With many airlines charging for checked baggage a wide variety of carry on garment travel bags have hit the market.
The best carry-on garment bags allow you to travel light while keeping your clothes in peak condition so you look great.
Short trips often don’t warrant checking-in luggage with the extra expense and waiting for bags that can really eat into a short trip. (not too mention lost bags)
To help you choose, we’ve put together this guide of the top garment bags.
For more of my top gear recommendations, have a look through these popular Outside Pursuits guide links: Carry on Backpacks, Travel Backpacks, Travel Cameras.
Quick Answer: The 7 Top Rated Garment Bags For 2018
- ZEGUR Carry-On Garment Bag for Travel & Business Trips
- Travelpro Platinum Elite 50” Rolling Garment Bag
- Samsonite Solyte Softside Carry-On Wheeled Garment Bag
- London Fog Buckingham 44″ Wheeled Garment Bag
- U.S. Traveler Freetown Carry-on Spinner Garment Bag
- PROTTONI 40″ Carry On Garment bag
- GYSSIEN 2 in 1 Convertible Travel Garment Bag
Here is a feature comparison of my travel garment bags with a comparison table and our buyers guide below will help you choose a good carry-on garment bag for you.
Best Carry-On Garment Bags
| ZEGUR Carry-On Garment Bag | Travelpro Platinum Garment Bag | London Fog Buckingham Garment Bag | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | |||
 |  |  |
|
| Dimensions: | 23” x 4” x 22” | 11” x 24” x 22” | 22” x 23” x 4” |
| Weight: | 3.5 Pounds | 10.6 Pounds | 11.25 Pounds |
| Wheels: | No | Yes | Yes |
| Carry: | Shoulder & top handle | Roller & top handle | Roller, shoulder & top handle |
 | | |
Garment Bag Reviews
#1 ZEGUR Carry-On Garment Bag for Travel & Business Trips
- Dimensions: 23” x 4” x 22”
- Weight: 3.44 Pounds
- Compartments: Exterior pocket and various interior zipper pockets
- Carrying: Adjustable shoulder strap, briefcase handle
- Special features: 100% money-back guarantee
When it comes to the best garment bag for suits this is a serious contender. It offers fantastic functionality and places the emphasis upon keeping your clothes clean and unwrinkled.
This is achieved because the bag is made from fray-resistant, 1900D polyester material which has a waterproof exterior and imprinted full interior lining. A dual buckle also holds your clothing in place.
Whether you’re transporting suits, dresses, shoes, or anything else this is a great option. Storage capacity is also maximized for convenience. This means that you can use a variety of interior pockets to organize your belongings and an exterior pocket to get easy access to important devices and documents.
The expandable exterior pocket is a really nice touch and shows that the manufacturer understands travel. The bag can also easily attach to the handles of other luggage for added convenience while an adjustable shoulder strap makes it easy to carry.
ZEGUR have fantastic reviews from happy customers and the manufacturer is very confident in the quality of its products: it puts money on the line by offering a money-back guarantee. What’s not to like?
#2 Travelpro Platinum Elite 50” Rolling Garment Bag
- Dimensions: 10.5” x 24” x 22”
- Weight: 10.6 Pounds
- Compartments: Multiple interior pockets, large exterior pocket, smaller zippered pocket
- Carrying: Roller, top and side handles
- Additional features: TSA lock
The first thing you’ll notice about this garment bag is its size. Truly an “elite” option, this bag is intended for longer trips where you’ll be traveling for quite a few days and require a lot of clothes. The spacious bag is incredibly well-built and durable – its quality is immediately apparent.
This focus on quality extends to the ballistic nylon and fabric lining of the bag, as well as the high-performance sealed ball bearing wheels which are a delight to use.
As a traveler you’ll probably have wrestled with uncooperative wheels, but these are truly a dream. The airline-grade extension handle also plays its part in making this bag a delight to pull and travel with.
In terms of its suitability as a garment bag, a padded roll bar guards your garments against wrinkles and you’ll find a wealth of space available to you.
On your journey from home to the hotel your clothes will be well cared for. Genuine leather details, a TSA lock, and other premium features set this apart as one of the best rolling garment bag options out there.
#3 Samsonite Solyte Carry-On Wheeled Garment Bag
- Dimensions: 21” x 7” x 15”
- Weight: 7.6 Pounds
- Compartments: Large front panel interior pocket, interior space
- Carrying: Roller, integrated top and side carry handles
In your search for the best carry on garment bag you will probably have considered Samsonite. This is one of the most well-known and best-respected luggage brands in the world and its carry-on garment options certainly do not disappoint.
The usual Samsonite craftmanship is found here. It is incredibly lightweight which makes it a great companion for short trips while its patented “airflow” spinner wheels make for really organic movement. It also rolls upright to take any potential weight away from your arm.
A hanger hook bracket means you can easily transport your garments from hanger to hanger which can save you a lot of time and frustration when you’re on the road.
The size of the bag means it maximizes space without having to be checked in, helping you to move freely and quickly.
#4 London Fog Buckingham Wheeled Garment Bag
- Dimensions: 22” x 23” x 4” (closed), 44“ x 23“ x 4“ (open)
- Weight: 11.25 Pounds
- Compartments: Six interior compartments with zips, large exterior zip pocket
- Carrying: Roller, shoulder strap, top handle
- Additional features: Book opening design
If you’re looking for the best travel garment bag, this could be the one. Every time you use this bag for a trip you’ll enjoy a wrinkle-free arrival that keeps you looking great and focused on what really matters.
The bag is incredibly spacious with multiple interior compartments that provide enough room for multiple garments. Tie down straps and a hanger bracket keep your clothes from moving around and becoming wrinkled, while the pockets really do help you to get organized.
Another fantastic feature is the fact that the bag can be hung directly in a wardrobe – you don’t have to spend time even moving your clothes from one to the other!
A solid black style means that the bag goes with whatever you’re wearing and an elegant hidden locking handle makes transportation easy.
#5 U.S. Traveler Freetown Carry-on Spinner Garment Bag
- Dimensions: 21” x 8” x 7”
- Weight: 9.2 Pounds
- Compartments: Large compartment, 3 front zippered pockets and 2 zippered pockets. 2 detachable interior zippered pouches.
- Carrying: Roller (4 wheels), top handle, optional shoulder strap
This garment bag has been made to fit as closely as possible to carry-on restrictions which are imposed by many airlines.
This makes it one of the best suit travel bag options and means you get the most bang for your buck and can transport a range of belongings with you without worrying about long waiting times and inconvenience.
A range of compartment options mean you can transport not only garments but a wide range of other items like electronics and shoes. Four wheels and a stable push-button handle mean that moving around is a breeze, an important thing to consider when traveling.
This bag is made of durable 100% polyester which makes it a long-lasting companion for your trips. Corner guards further protect the bag too and represent some real care from the manufacturer.
#6 PROTTONI Carry On Garment bag
- Dimensions: 17.9” x 10” x 3.1”
- Weight: 2.5 Pounds
- Compartments: Interior compartments alongside outside pocket and two interior pockets for accessories
- Carrying: Shoulder strap, reinforced handles
This is a straightforward, stylish, and convenient option which places it among the best carry on for suits out there.
The classic black fabric is high-quality and resistant to water, meaning that it’s a great companion that doesn’t only keep your clothes free from wrinkles but also dry and protected from the elements.
The spacious interior means that it is capable of storing multiple suits or dresses, perfect for conferences or business meetings in other cities. It’s also a delight to carry, coming with a shoulder strap and reinforced handles. It’s also easy to attach to other luggage options.
An extended warranty is testament to the quality of this bag and customers regularly praise the scale of the bag as well as its build quality.
#7 GYSSIEN 2-in-1 Convertible Travel Garment Bag
- Dimensions: 22.1” x 11.8” x 13.8”
- Weight: 3.5 Pounds
- Compartments: Three interior zipper pockets, three exterior front pockets, four mesh bags
- Carrying: Large handles, detachable shoulder strap
- Additional features: Unique duffle bag shape
Duffel bags look great and keep your belongings and garments safe. This unique option cements its reputation as one of the best garment bags with its unique folding form.
Opened up you can easily access your suit, dress, and other clothing accessories while folded up, it’s simple to carry and transport.
This unique shape keeps your items free from creases while the durable material offers protection from both inside and outside. This durability helps you to travel safe in the knowledge your garments will get to where you’re going without damage.
The handle feels great to carry while a detachable shoulder strap offers another carrying option. This can even be replaced with one that better fits your specific needs and helps you to pick your own bag out of the crowd.
Carry-On Garment Bag Comparison Table
| Garment Bag | Dimensions | Weight | Wheels | Carry Methods | Rating | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ZEGUR Carry-On Garment Bag |  | 23” x 4” x 22” | 3.5 lbs | No | Shoulder & top handle | 4.4 / 5.0 |
| Travelpro Platinum Garment Bag |  | 11” x 24” x 22” | 10.6 lbs | Yes | Roller & top handle | 5.0 / 5.0 |
| Samsonite Solyte Garment Bag |  | 21” x 7” x 15” | 7.6 lbs | Yes | Roller & top handle | 4.0 / 5.0 |
| London Fog Garment Bag |  | 22” x 23” x 4” | 11.25 lbs | Yes | Roller, shoulder & top handle | 4.0 / 5.0 |
| U.S. Traveler Freetown Garment Bag |  | 21” x 8” x 7” | 9.2 lbs | Yes | Spinner, shoulder & top handle | 4.2 / 5.0 |
| PROTTONI Carry On Garment bag |  | 18” x 10” x 3” | 2.5 lbs | No | Shoulder & top handle | 4.3 / 5.0 |
| GYSSIEN Convertible Garment Bag |  | 22” x 12” x 14” | 3.5 lbs | No | Shoulder & top handle | 4.1 / 5.0 |
How to Choose the Best Garment Bag
- Versatility
- Travel Frequency
- Important Features
- Compartments
- Carrying Options
- Budget
- One or Two Garment Bags
- Materials
- FAQs for Carry-On Garment Bags
With so many good travel garment bags out there, it can be difficult to decide which fits your need.
In the past, short trips of just a couple of days were very rare. Cheaper air travel has now made short-term trips common and people enjoy them for both business and leisure.
Finding the best garment bag is easier said than done. There are lots of factors to consider and the importance of each of these varies according to your own priorities. Are you looking for a garment bag that you can carry on so you can zoom through security, or do you prize capacity above all else?
Balancing these factors is the key so avoiding disappointment and selecting the right option that is the best for you. Here are some key questions that you should consider to make sure you get the ultimate garment bag for your needs.
Versatility
Do you regularly enjoy short trips to visit friends? Do you travel quite often for work?
Your schedule and type of traveling is going to play a large role in determining which type of garment bag is the best for you. If you are going to regularly transport suits, shirts, and other important pieces of business attire then you’ll want to make sure that these are delivered without any type of creases or wrinkles.
Taking a good look at your calendar and thinking about your upcoming trips will help you to invest in the best garment bag for you.
Travel Frequency
If you travel infrequently now, is there the potential that this might change in the near future. Likewise, could the amount of travel you do decrease dramatically?
If you are going to change your amount of traveling, then it’s important you make the appropriate investment. You don’t want to spend a lot of money on a garment bag with lots of features and a great material if your not going to use it very much.
Thinking in the long-term will help you to make the best possible purchase.
Important Features
The weight of certain features will help you to determine which garment bag is the best for you. By answering the precious questions you’ll have an idea of what you need from your bag and this will help you to think deeply about which features are the most important.
One of the biggest features you will need to choose from is if you want a rolling garment bag vs a shoulder carry on garment bag.
The obvious advantage of a wheeled garment bag is easy of transport. The downside being the extra weight and bulk. If you need to take more suits and clothes a rolling garment bag may be a better option for you.
Compartments
Garment bags are fantastic for transporting a range of clothing items, but do you have any special requirements? Will you be traveling with a range of belts and ties, for example? These are very important to tie together any outfit and you’ll need to make sure that there is adequate room within your garment bag for them.
It can be terribly disappointing to think you’ve found the perfect bag only to then find out that there isn’t an adequate amount of space for things like shoes.
Carrying Options
Your suit travel bag is designed above all else to keep your important garments free from damage and creases while you’re on the road. How are you going to carry them? There are a wide range of options available such as shoulder straps, handles, and wheels.
Depending on your preference there will be the perfect bag out there, but it’s something important to consider. Unwieldly bags can be highly uncomfortable and quickly become a nuisance when you’re on the road.
Budget
As you will have seen from this list, the prices of dress garment bags can vary greatly. The prices vary according to things like the capacity, the brand, and the type of transportation option.
It’s important that you prioritize your needs and invest in the garment bag which addresses them most directly. If you’re looking for a quality bag, for instance, you should focus on buying the highest quality bag possible for your money.
One or Two Garment Bags
Some couples invest in two separate bags when in fact it may be better to purchase one bag of a superior quality. Depending on the length of your trip and specific needs it might be possible to purchase a garment bag which has a large enough capacity for two people.
It’s worth considering if you’re thinking about buying two garment bags. This also makes transportation and packing more convenient!
Materials
Your tri fold garment bag is going to accompany you on a variety of adventures. Can it handle the pressure? You have to pick a garment bag which has the best material and durability if you’re going to be traveling frequently. This means paying special attention to materials and craftmanship.
The build quality becomes less important if you use the bag infrequently, but naturally those bags which command the highest prices are the ones which will last the longest.
FAQs for Carry-On Garment Bags
Q: What are the maximum dimensions for carry-on luggage?
A: The maximum dimensions can vary slightly according to the airline that you’re flying with and the final destination you’re going to. This means that it’s always worth checking with your airline directly. With that said, a general rule of thumb is 22” x 14” x 9”.
You should use these measurements to guide your purchase and make sure that if you’re looking for a carry-on garment bag, it’s below these measurements.
Q: Are cheap bags inferior to expensive ones?
A: As with many other products, you’ll find that the higher prices are reserved for products of a superior quality. The more you spend, the better the product you will receive. With that said, a high price can’t help you from purchasing the wrong bag. You should always look for the garment bag which best fits your particular needs.
Q: Are garment bags better than normal suitcases?
A: Again, the answer to this question depends upon your specific requirements. With that said, garment bags are designed specifically to help transport garments across long distances. This means that they come equipped with a range of features to keep your garments in place and without creases. If this is your priority then a garment bag may be for you.
If you’re looking to transport a larger variety and number of items then a garment bag with wheels might be in your best interest. Likewise, a carry-on backpack might be more appropriate if you want to balance capacity and convenience.
Q: How much should I spend on a garment bag?
A: There is no direct answer to this question and it greatly depends on your answers to the questions above. If you are going to be using the bag frequently for a variety of trips then it makes more sense to invest in a higher-quality bag that will last longer.
If you invest in a more expensive suit garment bag, you’ll get greater enjoyment and results from it. With that said, a cheaper alternative can be a more sensible option if you’ll be traveling infrequently and across shorter distances.
Q: What’s the right capacity for a garment bag?
A: This really depends on your needs. Are you going to be traveling for days at a time and need lots of clothes? Or will you just be on short overnight trips that don’t require many changes? Some of the best garment bags have a reduced capacity but offer a great level of quality.
There is no one-size-fits-all answer and you should buy the garment bag that best fits your needs. As we mentioned earlier, some people even like to pack for two using one bag, so there’s a lot to consider!
Packing Tips For Your Garment Bag
Garment bags are a specialist piece of kit and there are a set of steps that you can take to make sure you get the best from them. Here are some of those tips that we’ve picked up over the years.
Use the 1 to 6 rule
Garment bags are all about the clothing. If you’re heading out on a trip for business or leisure then you’ll want to take some clothing and perhaps a computer or another electronic device with you. To make sure that you’re packing appropriately, there’s an awesome rule you can use: the 1 to 6 rule.
This rule means that you should pack the essentials in the following order: one hat, two pairs of shoes, there pairs of pants, four shirts, five pairs of socks, and six pairs of underwear. This scales according to the length of your trip and it really helps!
Don’t Overpack
Another tip that we have is don’t overpack. If you stuff your garment bag full of clothing, then you might find that you risk creasing your clothes and causing damage. You’ll want to ensure your clothing has enough space to hang and be free without getting knotted and crunched up.
Final Thoughts
Garment bags are an awesome innovation. They represent a convenient way to travel with a range of garments and make sure they get there in great condition. This is an amazing opportunity for the modern traveler and if you find the best garment bag, you’ll love how it helps you travel conveniently and in perfect style.
