Packing a suit or formal dress in a regular suitcase is a gamble. You might get lucky; you might arrive at a wedding or business meeting with a jacket that looks like it spent 14 hours in a ball. A garment bag is designed specifically to transport hanging clothes flat — keeping suits, dresses, and formal wear crease-free in transit without dry cleaning on arrival.
Travel Gear stocks garment bags for business travel, weddings, and formal occasions, with carry-on and checked options. We're an authorised Australian stockist shipping from our Charlestown NSW warehouse with fast delivery across Australia.
Types of Garment Bags
Carry-On Garment Bags
Fold in half or thirds to fit in an overhead bin, with a built-in hanger hook that clips over the bin rail or a seat hook. Most carry-on garment bags hold one to two suits or one formal dress. The fold creates a crease across the garment, but it's far less severe than packing in a suitcase. Look for a bag with a gusset of at least 5–10cm that allows the garment to hang with some depth rather than being pressed completely flat.
Full-Length Garment Bags
Hang full-length without folding — ideal for long dresses, wedding gowns, and multiple suits. Must be checked as oversized baggage on most airlines, or transported by car. Typically 120–150cm long with a zip that runs the full length for easy access. Some include a built-in packing section for shoes and accessories alongside the hanging section.
Suit Carriers with Packing Section
Combine a garment section for hanging clothes with a structured packing section for shirts, shoes, and accessories. Effectively a hybrid between a garment bag and a small suitcase. Useful for 2–3 night business trips where you want to travel with one bag rather than a garment bag plus a carry-on.
What to Look for in a Garment Bag
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Hanger hook: A sturdy hook that fits standard hotel wardrobe rails and overhead bin hooks
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Gusset depth: At least 5–10cm of depth allows garments to hang with some shape rather than being pressed flat
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Zip access: Full-length zip for easy access without removing the garment from the bag
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Material: Nylon or polyester exterior that sheds dust and light moisture; breathable lining that doesn't trap humidity
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Carry handles: Multiple handles for different carry positions; a shoulder strap for longer carries
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Packing pockets: External pockets for shoes, accessories, and toiletries
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Warranty: Buy from an authorised stockist to ensure warranty is valid in Australia
Packing Tips for Garment Bags
- Button jackets before hanging to maintain the shoulder shape
- Fold trousers over the hanger crossbar rather than hanging by the waistband
- Place tissue paper between layers to reduce friction and creasing
- Pack shirts inside out to protect the collar and front placket
- Use the gusset fully — don't compress the bag more than necessary
- Unpack and hang immediately on arrival to let any minor creases drop out
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take a garment bag as carry-on?
Folded carry-on garment bags fit in overhead bins on most aircraft, provided the folded dimensions are within your airline's carry-on size limits. Most Australian carriers allow carry-on bags up to 56cm x 36cm x 23cm. A folded garment bag typically measures around 60cm x 40cm x 10cm — slightly over the limit on some carriers. Check with your airline before travel, particularly on Jetstar which enforces limits strictly.
How do I pack a suit in a garment bag without creasing?
Button the jacket, hang it on the garment bag's hanger, and fold the bag as few times as possible. Place trousers over the hanger crossbar with the crease aligned. If the bag has a gusset, use it fully rather than compressing the bag flat. Unpack and hang the suit as soon as you arrive to allow any minor creases to drop out.
Are garment bags worth it for business travel?
Yes, if you're regularly travelling with suits or formal wear. The alternative — packing a suit in a suitcase and steaming or dry cleaning on arrival — costs more in time and money than a quality garment bag. For occasional formal travel, a carry-on garment bag is a worthwhile one-time purchase. For a complete business travel packing system, see our ultimate Australian packing checklist.
What size garment bag do I need for a full suit?
A standard two-piece suit (jacket and trousers) fits in most carry-on garment bags when folded. For a three-piece suit or multiple suits, look for a bag with a deeper gusset (10cm+) or a full-length bag. Full-length bags (120–150cm) accommodate suits without folding but must be checked on most airlines.
