The 12 Best Garment Bags for Wrinkle-free Travel in 2023

Our favorite garment bags have a pocket for everything — check out our top picks here.

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Travel + Leisure / Joy Kim

Believe it or not, looking put-together immediately post-flight isn't impossible. While it may seem like disheveled clothes are inevitable during travel, there are certain precautions you can take to preserve overall neatness upon arrival. The best precaution? A high-quality garment bag. Unlike a typical suitcase, a garment bag’s main purpose is to keep your clothing fresh and wrinkle-free — a consideration that is especially important on special occasion trips or on your way to a wedding. After all, it’s never a guarantee that your hotel room will come stocked with a steamer, or that you’ll have time in your schedule for de-wrinkling.

Our current favorite is Zegur's Suit Carry-on Garment Bag. Easy on your wallet, loaded with pockets, and spacious enough for a few days' worth of outfits, the straightforward garment bag makes packing your favorite clothes practically effortless. But if you've got your mind set on something waterproof, leather, or a little more compact, take a look at our list below — you're sure to find something you love.

Best Overall

Zegur Suit Carry On Garment Bag

Zegur Suit Carry On Garment Bag

Amazon

Why We Love It
  • It has plenty of pockets for items beyond your suit or dress.

What to Consider
  • It might not fit in the overhead compartment on smaller planes.

This pick from Zegur is simple, and that's why it takes the top spot on our list. It's incredibly easy to pack, fold, and carry thanks to its sleek, no-frills design, and it has just the right amount of pockets exactly where you want them. In addition to an enclosed main compartment for your suits and dresses, the garment bag features shoe and accessory pockets of all types: small zippered, velcro, and mesh pockets on the interior, and a larger exterior pocket packed with card slots, pen holders, and a phone sleeve. Back in the main compartment, multiple buckled tie-downs keep your clothing in place and free of wrinkles and stains.

To up your travel experience, Zegur equipped the bag with a padded top handle, an adjustable shoulder strap, and a strap to slide over the top of your luggage handle for carrying convenience.

Price at time of publish: $85

The Details: 23 x 22 x 4 inches | Polyester | 2.86 pounds | Holds up to 3 suits or dresses | Waterproof

Best for Dresses

Samsonite Just Right Garment Carrier

samsonite-just-right-garment-carrier

Dillards

Why We Love It
  • This lightweight garment bag includes an extender for longer hemlines. 

What to Consider
  • Suits and other bulkier items might not fit well into this slim bag.

While this Samsonite might not be the correct pick for bulky coats, it’s perfect for long dresses and trench coats, thanks to a slim profile and a built-in bottom extender for extra lengthy hems. It has a discreet, classy look and is perfect for traveling for a wedding or other special occasions, with two velour-lined zip pockets for valuables like watches or jewelry. Pockets for shoes and accessories make it extremely travel efficient, and a Neoprene padded strap ensures no sore shoulders while you’re on the move. 

Price at time of publish: $170

The Details: 22 × 16 × 2.25 inches | Nylon | 3.37 pounds | Holds up to 2-3 suits or dresses

Best Compact

Calpak Compakt Small Garment Bag

calpak-small-garment-bag

Calpak

Why We Love It
  • It keeps your garments wrinkle free while fitting easily into a suitcase.

What to Consider
  • This garment bag is best for short trips.

Quick weekend trips and special occasion travel are the perfect opportunities to use this garment bag, which is part of Calpak’s ‘Compakt’ Collection. Its smaller size makes it super easy to pack, whether you choose to carry it by the top handle or pack it neatly into your carry-on suitcase. The main zip-up compartment might only be able to fit a few pieces, but there are tons of mesh and zippered interior pouches and pockets for storing other items, as well as an easy-access exterior pocket. 

Price at time of publish: $80

The Details: 40 x 19 inches (opened) | Nylon | 1.2 pounds | Water-resistant

Most Spacious

WallyBags 60” Deluxe Travel Garment Bag - Black

wallybags-60-deluxe-travel-garment-bag

Target

Why We Love It
  • Its water-repellent exterior keeps your clothes clean, dry, and safe.

What to Consider
  • It's pretty thick and can feel a bit bulky.

This WallyBags garment bag may be polished, simple, and lightweight, but it can handle serious travel. At 45 inches long when unfolded, the bag is more spacious than the average garment bag; it can hold up to eight hangers, and it's crafted with water-repellant polyester that keeps your best clothes clean and dry when you're out on the road. In addition to clothing, there's plenty of room for shoes and other necessities.

Price at time of publish: $60

The Details: 22 x 22 x 8 inches | Polyester | Holds 4-8 suits or dresses | Water-repellent

Best Duffel Style

Modoker Convertible Garment Bag

3.4
modoker-convertible-garment-bag-at-walmart

Amazon

Why We Love It
  • Its duffel shape makes it easier to carry than traditional garment bags.

What to Consider
  • While it holds a duffel shape when rolled, it doesn't hold much more than a standard garment bag.

Rather than folding flat, this garment bag from Modoker transforms into a duffel bag for easy carrying and storage while traveling. Stuff small belongings in one of the bag's side pockets or hidden pockets attached to the main compartment, and place larger items like shoes or a laptop in the space the bag creates when rolled into duffel position. Featuring a casual look with scratch-and-water-resistant fabric, it can be used as a carry-on bag on most domestic airlines and some international airlines.

Price at time of publish: $55

The Details: 23 x 12 x 11 inches | Polyester | 2.53 pounds | Holds up to 2 suits or dresses | Water-resistant

Best Lightweight

Degeler SkyHanger Velocity Nylon Garment Bag

degeler-skyhanger-velocity-nylon-garment-bag

Amazon

Why We Love It
  • You won’t be bogged down by this featherweight bag.

What to Consider
  • Coming in at just under $300, it’s on the pricier side.

This super lightweight bag is German-engineered in a shiny nylon that makes a statement. Inside, find a titanium hanger for storing up to three suits or other outfits while you travel, as well as two small interior pockets and one larger one that can fit dress shirts. We love that this bag won’t be dragging your arm down while rushing through an airport, and that it comes in several colors, from classic black or gray to dark red and orange. For those on business travel, there’s also an exterior pocket that can hold an up to 15-inch laptop. 

Price at time of publish: $280

The Details: 21 x 21 x 1 inches | Velocity nylon, titanium | 1.1 pounds | Up to 3 suits or dresses | Water-resistant

Best Leather

Amerileather Leather Three-suit Garment Bag

Amerileather Leather Three-suit Garment Bag

Amazon

Why We Love It
  • The leather is extremely soft, durable, and reliable.

What to Consider
  • It's a little short, so you may have to fold some of your clothes.

There's nothing classier than a quality leather piece of luggage — which is why the Amerileather Three Suit Garment Bag will keep you traveling in serious style. It features both door and closet rod hangers, exterior zippered pockets for added storage, an adjustable padded shoulder strap, and a top handle. It even has clasps on either side to keep it securely closed. The bag is so stylish and reliable, you may just want to order it in all four available colors.

Price at time of publish: $187

The Details: 39 x 22.25 x 5 inches | Leather | 4.6 pounds | Holds up to 3 suits or dresses

Best Weather-resistant

Rollup Garment Cover

rollup-garment-cover

Frost River

Why We Love It
  • The moisture-wicking waxed canvas of this bag looks ultra stylish.

What to Consider
  • We wish it had some pockets for accessories, but the brand does offer a separate RollUp Travel Kit

The waxed cotton canvas of this utilitarian bag gives it a refined and rugged look, without all the bulk and weight of a leather alternative. Also similar to leather, waxed canvas only continues to look and feel better over time, but can withstand rain and high temperatures without damaging its contents. It’s a steal at less than $150 for quality materials that include solid brass, and its long length means that suits and floor-length dresses won’t be squished at the bottom. Our only gripe is the lack of other storage compartments. 

Price at time of publish: $145

The Details: 44 x 23 inches | Waxed cotton canvas, cotton web, solid brass | 1.75 pounds | Water-resistant

Best Wheeled

Travel Select Amsterdam Rolling Garment Bag

travel-select-amsterdam-rolling-garment-bag

Amazon

Why We Love It
  • You can wheel this garment bag through the airport with ease. 

What to Consider
  • Don’t stuff it too tight or the zipper might become damaged. 

This rolling garment bag is one of the most popular on Amazon for a reason — and it has all the ease and efficiency of a rolling suitcase at a fraction of the size. Compression straps and expandability means you can pack a good amount of clothing inside, and the real treat is not having to steam or iron any of it once you arrive at your destination. It’s small size also means it fits into overhead airplane bins and can be used as a carry-on.

Price at time of publish: $92

The Details: 23 x 22 x 7.5 inches | Polyester, PVC | 9.24 pounds

Best Splurge

Tumi Garment Bag Tri-fold Carry-on

Tumi Garment Bag Tri-Fold Carry-On

Amazon

Why We Love It
  • This bag conveniently folds into a duffle for easy storing.

What to Consider
  • It carries less suits or dresses than other bags.

This luxe garment bag is a compact option that won't cause wrinkles and still leaves room to pack toiletries or other items. At just under $700, it’ll set you back a pretty penny, but serves as an investment piece to keep for life, as long as you treat it well. The bag has plenty of interior and exterior pockets to keep you organized plus an integrated hanging hook to keep your suits or dresses protected. It's also comfortable to carry and features a removable, padded shoulder strap and additional leather top carry handles.

Price at time of publish: $750

The Details: 15 x 22 x 6 inches  | Nylon | 5.5 pounds | Holds up to 2 suits or dresses | Water-resistant

Best with Laptop Sleeve

Mancro Garment Bag For Travel

Mancro Garment Bag For Travel

Amazon

Why We Love It
  • Your clothes will stay wrinkle-free inside this bag.


What to Consider
  • It doesn't hold as many garments as other options on our list.

You don't typically think of garment bags as good carriers for laptops, and that's what makes this one so unique. In addition to holding suits, undergarments, and toiletries, Mancro's Garment Bag has a front pocket to store small items like tablets, notebooks, and even laptops — perfect for business trips. The sleeve is padded and surrounded by several other pockets, so you can rest assured your tech will always be safe in this bag. The bag is also water-resistant and features a luggage sleeve to elevate your travels even more.

Price at time of publish: $40

The Details: 22 x 22 x 3.5 inches | Polyester, nylon | Water-resistant

Best Style

Hook + Albert Black Leather Convertible Garment Weekender Bag

Hook & Albert Women's Leather Garment Weekender Bag

Hook & Albert

Why We Love It
  • This popular garment bag is as stylish as it is useful. 

What to Consider
  • A bit on the smaller size, this isn’t the roomiest bag on our list. 

This multifunctional garment bag is as convenient as it is sleek. Not only can you conveniently store your clothes to prevent wrinkles, but the bag also features two shoe pockets to keep your items clean and separated. This garment bag doubles as a tote for easy carrying and folds flat so you can store it anywhere when not in use. It also includes a luggage sleeve and longer, adjustable strap for easy transport throughout the airport.

Price at time of publish: $675

The Details: 20 x 13 x 9.5 inches | Leather | 3.9 pounds | Holds up to 2 suits or dresses

Tips for Buying Garment Bags

Pay attention to length

Not all garment bags are the same size. In fact, some bags run so short, you may have to fold your clothes just so they fit. Consider your height as well as the items you plan on traveling with. If you're on the taller side and anticipate packing a long dress or pair of pants, make sure you're using a longer garment bag. More likely to just pack shirts and shorter dresses? Feel free to go for a shorter garment bag.

Consider storage features

Many modern garment bags come with extra storage features for things like laptops, shoes, and non-hanging clothes. Shoppers who prefer to travel light should consider buying a garment bag with these extra pockets and compartments to altogether cut down on the number of suitcases they bring to the airport.

Think about foldability

While most garment bags will, of course, fold when they're empty, it's important to make sure yours folds when full. A few weeks ahead of your trip, pack your garment bag the same way you plan to for traveling. If it folds shut easily, you're all set. If it doesn't, spend the weeks leading up to your trip researching and purchasing a garment bag that works better for your needs, or cutting down your packing list.

Frequently Asked Questions
  • Does a garment bag count as a carry-on?

    Yes, as long as it doesn't exceed the specific airline's size limits. For most airlines, carry-ons cannot be longer than 24 inches. If you choose a small garment bag and fold it against your rolling carry-on handle, you might be able to pass it off as your personal item, but definitely do not count on it. Be sure to check with the exact airline you'll be flying with, as size restrictions vary slightly between each.

  • How should I pack my garment bag?

    Before packing, make sure all the clothes you plan to bring actually fit inside your garment bag and are wrinkle-free, then place the items on hangers and put them in the bag. For extra protection, cover each of your pieces with a plastic dry-cleaning bag. To save space, hang multiple items on one hanger. Once you’ve packed your hanging clothing, you can begin to fill in any zippered pockets and pouches with accessories — just make sure not to stuff the pockets so full that the garment bag is unable to properly close.

  • What's the difference between bifold and trifold garment bags?

    As each name suggests, a bifold can be folded in half once packed, and a tri-fold into thirds. Each has their respective pros and cons. For example, tri-fold garment bags can tend to be longer, yet will pack up smaller thanks to the extra fold. The caveat is that you won’t be able to fit as many items (for fear of not being able to properly close the bag), or could create a bulky shape that won’t hang flush onto your side or to the front of your rolling suitcase. A bifold is usually roomier and can fit more items, but might become a nuisance to carry for long periods of time or in a rush because of the added length.

  • Do airlines hang garment bags?

    For the most part, garment bags are considered carry-on items and stored in the plane's overhead bin. However, on most airlines, business and first class passengers have access to hanging storage for garment bags.


    If you're traveling with a wedding dress or other formal wear, you can also ask your flight attendant if they would hang your garment bag for you to prevent damage.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

For this article, Travel + Leisure contributor Austa Somvichian-Clausen researched dozens of garment bags and used their own personal experience as travel and lifestyle writers to choose the best garment bags for every type of trip.

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Updated by
Taylor Fox
Taylor Fox, Commerce Updates Writer at Travel + Leisure
Taylor Fox is a Commerce Updates Writer at Travel + Leisure where she tests, researches, and writes about travel products. Taylor holds a Master’s in Geography and has been a writer and editor for over seven years.
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