Think about the clothing you typically travel with. This can help narrow down your shopping considerably. If you purchase the garment bag without thinking about what you actually have to put in it, then you might need to either return or purchase additional garment bags.[1] X Research source Some garment bags are shorter or narrower than others. So if there is a particular item you travel with frequently, like a suit or a dress, then make sure that the garment bag you choose will be long enough and wide enough to fit those staple pieces. If you want, you can even take the length and width measurements ahead of time, so you have them with you when you are ready to purchase a garment bag.[2] X Research source Go with a wheeled garment bag if you have a lot of items to pack. Wheeled garment bags contain multiple compartments to store your clothes, and often are good replacements for your carry-on due to their compact size. This style is good if you have a larger budget and travel with minimal luggage pieces.[3] X Research source If you have several dress shirts, pants, or skirts that you frequently travel with, then getting a garment bag with wheels will help organize your outfits and

maximize the amount of items you can bring.[4] X Research source An alternative option to the wheeled garment bag, are ones with handles or straps. These often hold similar amounts to the ones with wheels, but are less money in comparison.[5] X Research source Choose a foldable garment bag to transport a few delicate items. Foldable garment bags will often be lightweight and thin, so that it can be placed inside or stacked on top of your primary suitcase. The will bag protect the few garments you place in it, but you won't have to deal with the inconvenience of hauling a separate piece of luggage just for those garments.[6] X Research source Foldable garment bags are good to transport one or two complete outfits. Items like delicate scarves or ties also travel well in foldable garment bags because the small items will not slip to the bottom of the carrying space, but rather fold with the rest of the outfit.[7] X Research source Get a garment bag with small pockets to store other items. If you want your garment bag to hold more than just clothes, then look for bags that have small interior and exterior pockets.[8] X Research source Garment bags with pockets are great for storing

shoes, ties, scarves, jewelry, and other toiletries alongside your clothes. Having a garment bag with pockets is a great way to organize your outfits, and keep all of the smaller pieces with your clothes.[9] X Research source Pick a garment bag that can hang in a closet for easy storage. If you do not want the hassle of unpacking the garment bag and don't mind carrying a long, draping garment bag, then choose one that can easily hang in your closet. All of your clothes will already be on hangers inside the bag, and you will just have to hoist it into the closet upon arrival.[10] X Research source If you often travel with only one or two additional outfits like a couple of suits or dresses that are easy to carry, then having a garment bag that can hang in the closet might be the easiest way to transport those few items. This is also a simple garment bag to own if you don't see yourself using it on every trip you take.[11] X Research source Pick a material that works for you and your budget. Garment bags are made out a variety of materials, with the most common being leather, vinyl, and nylon.[12] X Research source Leather garment bags are extremely durable and will last you a long

time, but also tend to be expensive.[13] X Research source Nylon and vinyl garment bags are common starter garment bags, but may not last longer than a couple of years if used frequently.[14] X Research source Test the zippers and clasps to make sure they are secure. If you are going to be carrying or holding the garment bag for long periods of time, then you want to make sure that it is comfortable to use, and that the zippers and clasps are secure.[15] X Research source Find shoulder straps and handles with a comfort grip. This will take some of the strain off your shoulders and arms. You want the shoulder strap to sit comfortably on your shoulder without slipping off, and you want the handles to fit nicely in your hand without digging against your palm.[16] X Research source Get wheels that roll smoothly. You don't want wheels that will drag over certain surfaces and put strain on your arms and back. Any wheels on the garment bag should roll smoothly over both carpet and hard surfaces.[17] X Research source If the wheels have coverings, then this might make unclogging them difficult. It is an inevitable that hair and other garbage from the ground will wrap around the wheel, so

you want to be able to tend to them easily.[18] X Research source Look at the hanger capacity and how the hangers are secured. Knowing the number of hangers a garment bag can hold will determine how many garment bags you need. Ideally, the hangers should clamp or strap in place, but some garment bags will leave the hangers free-form. There is nothing worse than having a hanger, and the garment on it, fall down in your carefully packed bag.[19] X Research source Make sure to check the dimensions of the garment bag if you know that you often travel with a particularly long or wide item.[20] X Research source Find out the travel regulations for luggage. This is especially important if you are taking transportation where the number, weight, and size of your luggage items is restricted. Depending on the size and style of the garment bag, it may count as a carry-on or as supplementary luggage.[21] X Research source Regulations may vary domestically and internationally through the same commercial service, so make sure to check the restrictions for your entire trip.[22] X Research source You also want to think about what other luggage pieces you frequently travel with. This could affect

what type of garment bag you purchase.[23] X Research source If you are flying and planning to use your garment bag as a carry-on item, as a general rule, your garment bag must be able to be stowed securely under the seat in front of you or in an overhead bin.[24] X Research source Browse prices of garment bags online, and set a budget. The prices for garment bags can vary depending on the brand, style, size and material it is made out of. So you are going to want to think about the number of garment bags you might need, and budget yourself accordingly. If you have a lot of clothes to pack, then one garment bag probably will not hold it all.[25] X Research source Samsonite garment bags will tend to be on the higher end of the price range, while garment bags by WallyBags will be on the medium to low price range.[26] X Research source A garment bag with wheels, handles, or straps can range from $100.00 to $260.00 or more; a foldable garment bag can range from $40.00 to $150.00; and a standard hanging garment bag can range from $15.00 to $50.00.[27] X Research source Purchase a garment bag online or in person. Even though you are probably going to find a wider variety of styles online

than you would in the store, it still might not hurt to go and look at the garment bags in person. This way, you can check the quality and comfort for yourself.[28] X Research source If you find a better deal for a garment bag online, and the store you visited carries that particular garment bag, then ask if the store will match the online price or give you a discount.[29] X Research source If you are going to purchase a garment bag online, then make sure to check what the shipping costs are and what the return policy is. If the garment bag arrives damaged, then you want to be able to return or exchange it.[30] X Research source