1. Travel

Discuss in my forum

Top 11 Garment Bags

By , About.com Guide

When you're packing clothing for a trip and you don't want it to wrinkle, nothing beats using a garment bag. Before you buy, ask: Do I want a garment bag with wheels? And how long ought it be to accommodate my clothing? Keep in mind that smaller garment bags without wheels are much cheaper than sturdy wheeled models. Also, they're more likely to qualify as carry-on luggage, while large ones may not. Also determine if special hangers are needed, and how secure the bag is overall.

1. Briggs & Riley Deluxe Wheeled Garment Bag

Need plenty of room and appreciate a top-of-the-line brand? This 24" x 11.5" x 20 Briggs & Riley garment bag has two wheels offers the brand's lifetime performance guarantee.

2. Samsonite Aspire GRT Wheeled Garment Bag

If you're not yet sold on the benefits of a four-wheeled spinner suitcase or simply want to save a few dollars, choose this sturdy two-wheeler from Samsonite.
Compare Prices

3. Wally Bags GarmenTote

So compact that it doesn't need wheels, this lightweight 52" x 22" x 3" unit fits dresses and suits easily by folding clothing in thirds rather than in half. Still, I wouldn't put anything made of crisp linen or cotton in this garment bag without knowing it may need touch-up ironing at the destination.
Compare Prices

4. 40" Tuxedo Garment Bag

Need to transport a tuxedo or men's suit to another location? This garment bag was designed for that purpose. It's lightweight, durable, and features a lock at the top to secure hangers holding the garments. Although it holds up to 6 garments, avoid overfilling to avoid wrinkling your gear.
Compare Prices

5. 52" Dress Garment Bag

The garment bag is well suited to hold a short dress to wear on vacation or a fancier one to don for a destination wedding. It's water-repellant, so even a rain shower won't harm what's inside. The garment bag includes two pockets that leave room to pack shoes or accessories. But since it does not have wheels, keep it light.
Compare Prices

6. 60" Gown Garment Bag

There are garment bags, and then there are gown bags. The latter are designed to transport a long wedding or bridesmaid gown safely and with a minimum of wrinkling. At 60" in length (that's five feet), this is the longest gown bag I've found. It features a full-length center zipper and the bag's coating is water-repellant. This garment bag is so lightweight that I wouldn't advise checking it as baggage or letting it out of your sight if your gown is inside. Carry it on the plane, and ask the flight attendant to hang it up.
Compare Prices

7. American Tourister Ultra Valet Garment Bag

This wheeled baby is big -- 48" x 23" x 4.5" -- and designed for travelers taking long journeys. In addition to a double row for hanging items, it has several pouches for storing other garments. There are also dedicated pockets for pairs of shoes. The Cruiseliner won't fit in an overhead compartment, but it will ensure you stay well-dressed wherever you go. Comes in black, blue, cypress, and red.
Compare Prices

8. Skyway Sigma 3 Rolling Garment Bag

This multi-purpose garment bag on wheels opens like a closet. Multiple pockets and compartments help to keep items organized. Polyester skin resists water and tears.
Compare Prices

9. Victorinox Werks Traveler Deluxe Garment Sleeve

Smartly designed, inexpensive, and very lightweight (2 lbs. , 10 oz.), this well-padded garment "sleeve" can fit items that measure about 46" in length. It doesn't have a large capacity, but if there's a particular garment that you want to protect and hand carry, it's a good solution.
Compare Prices

10. Tumi Long Wheeled Vertical Garment Bag

Want to go in style? This oversize rolling garment bag by Tumi looks like two side-by-side upright suitcases. And those front zip pockets can hold a lot. Yet inside it's organized to enable the owner to neatly store clothing and secure items from wrinkling. At 24" x 19" x 11.5", the garment bag is sized for long trips.
Compare Prices

11. Calvin Klein Wheeled Garment Bag

As sleek and stylish as the designer's fashions, this garment bag with wheels will make a sophisticated statement wherever you travel. Fully lined interior, durable outer coating, and a locking handle system that reduces the overall weight of the unit make this a smart choice as well.
Compare Prices

©2012 About.com. All rights reserved.

A part of The New York Times Company.