Whether packing for a cruise or an important business trip, it's always difficult to pack those business suits without wrinkling! Even businesswomen have a problem when taking dressier clothing. It's annoying to have to steam or iron clothing when you get to your destination. A garment bag solves the problem. These are designed to hold clothing on hangers almost like a traveling closet. All of the better models will take any hanger from your closet. No need to purchase special hangers. Garment bags are available in several sizes. They come with wheels and pull-up-handles or without wheels. The wheeled models are the easiest to use at busy airports and bus and train terminals. Additionally, the wheeled models will usually hold another case in front and a carry bag on top. Prolite Luggage makes one of the largest and most practical of the garment bags. This is lightweight luggage with a CloudLite construction providing minimal weight with maximum features. It is made of tough ballistic nylon and is 35% lighter than conventional cases. The Prolite garment bag on wheels actually has three outside pockets for packing incidentals. Inside there's multi-compartments including shoe pockets and laundry pocket. This really will hold all of your dressier clothing with little if any wrinkling.
Skyway makes a smaller version garment bag on wheels. There's a lot of discount luggage to choose from, but this case is one of the best. It is from the Escape collection and is made of water and tear resistant nylon. The construction is Zero Gravity for flexibility and strength with 30% less weight. The inline skate wheels let you wheel across different surfaces easily. The case has two outside pockets for soft clothing, sweaters, jackets, etc. Inside there are lots of pockets for shoes, underwear and socks. The case will take any hanger from your closet for ease in packing and unpacking. They also make the garment bag without wheels. This is an expandable multiple pocket case that will hold from four to six men's suits and about ten to twelve women's items. This case usually has to be sent through as baggage and cannot be carried on to the airplane. It has a shoulder strap for ease in carrying. Both models have multiple pockets outside and inside the bag for items that do not fit on hangers.
A new mobile closet on wheels is available from Delsey luggage. This is the Helium Pilot Trolley garment bag made of 252OD ballistic nylon. It features a lightweight; space-age air flex frame and a 1-button trolley handle system. The case has center opening which provides easy access to the "mobile closet" interior with a variety of organizational pockets. This garment bag works equally well when hung in a closet or laid out flat. Because of the center inside opening, it has pockets for all of your travel accessories and more. There's a place for everything in this mobile closet. It can also wheel your briefcase along in front, and hold a travel tote on top with ease.
For shorter trips, there are travel covers available. Dilana makes one in soft nappa leather. These are usually carried onto the airplane and hung up in the front closet or put in the overhead compartment. It will hold one suit or jacket, with slacks and a few other items. Remember, if you carry the bag on the plane, you will need to use the three-one-one case for liquids and gels. A soft rip-stop nylon travel cover is available from Easy-go. These are the lightest weight type of carry bag. The nylon can be silk-screened or embroidered making it popular for corporate gifts. With all of these garment bags available, there's really no reason to travel today and arrive wrinkled!
Maxine Greco has been in the luggage and travel business for over 39 years. She is currently working at Village Luggage and Gifts
