Are you looking for an answer to “How to Pack a Tie?“
Nothing completes an outfit like the perfect necktie. Similarly, nothing ruins a look more than a crumpled and creased tie that looks like it was shoved into your suitcase at the last minute.
Good ties are an investment that will stand the test of time. However, they need to be looked after, dry-cleaned regularly, and always correctly stored.
Traveling with ties can be tricky because it can be impossible to restore the tie if packed incorrectly. Apart from wrinkling and creasing, certain fabrics, especially silks, are prone to friction holes that can’t be mended. And even if the tie can be rescued, you don’t want to be wasting time ironing ties.
We’ve put together tips on how to pack a tie from the experts, so read on to learn how to protect your most valued accessory.
Why a Tie is an Important Travel Accessory
Packing a few ties is an excellent way to extend your travel wardrobe. A couple of plain suits can go the distance when paired with a selection of ties that make them look completely different with each wear.
A tie can also ramp up an otherwise casual look if you’re unexpectedly caught having to dress up on holiday or for a wedding. Adding a tie to your denim shirt, and you’re looking as sophisticated as the next guy.
Lastly, when traveling for work to destinations or people you haven’t visited before, it pays to be prepared for anything. While most environments have dropped the requirement for ties, some conservative organizations and many Eastern countries still insist on them. You don’t want to look disrespectful by being the only guy in the room not wearing one.
The Different Ways to Pack Ties for Travelling
When it comes to packing your ties for travel, you have a few options, as laid out below.
1. Using a Travel Case
Travel tie cases are specifically designed for neckties, and most also include compartments for tie pins and cuff links. If you’re a fashion-conscious, regular traveler, a travel tie case is definitely a good purchase.
Tie cases are made of a variety of materials like leather, plastic, or nylon. They typically come in a flat, portfolio-style version with straps or elastics to hold the ties in place, like this luxury tie capacity unit, made of PU leather. It provides for bow-ties too.
The Luxury Tie Capacity Unit Is Very Stylish And Practical
Alternatively, cases can come in a cylinder shape the size of a soda can, like this one. The cylinder variety holds, at most, one or two ties. Whereas the portfolio style units can hold between two and six. (Don’t over-pack a travel tie case; your ties will lose their shape, and the whole point of the exercise will be lost.)
A Neck Tie Box Keeps Easily Your Ties Wrinkle Free
2. Garment Bag
If you’re packing a separate suit, a garment bag is also the perfect place to store your ties. The simple ones have separate compartments that can store ties. Although storing the tie from the hanger inside the suit jacket is our preference. You could even go overkill and add a multi-hanger.
Multi-Tie Hangers Do Not Require A Lot Of Space And Can Be Used To Organize Well Your Ties
Our absolute favorite is the duffel-style suit bags that have appeared on the scene recently. This one has multiple accessory pockets, a special place for your shoes and a detachable shoulder strap!
Carry-on Garment Travel Bags Are Very Useful
3. Folding
If you are confident your suitcase’s contents won’t be shifting much, packing ties between layers of clothing can suffice. Take each tie and fold it in half, end-to-end, and layer it in between your folded shirts. Don’t make additional folds – if the folding leaves a crease, you want it hidden under your collar.
4. Rolling
To roll a necktie, fold the tie in half, leaving about three inches of the wide end longer than the narrow end. Starting at the fold, with the skinny side of the tie facing up, roll it into a cylindrical shape.
Pop the rolled tie into a ziplock bag and find a secure spot in your luggage to tuck it. The inside of a shoe is an excellent spot because the shoe will protect the tie from being squashed. A small drawer organizer made of a firm material also does the trick.
An Adjustable Drawer Tie Organizer Is a Great Tie Pack Alternative
Packing Your Ties for a Home Move
If you’re packing to move homes, your ties could be packed for a longer duration than a flight, and your packing should accommodate this. Never fold ties for an extended packing period. Follow the options below.
Rolling for Extended Storage
- When rolling ties for extended storage, make your rolls looser than for travel packing and don’t start with a fold.
- Place the skinny end of the tie in the palm of your hand, letting the rest of the length of the tie fall over the back of your hand.
- Roll it around your hand, not too tightly.
- Then pack your rolls in a drawer divider within a packing box.
- If you are using a wardrobe packing box, you can simply pack the ties on their rack by hanging them on the wardrobe box’s bar.
- Remove any batteries if your rack is automated to avoid the rack being switched on accidentally in transit.
Custom Packing Box
If you’re not using a wardrobe box or your tie rack doesn’t fit in one, make a custom packing box.
- First, wrap the rack with ties in brown packing paper for protection.
- Work on a large table or bed. Lay the paper down first and then wrap as you would a gift.
- Then place the wrapped parcel on a large piece of cardboard.
- Encase the rack and ties by folding the board over to cover them and taping it closed with parcel tape.
- This will form a firm protective “box” for your ties.
- To unpack, cut the box above the rack and slide it out. Your ties will be ready to hang immediately in your new home.
Concluding Thoughts
Paying attention to your ties’ packing and storing as outlined above can help ensure they last you a lifetime. You can confidently invest in expensive and striking ties that will set you apart, knowing you can preserve them.
Samoel Ovanessian is the founder and creator of StylishAlpha.com – a website dedicated to men’s fashion. As a proud owner of more than 200 ties, he loves digging through new clothing combinations for everyday use, formal events and even just for fun. You can read more about Samoel here.