11 Best Garment Bags To Protect Your Occasion Pieces
Garment bags…wait…are people still using those?
Yes, the modern suitcase has evolved to provide more protection, but not so much as to eradicate the need for garment bags. In fact, with the increasing rate of business trips and destination weddings, we’d argue that the need for a quality garment bag has never been greater.
The best garment bags make packing a doddle. Because who really finds fun in folding and attempting to fit a week’s worth of clothes into a suitcase—like some terrible version of Tetris?
A luggage sleeve is useful for rolling through security. A longer version is quintessential for packing those wedding guest dresses. Moth protective properties are a game-changer for storing seasonal coats. And we love a waterproof version when arriving to volatile climate changes.
It’s time to take a peek at the life-changing—or at least wardrobe-changing—world of garment bags.
In a rush? No problem! Here’s our selection of the best garment bags available right now.
| Best Overall: Nomatic |
Best Luxury: Gucci |
Best Value: Calpak |
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| Our rating | 4.7/5 |
4.5/5 |
4.6/5 |
| Price | $170 | $3,980 | $98 |
| Our verdict | Multi-carry, organized and versatile, this is the garment bag for any situation. | A luxurious garment bag worthy of your designer suits. | A quality garment bag that is also budget-friendly. |
| Craftsmanship | 90% |
100% |
90% |
| Design | 100% |
100% |
90% |
| Function | 100% |
90% |
90% |
| Impact | 90% |
90% |
90% |
| Value | 90% |
70% |
100% |
| Get best deal | Get best deal | Get best deal |
Why you can trust Luxe Digital? As wanderlust enthusiasts and frequent flyers ourselves, we have, over the years, uncovered some wanderlust wisdom (journey through our sister site Luxa Terra for all our insights about luxury travel). All year long, we rigorously test and review elevated essentials, and go the extra mile to unearth getaway-ready gears that go the distance and brands that we believe will go places. For more on how we test products, see our HAPPY multi-point methodology for buying better luxuries.
For this article, our team tested dozens of garment bags in real-life international travels—some of us living a digital nomad lifestyle, others attending destination weddings in exotic locales. Check our ultimate buyers’ guide to see exactly what you should pay attention to before purchasing a garment bag.
11 best garment bags
Nomatic: Overall best garment bag
| Unfolded length: | 21″ x 21.5″ x 3″ |
| Carry-on friendly: | Yes |
| Waterproof: | Yes |
| Moth protection: | No |
| Carrying options: | Over-shoulder, top handles, luggage sleeve |
| Material: | Nylon |
Pros:
- Multi carrying options
- Carry-on friendly size
- Separate shoe compartment
- Pockets for smaller accessories
- Lifetime warranty
Cons:
- Hanger doesn’t feel as durable
Our verdict:
A winning travel garment bag that works exactly as it should—a wardrobe on the road. It offers a flying start to every urban adventurer, whether we’re heading off to our best friend’s wedding or to an important business meeting abroad.
We’ve come to expect no-nonsense high performance from Nomatic. And the Nomatic Garment Bag is no exception, scoring highest in our two major garment bag categories: functionality and durability.
This folding garment bag can hold up to three suits or a combination of other clothes, including midi-length dresses. The organized pockets are perfect for storing valuable accessories such as your dress watch, ties, cufflinks, and belts. And we really appreciate the shoe compartment—a highly significant detail excluded by so many of the best garment bags.
When it comes to carrying, strolling through the airport is a breeze with the luggage sleeve. While the multi-carry padded shoulder strap and grab handles are just as convenient.
Once you arrive at your hotel, there’s a hook for hanging the bag up. And finally, the Nomatic Garment Bag is both durable and water-resistant. So, if it’s raining at your destination, you can rest assured your outfit will stay safe, snug, and dry.
Gucci: Best luxury garment bag
| Unfolded length: | 16.1″ x 6.7″ x 21.5″ |
| Carry-on friendly: | Yes |
| Waterproof: | No |
| Moth protection: | No |
| Carrying options: | Over-shoulder, top handles |
| Material: | Canvas with cotton lining |
Pros:
- Instantly recognizable
- Carry-on compliant
- External sleeve for easy accessibility
- Multi carry options
Cons:
- Pricey
- Slightly heavier (3.6kg)
Our verdict:
If you’re carrying around designer get-ups, you need this luxury garment bag to attend all the hottest events in town in a totally crease-free ensemble. After all, you know what they say. A tidy bag means a tidy mind.
We won’t beat around the bush here. This Gucci garment duffel is a splurge. And while it may not be totally necessary (for some), we know from past experience that you never regret buying a Gucci bag. Especially when you know it’s one that’ll be enjoyed by future generations.
Featuring the house’s iconic monogram, the designer garment bag exudes timeless sophistication and class, but it’s also a high utility piece. Carrying as a (more structured) duffel, the thoughtful design opens up into an elongated silhouette, big enough for a suit, plus a couple of polo shirts and linens.
We also love that the Gucci luxury garment bag has an external sleeve for other accessories, as well as a comfortable, detachable shoulder strap. If you’re hopping on a plane for a weekend wedding or short business trip, you likely won’t need additional luggage.
Calpak Packable Large Garment Bag: Best value garment bag
| Unfolded length: | 48″ x 23″ |
| Carry-on friendly: | Yes |
| Waterproof: | Yes |
| Moth protection: | No |
| Carrying options: | Top handles |
| Material: | Nylon, polyesters |
Pros:
- Long enough to fit most garments
- Organized with multiple pockets
- Super light, collapsible silhouette
- Adjustable straps to make bigger or smaller once folded
- Affordable without compromising quality
Cons:
Our verdict:
Proving that a quality garment bag doesn’t have to break the bank, this affordable bag is water resistant, lightweight and ultra organized.
As one of our best garment bags for travel, the Calpak Garment Bag is a masterclass in organized packing. The collapsible silhouette folds into a lightweight package, which can be customized to the size of your suitcase using the adjustable straps. And we love that the compartmentalized accessory has ample interior pockets (four in total), as well as a zipped pocket on the outside to make smaller essentials easily accessible.
Once unpacked, the Calpak Garment bag has a hook to hang. And we immediately noticed that it is long enough to pack a couple of midi dresses, although your maxis may crumple a little at the bottom, depending on the length.
We’re massive fans of Calpak’s signature hues and prints—including a Barbie pink, wild leopard and classic brown, but perhaps best of all, is the under $100 price tag. In our experience, it’s not often (or ever) that you find a quality garment bag for that.
Brunello Cucinelli: Best men’s garment bag for suits
| Unfolded length: | 18.1” x 23.2” |
| Carry-on friendly: | Yes |
| Waterproof: | No |
| Moth protection: | Yes |
| Carrying options: | Top handles |
| Material: | Canvas |
Pros:
- Made in Italy from durable canvas
- Timeless, sophisticated aesthetic
- Detachable leather luggage tag
- Long silhouette fits most garments
Cons:
Our verdict:
Sleek and sophisticated, we couldn’t think of a more worthy bag to carry and protect our designer suits.
Whether it’s a black tie event or an important client meeting, you need a suit bag worthy of your best suit and designer dress shirts. Our top choice? Brunello Cucinelli’s suit carry on bag. Void of fuss and frills, the sleek silhouette gets the job done and looks effortlessly sophisticated doing so—thanks to its premium leather trims and handles.
The minimalist design comes in a classical gray with the brand’s instantly-recognizable moniker in white. And while some may wish for more pockets, we usually use ours as additional luggage, making the most of the garment bag’s handy (or rather, handless) luggage sleeve.
We’ll be the first to admit that the Brunello Cucinelli garment bag isn’t one you buy for utility alone, but if you’re looking for a designer version that does your suit justice, you’ll love this one as much as we do.
Beis: Best women’s garment bag for dresses
| Unfolded length: | 45″ x 24″ |
| Carry-on friendly: | Yes |
| Waterproof: | No |
| Moth protection: | No |
| Carrying options: | Over-shoulder, top handles, luggage sleeve |
| Material: | Polyester and PVC |
Pros:
- Fits most dresses
- Multi carry options
- Incredibly light for its size
- Transparent window to see inside
- Folds into carry on compliant size
Cons:
- Not as structured as some of our other favorites
Our verdict:
We found it extremely difficult to find a garment bag that fits our maxi dresses without crumpling them, so we were so excited to find this one by Beis. It’s super light, organized and surprisingly affordable.
We’ve arrived at one to many weddings with crumpled wedding guest dresses or shampoo-covered slips to know that a long garment bag is imperative when traveling with your carefully chosen occasion piece. Enter: the Beis garment bag—our best travel garment bag for dresses and longer apparel.
Why we love it? Besides the bag’s extra length, it also has many slips and pockets for various smaller accessories, including a shoe compartment for your most comfortable heels.
The Beis Garment Bag is also unbelievably lightweight and carry-on compliant, with multi comfortable carrying options, including a shoulder strap, luggage sleeve and grab handles.
Beis-ically (sorry we had to), it’s all you need for a short weekend away.
Household Essentials: Best hanging garment bag for storage
| Unfolded length: | 54” x 25” |
| Carry-on friendly: | No |
| Waterproof: | No |
| Moth protection: | Yes |
| Carrying options: | Hanger |
| Material: | Cotton canvas |
Pros:
- Pockets for cedar wood planks to repel moths
- Extra long
- Transparent window
- Lightweight and breathable
- Super affordable
Cons:
- Not designed for travel
- Zips aren’t as durable as some of our other favorites
Our verdict:
If you’re looking for a travel garment bag, this isn’t for you. However, if you’re looking for one to store your clothes at home, this extra-long, moth-repellent version is an absolute game-changer.
Not all garment bags need to be designed for travel. In fact, if you simply want a garment bag to protect your clothes at home, you’d rather not waste money on a travel-friendly version. When it comes to storing winter coats, designer suits and occasion dresses at home, the affordable brand, Household Essentials is our go-to.
The hanging garment bag is long enough for almost any item of clothing, including our wedding dress. And best of all, it has pockets at the bottom for cedar planks that naturally repel moths and insects. It’s a small detail, but one that helps us sleep better at night knowing that our most precious pieces aren’t being destroyed.
Made from natural materials, the Household Essentials garment bag is also lightweight, breathable and protects your apparel against sun exposure.
Away
| Unfolded length: | 22.5” x 20.5” |
| Carry-on friendly: | Yes |
| Waterproof: | Yes |
| Moth protection: | No |
| Carrying options: | Over-shoulder, top handles, luggage sleeve |
| Material: | Nylon with leather |
Pros:
- Luggage sleeve and luggage clip
- Multiple zipped pockets, including two shoe compartments
- External zipped pocket for easy access
- Padded, detachable shoulder strap
- Structured silhouette is lightweight and water-resistant
Cons:
Our verdict:
It’s definitely smaller than some of the other garment bags we’ve tried, but we think it’s the perfect size to accompany your cabin bag for a quick weekend getaway.
Yes, we’ve mentioned a couple of garment bags with luggage sleeves, but none work quite as well as the Away garment bag. The thoughtful design has both a luggage sleeve and luggage clip, meaning that if your cabin bag handle is too short to support the garment bag, you can hang it in front of your luggage using the luggage clip. It’s a small detail, but one that we’ve found to be incredibly useful when we’re traveling light with smaller cabin bags.
The Away garment bag is also well structured. Not only does this prevent our clothes from creasing, but it also looks professional when gliding through the airport. And we appreciate that it’s ultra light and water resistant with a padded, detachable shoulder strap and multiple pockets and compartments.
When it comes to size, the Away garment bag is just right for a short weekend getaway—be it a business trip or destination wedding—but you wouldn’t want to try to squeeze in more than three garments.
Samsara Packing Bag: Best packable garment bag for travel
| Unfolded length: | 12.2” x 16.9” |
| Carry-on friendly: | Yes |
| Waterproof: | Yes |
| Moth protection: | No |
| Carrying options: | Inside luggage |
| Material: | Nylon |
Pros:
- Ultra light and compact for packing
- Comes in a travel essential set of 8
- Super versatile
Cons:
- Not as structured or durable
Our verdict:
It may not be a lifelong investment, but this eight piece travel set is all you need to organize your entire suitcase—from your shoes to dress shirts to accessories. Plus, it’s super affordable.
If you don’t want to cart around a separate garment, we recommend this one by Samsara. It’s incredibly light and fits into most suitcases with a secure hanging hook for when you reach your destination. And while it doesn’t have the most structured silhouette, if you’re traveling shorter distances, it’s unlikely that your clothes will crease over the flight.
Now for the price tag. For $25, not only do you get a garment bag, but an entire packing set of eight, including a shoe bag, toiletry bag and accessory pouches. Like you, we were skeptical of the quality. But after using the entire set for the past year, we are pleasantly surprised at how they’ve held up. We admit, they likely won’t be a lifelong purchase, but they’re still excellent value.
Shinola: Best convertible garment bag for travel
| Unfolded length: | 14” x 22.75” |
| Carry-on friendly: | Yes |
| Waterproof: | Water resistant |
| Moth protection: | No |
| Carrying options: | Over-shoulder, top handles |
| Material: | Canvas with leather |
Pros:
- Fits more than you think
- Garment bag seamless wraps around duffel
- Wrinkle-free
- Removable shoe bag
Cons:
- On the slightly heavier side
Our verdict:
If you choose this duffel garment bag set, you really won’t need anything else for weekend business trips and destination weddings. It even comes with a separate shoe bag.
Ok, so it isn’t cheap. But you really do get your money’s worth with the Shinola convertible garment bag. The 3-in-one design means you get a duffel, a garment bag or both for the ultimate carry on companion.
While the detachable garment bag performs brilliantly on its own, the real selling point is how it clips onto the duffel and morphs into one. Not only does it look cool when you’re unpacking, but the thoughtful design also prevents fold lines and makes everything incredibly easy to carry.
Of course, the shoe bag is essential for separating your dress shoes from your shirts. And we love that the duffel doubles up as a gym bag or relaxed weekender bag once off duty.
London Fog Buckingham: Best rolling garment bag with wheels
| Unfolded length: | 44” x 23” |
| Carry-on friendly: | No |
| Waterproof: | No |
| Moth protection: | No |
| Carrying options: | Top handle, wheels |
| Material: | Polyester |
Pros:
- Innovative design is highly functional
- Book opening prevents creasing
- Compression straps keep everything in place
- Multiple mesh compartments and pockets
- Effortless to wheel through the airport
Cons:
- Zips and seams aren’t as robust
- Size isn’t carry on compliant for all airlines
Our verdict:
Marrying the convenience of rolling luggage with the protection of a garment bag, London Fog’s innovative design is a game changer for frequent travelers.
While we’re big advocates for using a garment bag, we’ll admit that they aren’t always the most convenient to carry. Unless you’re wheeling this rolling garment bag through security—and then it couldn’t be easier.
The innovative design opens like a book. The one side is engineered for bigger garments such a blazer and includes a shoe compartment. While the other side has multiple mesh compartments for folded items such as dress shirts and sweaters. We also love that the bag has two hooks—one on each side—so that when you arrive at your destination, you can hang it up without unpacking and repacking.
We’ve never seen anything like the London Fog Buckingham Garment Bag, but it definitely makes sense if you frequently travel with suits and dress shirts.
Hugo Boss: Best garment duffle bag
| Unfolded length: | 47.6” x 21.7” |
| Carry-on friendly: | Yes |
| Waterproof: | No |
| Moth protection: | No |
| Carrying options: | Over-shoulder, top handles |
| Material: | Polyester |
Pros:
- 2-in-1 design
- Garment bag clips around duffel
- Long enough for a dress or coat
- Exterior zip pocket makes smaller essentials easily accessible
- Detachable, padded shoulder strap and grab handles
Cons:
- Doesn’t function as well as a garment bag on its own
Our verdict:
If you’re specifically looking for a garment duffel bag that is lightweight and carry-on compliant, you won’t be disappointed by this one by Hugo Boss.
Now that you know about this garment duffel bag, you no longer have an excuse to dump your occasion pieces in your weekender bag in the hope that they’ll arrive wrinkle-free. The Hugo Boss two-piece set features a separate garment bag, which conveniently wraps around the duffel, appearing to be one bag.
The thoughtful design also includes an exterior zipped pocket for easy accessibility, as well as a detachable, padded shoulder strap for comfortable carrying.
Of course, if you already have a carry on that you prefer traveling with, you may be better off with a regular garment bag. However, if you’re looking for the total package, we know you’ll be just as impressed by the Hugo Boss garment duffel as we are.
Buyer’s guide: what to look for when buying a garment bag
When buying a garment bag, there are a few things to consider to ensure you pick the best one for your particular needs.
Intended use: Home or away
Travel: The best garment bags can transport your prized suits and favorite dresses halfway across the world and ensure that they look as good on arrival as they did when they left the tailors. If you intend to use your garment bag for travel, consider your carrying options: wheels, grab handles, shoulder straps, and luggage sleeves. Or alternatively, opt for a lightweight silhouette that is easy to pack. Convertible duffel options are also great if you frequently travel with suits, dress shirts, or occasion dresses.
Home storage: On the other hand, if you’re looking for a garment bag to store seasonal pieces at home, we’d recommend looking for a long-hanging version that is breathable and moth-repellent with a transparent viewing window.
Type of garments
Traditional garment bags are tri-fold or bi-fold. This refers to how many times you fold them before closing. If you want something with more space, consider a convertible garment bag or a duffel garment bag. These unfold so you can store your suit or dress. You then convert them into a garment duffel bag to hold additional clothing and gear. Some even have shoe compartments at one end. An alternative is a garment suitcase. These look like small suitcases but have been designed especially to keep your clothes wrinkle-free and come with an extendable handle for easy maneuverability.
The type of garments it holds will ultimately determine the required length of your garment bag. If you’re just carrying suits and dress shirts, there’s no point in carrying around a longer one than necessary. However, if you intend to pack long dresses and coats, make sure that the length fits without creasing at the bottom. Even more so, if it’s a wedding dress or sweeping ball gown.
Materials
When considering which material to choose for your garment bag, it’s usually a balance between durability and breathability. Nylon and polyester are usually more lightweight and water resistant and, therefore, make great travel garment bags. However, for long-term storage and protection against dust, natural fabrics such as cotton or canvas are more breathable and prevent wrinkles.
Things we specifically looked for
Here’s how our team distinguished the best from the rest:
- Portability: We looked at how easily the garment bags folded while still preventing creases, as well as features such as wheels, detachable shoulder straps, grab handles, luggage sleeves, and lightweight materials.
- Durability: We tested for quality materials and prioritized fabrics that are also stain-resistant and water-repellent.
- Extra features:
- Pockets and dividers – keeping all your gear organized makes for smooth and streamlined traveling and stops things from getting creased or damaged in transit. We always appreciate a shoe compartment and extra organizational pockets.
- Straps for securing – internal straps secure your clothes to stop them from moving around. This means less chance of wrinkles and creases.
- Transparent screens – these allow you to see inside the pocket without opening them. Mesh is a good alternative.
- Security tags – having your name and contact details on your garment bag offers additional peace of mind.
- Built-in hangers – once you get to your hotel room or cabin, it’s useful to be able to hang your garment bag up immediately.
How to pack a suit without a garment suitcase
If you need to pack a suit for travel, the easiest way is with a garment bag. These are designed to keep your suit wrinkle-free and protected in transit. However, if you don’t have a garment bag, there are a few ways you can pack a suit in a suitcase or in your carry-on bag and still arrive with it crease-free and ready to wear.
- Firstly, lay the suit jacket face down on a clean and smooth surface.
- Next, turn the right shoulder inside out.
- Then, fold the left shoulder back on itself and tuck it into the pouch shape made by the right shoulder.
- Fold in half lengthways and then horizontally.
- Place the jacket inside a dry cleaning bag. This will prevent rubbing and wrinkles.
- Fold the suit trousers in half vertically.
- Place the folded suit jacket in the center of the trousers and fold the trousers over the jacket.
If that sounds too complicated, a simple alternative is to turn your suit and jacket inside out before folding them. Most of the creases will then just be on the lining.
Or you can pack your suit trousers in a dry-cleaning bag at the bottom of your suitcase before packing any other pieces of clothing. Add your suit jacket in a dry-cleaning bag to the top of the pile, folding it over all the other clothes so that it’s smooth and flat.
Frequently asked questions about garment bags
The best material for a garment bag is typically a combination of durability and breathability. Nylon and polyester are popular choices due to their lightweight and water-resistant properties. However, for long-term storage and protection against dust, cotton or canvas garment bags with breathable fabric are preferable as they allow air circulation.
Yes, a garment bag is worth it for preserving the condition of clothing during travel or storage. It helps prevent wrinkles, keeps garments clean, and offers organization. Whether for business trips, special occasions, or seasonal storage, a quality garment bag can extend the lifespan and appearance of your clothing.
Yes, people still travel with garment bags, especially for occasions requiring formal or delicate clothing. Garment bags provide a convenient way to transport suits, dresses, and other outfits while minimizing wrinkles.
If you don’t have a garment bag, alternatives include using plastic or dry-cleaning bags for temporary protection. For a DIY solution, fold your clothing neatly, place them between layers of tissue paper, and pack them in a suitcase or travel cube. Rolling clothes can also minimize wrinkles during travel. However, we still recommend a garment bag, as none of these alternatives offer quite the same protection.
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