, there’s additionally a detachable shoulder strap for a extra informal carrying choice.

The Not So Good

The devoted laptop computer sleeve is a very nice contact right here however not essentially the most sensible relating to execution. It provides a stiffness to the again of the bag that messes with its comfortability. I must also level out that this bag is sort of heavy, even when empty. Fortunately, it’s not designed to retailer plenty of gear, so there received’t be a lot added to that weight.

Additionally, I’d’ve favored some kind of clip on the backside of the garment compartment to forestall my swimsuit from falling down. In any case, that is designed to be held sideways. Each time I unzipped the bag, my swimsuit wasn’t precisely how I left it.

Verdict: Should you’re going to be doing any commuting with a swimsuit, there received’t be a greater choice than the Henty Wingman, which will be worn as a snug backpack that features tons of extras like a laptop computer sleeve, a rain poncho, and a number of other gear pouches. Admittedly, the bag is heavy however you additionally received’t be placing a ton of substances inside. Additionally, we could have favored some clothes clips for the underside of the garment compartment however that’s only a minor grievance for a very excellent bag.

Samsonite Armage II Wheeled Garment Bag

Greatest Wheeled: Whereas most garment baggage come as dealt with choices meant to be carried, Samsonite has a formidable wheeled suitcase meant for safeguarding your best fits. Constructing off of the model’s standing as a mainstay within the baggage business, the Armage II seems like an ordinary carry-on bag from the surface however inside is purpose-built to maintain your clothes neat and tidy. Not solely does this bag supply sufficient area in your swimsuit and all the mandatory equipment like two pairs of sneakers and even some toiletries, nevertheless it additionally options Samsonite’s Tru-Trac GT wheels, sturdy YKK zippers, and a telescoping deal with for handy hauling by means of the airport, prepare station, and even metropolis streets. And sure, it’s compact sufficient that you would deliver it into the airplane cabin with you if you journey. Additionally, that is backed by Samsonite’s 10-year restricted guarantee.

The Good

By way of pure functionality, the Samsonite Armage II is one of the best we examined. Not solely can it maintain a number of fits in the event you really need it to (there’s no official capability however we bought 3 inside no drawback) nevertheless it additionally acts as a two-sided hanging closet. The left aspect contains a pair of “structured” mesh zippered pockets at eye degree, which you should use for rolled ties or handkerchiefs –– belongings you don’t wish to get smashed. I significantly beloved the water-resistant zippered pocket on the correct aspect of the bag, which stands about 4″ excessive and is clear sufficient so that you can see what you’re grabbing inside.

There are a number of extra zippered pockets on this aspect of the bag, each mesh and opaque. And if that’s not sufficient, there’s a sizeable exterior pocket for books, papers, and even an iPad to simply entry in flight so that you don’t want a second carry-on for this stuff.

I’m admittedly not tremendous accustomed to all of Samsonite’s vary however the rolling deal with must be some of the comfy I’ve ever utilized in my hand with its plush padded grip and simple adjustment button. In the meantime, the wheels are superb however I didn’t discover something excellent to jot down house about; they had been completely serviceable.

The Not So Good

For a chunk of rolling baggage, the Armage II is fairly large, though 22″ throughout is fairly customary for a garment bag. I simply felt like I used to be going to journey individuals as I walked previous them. Take note as nicely, this bag is fairly darn heavy at almost 11lbs, and that’s when it’s empty!

It’s additionally vital to notice that the devoted shoe pockets on the backside of the bag are fairly small. The positioning’s image exhibits a pair of heels in every pouch however realistically males are going to make use of garment baggage simply as usually as ladies. I couldn’t match my very own measurement 12.5 sneakers in these pockets so I wrapped them in a separate shoe bag I’ve and put them behind the divider on this aspect of the garment bag, which labored simply superb (so long as you’re solely touring with one or two fits).

Verdict: Extraordinarily succesful, Samsonite’s Armage II is a carry-on sized garment bag with tons of pockets and compartments, in addition to sufficient room for a number of of your fits. We beloved the devoted waterproof moist pocket for toiletries, the structured necktie pockets, and the outside compartment for any non-garment objects for accessing in-flight. Admittedly, the bag is heavy at almost 11lbs and the shoe pockets will likely be small for many males’s sneakers, however it is a high quality bag that does a complete lot that others don’t do.

Satchel & Web page Garment Bag

Greatest Conventional Garment Bag: Should you’re in search of a extra traditionally-styled garment bag, you would do far worse than this choice from Satchel & Web page. Not solely is that this bag drop-dead attractive, however its British waxed canvas and Italian leather-based exterior can be sturdy and hard sufficient that this might find yourself turning into an heirloom piece you go on to your kids. After all, it additionally nonetheless has all the things you’d anticipate out of a strong garment bag — like a 600D waterproof nylon lining, organizational pockets, a complete-access opening principal compartment, and adjustable leather-based shoulder straps. The bag additionally comes with a lifetime guarantee from the model, which is superior.

The Good

Should you’re trying to spend round $500 on a garment bag, you received’t be disillusioned with this decide from Satchel & Web page. The apparent promoting level right here is its look, with arguably essentially the most good-looking exterior on this listing, making good use of its leather-based and waxed canvas shell. The latter isn’t too “slimy” like some waxed canvas merchandise tend to be, nor does it scent waxy, whereas the leather-based expresses a beautiful leather aroma that’s among the many greatest I’ve ever skilled. And that’s to not point out the brass {hardware} that appears prefer it was truly sourced from vintage baggage.

If the surface has a timeless aesthetic that’s worthy of passing right down to your kids, the inside is all enterprise, with loads of storage pockets that may be simply accesses if you grasp this bag up. The nylon lining feels sturdy and extremely sturdy –– arguably essentially the most so of the items I examined. The shoe pockets had been massive sufficient to deal with one among my measurement 12.5 sneakers every, plus every pocket has a dependable zipper closure.

The Not So Good

The largest downside of the Satchel & Web page Garment Bag is its availability. At any given second, the model’s web site will say that the bag is “Out of Inventory.” The excellent news is that it continuously comes again into inventory (this back-and-forth occurred a few instances throughout our sourcing and testing course of). Additionally, many will be aware that the entryway for the swimsuit compartment is a bit tight, making it a bit difficult to put the outfit inside with ease. Nonetheless, this isn’t a deal breaker. The bag can be a bit heavy, so maintain that in thoughts as nicely.

Verdict: Premium in each sense of the phrase, the Satchel & Web page Garment Bag is one among our favorites for the way stunning it seems on the surface whereas being a complete workhorse on the within –– with top-notch building for each. Availability will likely be hit and miss right here however maintain a watch out on the model’s web site. Additionally, whereas the bag is considerably heavy and the swimsuit entryway will be tight, these aren’t deal breakers for one of many best garment baggage within the sport.

Shinola The Convertible Traveler Garment Bag

Greatest Duffel: Alongside their stupendous watches and vintage Americana-inspired gear, Shinola additionally makes all kinds of wonderful baggage for journey. As such, it ought to come as no shock that they’ve constructed a spectacular garment bag. Balancing type and performance, this three-in-one unit contains a folding garment bag snapped in opposition to a duffel bag, with each ready for use individually as nicely. Constructed with canvas and Italian Vachetta leather-based, both bag will be connected to the detachable shoulder strap and is closed up with a brass zipper.

The Good

The Convertible Traveler from Shinola is a novel piece in that it homes a duffel bag and garment bag in a single unit, however retains them segmented in the easiest way potential. Using heavy-duty snap buttons to connect to garment bag to the duffel, the model eliminates any ambiguity by making the entry level for the duffel a zipper as a substitute. I used to be by no means confused when it got here to which compartment I used to be attempting to entry. Contained in the spacious duffel is a sturdy shoe bag and attachable shoulder strap to make this simpler to hold. The principle hook of this product is that you should use the duffel and garment bag collectively or separate them totally. I attempted utilizing each of them individually, and had no points. I particularly beloved the delicate handles on the duffel.

I additionally beloved how the underside of the swimsuit compartment eliminates the necessity for clips or harnesses, which may wrinkle the fabric, in favor of a pinching perform that makes use of the bag’s personal weight to maintain the fits in place. And I’ll say, this labored like a attraction.

The Not So Good

Should you’re in search of additional options contained in the garment bag itself, you could be disillusioned right here. There is just one small pocket on the prime. However, the duffel has some smaller pouches and even a windowed slot for a reputation tag or enterprise card.

Like most of those high-end garment baggage, the Shinola bag is sort of heavy. However not less than you may shed weight with its completely different utilization choices. My largest grievance is the period of time it took to pop these snap buttons again on to connect the garment bag again to the duffel. One time I used to be a single button off and needed to begin over. Lastly, this bag is a bit expensive for what you get. Certain, it’s distinctive, however the price ticket additionally feels superfluous.

Verdict: A 3-in-one choice for individuals who need some flexibility of their lives, The Convertible Traveler by Shinola is each a duffel and a garment bag, with distinct opening mechanisms (a zipper or snap buttons, respectively) and heavy-duty supplies to maintain the contents protected. We beloved the inherent swimsuit “pinching” characteristic that used the bag’s personal weight to maintain clothes in place, in addition to the spacious duffel bag. However, it took a while when it got here to attaching the 2 items again collectively.

Ghurka Packet No. 83 Garment Bag

Greatest Excessive-Finish: Far and away the priciest bag on our listing, Ghurka’s Packet No. 83 Garment Bag may additionally be essentially the most stunning and finest-made on the planet. Crafted in its entirety from top-grain leather, it contains a convertible hanging system to fulfill all of your wants (with an included hanger), can match as much as three fits at a time, has a heavy-duty brass zipper, comes with an adjustable shoulder strap, and even comes with its personal baggage tag. It’s an funding, to make certain, however that is the sort of bag that will likely be in your loved ones for generations, as long as you are taking excellent care of it. If you wish to personalize your bag, the corporate lets you customise and monogram your bag as nicely.

The Good

If you would like class, look no additional than this Ghurka garment bag, which has a jaw-dropping exterior that felt like a privilege to carry in my hand. The chestnut leather-based shell isn’t simply sturdy (and nice smelling) however its stitching is so meticulous, with built-in design through needlepoint in addition to delicate embossing. Not like the Satchel & Web page, which boasted a wonderful exterior with a rugged inside, the within of this bag matches its outdoors, and with out shedding any ruggedness within the course of. Unzip this half to disclose the good-looking cotton twill lining.

One small element I actually dug was the dual-fastening hanger loophole, which lets you take away your swimsuit with out having to decrease the hanger into the compartment and threat wrinkling your outfit. Just like the Shinola above, the decrease portion of this bag contains a band that pinches your fits on the backside with out the necessity for additional clamps.

By way of perform, this bag is excellent as nicely, albeit easy and simple in a great way; there’s simply the correct amount of additional pockets and compartments. Likewise, the zipper building on this bag occurs to be the breeziest to make use of with out being too unfastened. The brass zipper by no means bought caught regardless of the curves of the bag. Except for having the ability to maintain three fits, which is round essentially the most on this information, the No. 83 additionally has a big entrance pocket and a few

The Not So Good

With the meticulous design strategies utilized by Ghurka and the steep price ticket, it’s arduous to think about that something would have to be modified with this garment bag… other than the value tag itself. Admittedly, $2,500 is some huge cash for a mere garment bag but when class is what you’re after, you’ll be keen to pay the price.

Verdict: Steeply priced at almost $2,500, the Ghurka No. 83 Garment Bag is on the prime of its class for a purpose with stunning design factors and strategically built-in stitching. Inside holds a trio of fits, together with some extras because of its exterior pockets. We beloved the sleek zipper motion of the brass {hardware} in addition to the intelligent hanger elimination system.

Garment Baggage Comparability Chart

What Is A Garment Bag?

Most suitcases, backpacks, and duffel baggage do a fairly good job of hauling gear to and from numerous locations. Nonetheless, they weren’t made for transporting fits. Sometimes made from high-end materials, fits are literally a bit extra delicate than most different menswear and, because of this, are vulnerable to wrinkling and creasing. Garment baggage, nonetheless, had been made particularly to reduce that risk. Their format is well-suited to fits, no pun meant, by providing the flexibility to retailer them with out folding them in a manner which may crease or wrinkle them. Even nonetheless, some are higher than others.

Varieties of Garment Baggage

Folding: Like a bi- or tri-fold pockets, folding garment baggage can have creases or perforations the place you’re presupposed to fold them. These are the most typical kind of garment baggage.

Rolling: Versus folding baggage, rolling baggage are meant to actually roll up your swimsuit, not dissimilar to a sleeping bag. These will likely be a lot thicker but in addition received’t crease your swimsuit as simply.

2-in-1: Precisely what it appears like, a 2-in-1 garment bag is sweet at being folding or rolling baggage, and may serve each functions.

Packable: Not like different choices that are supposed to stand on their very own, packable baggage are meant to suit inside your suitcase for journey. It must also be famous that many folding choices will be packable as nicely.

Honorable Mentions

Away makes a few of our favourite suitcases and likewise has a cultured but simple garment bag choice, with a good worth besides. We couldn’t get hands-on with this bag however nonetheless wished to say it.

Like Away, TUMI is a pressure to be reckoned with within the baggage world. As such, it makes a strong wheeled garment bag choice as nicely, with a quartet of omnidirectional wheels. Nonetheless, we opted for the Samsonite above for all that it will probably do.

Whereas it received’t look pretty much as good as among the others I discovered, Eagle Creek makes an excellent low-cost choice of their Pack-It Specter Medium Garment Bag.

Briggs & Riley additionally makes a classy-looking bag of their Baseline, however not fairly on the identical degree as a few those we included above.

Mark & Graham’s Commuter 2-in-1 Garment Bag seems extra like a duffel bag than a garment bag, regardless of the title. However, the Shinola above is a greater “duffel” choice even when it’s a bit pricier.

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