About Garment Bags

Garment bags are clothing bag a specially-designed for travel or storage bag. These bags are the best way to store and transport fine or easily-wrinkled clothing.

Definition

A garment bag is a protective sleeve for clothing, usually used for suits. Garment bags can refer to the disposable plastic zip-up sleeve that one receives to transport a suit home from a boutique, a storage bag that drapes over clothing hung in a closet, or a piece of luggage. Either way, the aim is to transport or protect clothing on hangers.

Storage

Fine clothing needs to be protected from general soiling, moths, moisture and other sartorial hazards. A garment bag is the best way to keep suits, wedding gowns, and clothing made from good/expensive fabrics pristine.
Garment bags are meant to zip around clothing, effectively forming a shield within the storage area. A breathable garment bag made out of such fabrics as cotton, canvas, or polypropylene is best for storage.

Travel

When traveling with suits or other fine clothing, a garment bag is the best way to minimize wrinkles and keep the clothing on their original hanger to avoid damaging the fabrics. A travel garment bag will be made out of luggage grade material such as nylon, leather or cotton and is usually designed to fold over itself for easy transport.
A good travel garment bag will also include a shoulder strap, strong zippers, an outside pocket and clips to keep the bag folded properly. When on the airplane, the garment bag can be hung in the airplane closet, if allowed, which will further minimize clothing wrinkles.

Repair

When traveling, the garment bag should take the brunt of any accidents, nicks or tears instead of the clothing inside. A nylon repair kit can be used to repair nylon garment bags. If a leather garment bag is something you want, a leather cleaner should also be considered. Garment bags, especially those designed as luggage, should be as durable as their wheeled counterparts.

Purchasing

Garment bags can be purchased at any luggage or travel store, as well as a variety of websites. Look for a high-quality, breathable garment bag in cotton, nylon, polypropylene or leather with a full-zippered front.