The London Lounge

This I like. A lot.


Right. Im off to get some large zip-lok bags...

Nothing like experienced hands.

[quote="theoldesouth"]Nothing like experienced hands.[/q

...so true.

Thanks to the OP for posting this. My folding technique is very similar, but the missing link was the zip lock bag. I've been using compression fold over "bag/strapping". The zip lock bag with the additional air is a great idea...sometimes the simple things are the most important ones.

Very interesting technique. Thank you for that.

I have used this method following watching this video -it works very well. The only difficulty was getting the zip bags in the right size. Amazon sells them as vacuum bags - you will find them very durable -just keep them with enough air in to create the protection needed.

Dr T wrote:I have used this method following watching this video -it works very well. The only difficulty was getting the zip bags in the right size. Amazon sells them as vacuum bags - you will find them very durable -just keep them with enough air in to create the protection needed.

Dr T

May I ask you which of the sizes shown on Amazon you find suitable (no pun intended) for a suit: M, L, XL? I find it hard to imagine from the measurements shown which is best.

Your guidance would be much appreciated.

Thank you
Tutumulut

I like the idea of the plastic bags but I would not fold my coat in this fashion. The hand sewn shoulders of a benchmade coat are fragile and need to be supported. You achieve this by turning the coat inside on itself, inserting the shoulders into each other with the lapels facing each other. Ask your tailor to show you how this is done.

Cheers

alden wrote:You achieve this by turning the coat inside on itself, inserting the shoulders into each other with the lapels facing each other. Ask your tailor to show you how this is done.

Ah, Michael! ...you remind me of when my dad showed me how to do this! ...that's twenty years ago and I was 16, wearing suits only when I had to play the piano in public. I've never seen anybody folding their coat this way since I moved to England. To that inexperienced boy my father also explained that the lining protects the cloth from picking up dirt and dust when you carry the jacket on your arm on a very hot day or when you leave it in the car. Ah, memories...

alden wrote:I like the idea of the plastic bags but I would not fold my coat in this fashion. The hand sewn shoulders of a benchmade coat are fragile and need to be supported. You achieve this by turning the coat inside on itself, inserting the shoulders into each other with the lapels facing each other. Ask your tailor to show you how this is done.

Cheers

I seem to remember one of the POW's valets writing somewhat the same, but doing so after popping the shoulders inside-out so the lining faced out. I suspect that then if the shoulders were crushed in the suitcase, that wouldn't interfere with how they looked when turned back out.

The technique Michael is describing works perfectly. Every tailor can show you. I don't use it often, because I prefer carrying a garment bag for the 2-4 suits I'm usually travelling with.

Cheers, David

Tutumulut, the size of the vacuum bags are 80cm x 55 cm price for a pack of 4 on Amazon UK £2.99 - just checked and they are still on sale.

Good point Alden, you could do that - then inside the bag - best of both worlds?

Dr T wrote:Tutumulut, the size of the vacuum bags are 80cm x 55 cm price for a pack of 4 on Amazon UK £2.99 - just checked and they are still on sale.

Thank you very much, Dr T! Will go ahead and order some myself. And yes, I've always turned one sleeve head inside the other, inside out, not knowing I was protecting the stitching. But glad I did.

Frederic Leighton wrote:I've never seen anybody folding their coat this way since I moved to England. To that inexperienced boy my father also explained that the lining protects the cloth from picking up dirt and dust when you carry the jacket on your arm on a very hot day or when you leave it in the car. Ah, memories...

As my beloved maiden aunt taught me in rather ominous tones, 'the lining is sacrificial', its purpose is to protect the garment, and to rip and tear before any real damage is done.