Travelling to a special event—whether it's a destination wedding, a milestone birthday celebration, or a New Year's Eve party in another city—often means bringing your favourite sequin dress along for the journey. The prospect of arriving with a crushed, snagged, or otherwise damaged dress can cause genuine anxiety, but with the right techniques and preparation, you can transport your sparkle safely to any destination.
This guide covers everything you need to know about packing sequin dresses, from preparation and folding techniques to handling your dress at your destination. With these tips, your sequin dress will arrive ready to shine.
Preparation Before Packing
Before you even think about suitcases, take time to prepare your sequin dress for travel. Proper preparation can prevent many common travel-related issues and make the packing process much smoother.
Inspect Your Dress
Check your dress thoroughly for any loose sequins, weak threads, or existing damage. It's much easier to address these issues at home than at your destination. Secure any loose sequins with a needle and thread, and note any areas that might need extra protection during packing. If you discover significant issues, consider taking the dress to a professional for repairs before your trip.
Clean if Necessary
If your dress needs cleaning, do it well before your trip—not the night before. This gives you time to address any issues that might arise and ensures the dress is completely dry before packing. Travelling with a freshly cleaned dress also means you won't need to worry about professional cleaning at your destination.
Ideally, prepare your dress for travel at least a week before your trip. This allows time for any needed repairs, cleaning, and purchasing of packing supplies.
Packing Techniques
How you pack your sequin dress depends on whether you're using carry-on luggage, checked baggage, or a garment bag. Each method has its advantages and specific techniques for protecting your dress.
The Tissue Paper Method
Regardless of how you're travelling, tissue paper is your best friend when packing sequin dresses. Use acid-free tissue paper (available from craft stores) to protect your dress from crushing and prevent sequins from catching on fabric or other items. Here's the basic technique:
- Turn your dress inside out to protect the sequin surface
- Lay the dress flat and stuff the bodice with tissue paper to maintain shape
- Place tissue paper between any folds to prevent creasing
- Wrap the entire dress loosely in tissue paper
- Place in a breathable garment bag or cotton pillowcase
Rolling vs. Folding
For most sequin dresses, gentle rolling is preferable to folding. Rolling distributes pressure more evenly and creates fewer sharp creases. To roll your dress:
Lay the dress flat, inside out, with tissue paper over the surface. Starting from the bottom hem, roll the dress loosely toward the top, adding tissue paper as you go to prevent layers from pressing directly against each other. The roll should be loose enough that you're not compressing the sequins. Place the rolled dress in a protective bag.
For heavily structured dresses or those with boning, folding may be necessary. Fold along seams where possible, and place generous amounts of tissue paper in each fold to prevent sharp creases.
Carry-On vs. Checked Luggage
Whenever possible, carry your sequin dress onto the plane rather than checking it. Carry-on luggage is handled more gently and remains under your control throughout the journey. If you must check your luggage, pack your dress in the centre of your suitcase surrounded by soft items like sweaters or underwear that can provide cushioning.
Carry-on is always preferable for sequin dresses. If you must check your bag, consider shipping your dress ahead via a reliable courier—it may arrive in better condition than checked luggage.
Garment Bag Travel
For formal events where presentation matters most, a garment bag is the gold standard for dress travel. Many airlines allow garment bags as carry-on items, though policies vary, so check with your specific airline before travelling.
Choosing a Garment Bag
Invest in a quality garment bag with adequate length for your dress and internal straps or pockets to secure it during transport. Breathable fabric bags are preferable to plastic, which can trap moisture and cause issues during temperature changes. Look for bags with light padding or the ability to add tissue paper layers.
Hanging on the Plane
Some airlines, particularly in business and first class, offer garment closets where you can hang your dress during the flight. Ask the cabin crew when you board if this option is available. Even in economy, flight attendants may be willing to hang a garment bag if there's space and you ask politely.
Arriving at Your Destination
What you do when you arrive is almost as important as how you packed. Prompt attention to your dress can resolve minor issues before they become problems.
Unpack Immediately
As soon as you reach your accommodation, unpack your sequin dress. Don't leave it compressed in luggage any longer than necessary. Remove all tissue paper, turn the dress right-side out, and hang it properly on a padded hanger.
Steam or Shower Steam
Minor wrinkles often release naturally when the dress is hung for a few hours. For more stubborn creases, hang the dress in the bathroom while you take a hot shower—the steam can help relax the fabric without direct contact. Never iron sequins directly, as the heat can melt or warp them. If steaming is necessary, use a handheld steamer and keep it several inches from the fabric, working from inside the garment when possible.
Professional Help at Your Destination
Many hotels offer pressing and steaming services, and some are experienced with delicate garments. If you're staying at a good hotel before a formal event, consider using their services. Explain that the dress has sequins and ask if they have experience with embellished garments. A professional touch can ensure your dress looks perfect for your event.
Never use a hot iron directly on sequins. Even through a cloth, the heat can cause irreversible damage. Avoid hotel trouser presses as well—they're not designed for delicate embellished fabrics.
Returning Home
Apply the same care when packing your dress for the return journey. If the dress has been worn, consider placing it in a separate bag from clean items. Some travellers pack a lightweight cotton bag specifically for worn garments.
Once home, unpack promptly and assess the dress. If it needs cleaning, address it soon while any stains are fresh. If there's damage, document it for any travel insurance claims if applicable. Proper post-travel care ensures your dress is ready for its next adventure.
Essential Travel Kit for Sequin Dresses
Consider preparing a small travel kit that stays with your sequin dress whenever you travel:
- Acid-free tissue paper (several sheets)
- Small sewing kit with thread matching your dress
- Lint roller for touch-ups
- Small bottle of fabric freshener
- Folding travel hangers
- Cotton pillowcase (for additional protection)
Having these items ready means you're always prepared for dress travel, whether it's a planned trip or a last-minute invitation to an event in another city. With proper preparation and care, your sequin dress can travel anywhere you do—and arrive looking ready to sparkle.