How To Use a Garment Duffel Bag

Here's a video showing you how to use a garment duffel bag, including how to add the suit into the internal compartment, how to zip up the surrounding bag, and how to pack the remaining duffel compartment:

This video is of the "Grand Leather Garment Bag" by Von Baer.

Step-By-Step Guide on How To Use a Garment Duffel

If you prefer to read, here's how to do it:

Step 1: Open Out The Bag

Your bag will likely already be closed, so you need to unzip the outside and lay it flat onto a flat surface (such as a bed) to begin packing:

Step 2: Prepare Your Suit

Detach the built-in hanger, attach your suit and/or shirt, and lay it over the garment compartment opening.

Ensure you have removed any creases from the garments before moving onto the next stage.

Step 3: Attaching Your Garment

Gently lift the outside of the garment compartment around the suit, then attach the hanger to the clips at the top of the bag.

Then zip the garment compartment shut.

Step 4: Rezip The Bag Surround

Now that your garment is in, you can rezip the outside of the bag to form the duffel shape again.

Step 5: Pack Your Travel Bag

You can now pack all of the rest of your travel items into the dufel bag compartment. If there are side pockets (like there are on the Grand), you can use these for items you need to find more easily.

Interested in how Alan Ritchson (well known for starring as Reacher) uses his Von Baer Garment Bag? Watch this clip:

They aren't just for travel either, and can easily be used as a work gym bag to add value to your commute.

Learn more about garment duffels here.

FAQs

Can you hang the suit up when you arrive at your destination?

Yes, you can unzip the bag surround and open out the adjustable hanger top to then hang the bag on a hook once you arrive in your hotel room/destination like this:

What problem does a garment duffel bag actually solve?

A garment duffel solves one specific failure of standard luggage: structured clothing does not tolerate compression. Blazer shoulders collapse, shirt plackets buckle, and trousers crease where shoes or tech press inward.

Instead of folding clothes into a box, a garment duffel lets outfits travel flat first, then converts into a carryable duffel shape.

The result is clothing that arrives ready to wear, not ready for an iron. If your travel stress spikes when you unzip a suitcase and see wrinkles you didn’t plan for, this system targets that exact moment.

Will my clothes stay genuinely flat, or just “less wrinkled”?

That depends on whether the garment panel provides a wide, uninterrupted surface.

True garment-flat travel means jackets, shirts, and trousers lie almost as if they’re still hanging, with no hard folds before the bag is zipped.

This matters most for blazers, crisp button-downs, tailored trousers, and dresses with structure. If the bag forces tight folds before conversion, you’ll still manage wrinkles - just fewer of them. The clearest test is visual: when the bag is laid open, garments should look calm and smooth before anything else is added.

We compare the effectiveness of garment bags vs garment duffels in this guide.

Is packing with a garment duffel actually easy to repeat?

Yes - when the conversion process follows a fixed, learnable sequence. A good garment duffel packs the same way every time: lay flat, place garments, zip the perimeter, fold into duffel form, then add bulk items.

If packing requires threading straps, re-adjusting tension, or fighting zippers, you’ll feel rushed and second-guess yourself. The goal is a system your hands remember, even late at night. When conversion is smooth, packing time drops to about 10–15 minutes for a short trip.

Can a garment duffel really replace a carry-on suitcase?

For short, focused trips, yes - with disciplined packing. Most garment duffels comfortably handle one blazer, two shirts, one pair of trousers, shoes, tech, and toiletries while keeping clothes crisp. 

We compare garment duffels to checked luggage in this post.

How does a garment duffel feel to carry through airports?

That depends on your travel rhythm. Duffel carry works well for shorter walks, direct flights, and minimal extra items. For large hubs, tight connections, or frequent travel, hands-free carry matters.

Adjust the strap so the bag sits high on the hip to reduce swing and shoulder strain. If there’s a luggage sleeve, mount the bag so the garment side faces outward - this reduces bending pressure on clothing while rolling through terminals. The right carry setup prevents fatigue before you even reach the gate.

Looking to buy? We compare the best garment duffel bags here, and you can shop our range here.