Garment travel bags are great accessories to help you keep your clothes neatly pressed, clean, and free from wrinkles. All garment travel bags can do these, yet not all of them are created equal.

This is the reason behind the variety of garment travel bags available in the market today. Here are six ways to make sure you choose only the best.

1. Consider your wardrobe.
There are garment travel bags that are made exclusively for business suits, while some could accommodate different kinds of clothing. If you travel solely for business, it might make sense to choose one that can hold your business suits, preferably those bi-fold or tri-fold types that keeps your clothes wrinkle free. However, if you tend to mix business and pleasure in your travel, and you don’t mind a few wrinkles on your clothes, choose one that can hold different types of outfits.

2. Maximize your bag.
More than your clothes, you would also need storage for toiletries and other similar items. Get a garment bag that can accommodate these things. Check how many compartments, sections, and pockets are there.

3. Consider the way you travel.
If you’ll travel by plane and you don’t want to check in your luggage, make sure you get a garment bag that you can bring with as a carry-on luggage. Remember that different airlines have different rules for carry-on luggage, so be sure to check each one before you get on the plane.

Garment bags should also have a strong handle, durable zippers, and safe locks. This is to make sure that your belongings are safe even if you have to check in your bag or leave it in your room.

If you are going to do a lot of walking, consider getting a garment bag that has detachable shoulder straps or rolling wheels. A garment bag with wheels gives you the convenience to just pull the bag behind you instead of having to lift it.

4. Choose your material.
Garment travel bags now come in different materials. There are bags made of soft leather, nylon, water-resistant clothe, plastic, and even genuine leather. Make sure that you choose a material that is durable, lightweight, and easy to clean.

5. Check the details and overall workmanship.
Be sure to check how the bag was made. How fine and sturdy is the stitching? Are there defects? Cracks? What about the finishing? How strong is the handle or the bag itself? Does the wheel look like it could fall off anytime? These are important things to consider in getting the best garment travel bag.

Expensive or not, your bag should not be substandard or have a low quality.

6. Fit your budget.
It is common sense and an accepted fact – bigger, more durable, more beautiful, and branded bags are more expensive than others. But this does not mean that you don’t have an option anymore. You won’t have to buy those boringly un-stylish and inferior bags.

Invest in garment travel bags that would last for a lifetime (well, almost). There are many retailers who offer quality bags at good prices. The Internet has several online retailers that offer big discounts. Mall and boutique sellers also tender huge savings when it goes on sale.