Ensuring your garments arrive at their destination wrinkle-free and damage-free is critical to any growing fashion business. While some might think any box will do, the reality is that packaging high-end garments requires careful consideration.
Here’s what designers and distributors of high-end garments need to think about when shipping to avoid common pitfalls and protect their brand’s reputation.
Unique Challenges of Shipping High-End Garments
A standard box just won’t do for non-standard garments made from delicate fabrics with intricate details because they require special care to maintain their shape when shipping. Prone to wrinkling, fabric damage or structural deformities if not packed with care, improper handling of high-end garments can lead to costly returns and frustrated customers. That’s why choosing the correct packaging and shipping method for your high-end garments is critical to protecting them.
Garment Shipping Considerations
An industry standard for wrinkle-free shipping is the garment box or hanger pack. Since the garments ship hanging rather than folded, the fabrics are less prone to creasing. Hanger packs provide a right-size, eco-friendly option. Now let’s explore the packaging factors that play a critical role in protecting your items.
Box Size
A box that’s too short will cause the bottom of garments to become squished or bunched up, causing wrinkles or deformities, especially in longer items like coats or dresses. Taller boxes, however, are more prone to topple over in transit. The sweet spot is just enough height to accommodate the garment’s full length without too much extra room. Custom-sized boxes are a great way to reduce the risk of garment movement, optimize space during transit, and reduce the possibility of the box falling over.
Hanger Packs: Flat vs. Notched Bars
The hanger bars nestled inside garment boxes prevent wrinkling and ensure the garments stay securely in place during shipping. Notched wooden bars with slats on top provide a specific space for each hanger to rest in, holding them in place during transit. Flat bars without notches are more cost-effective and work well for most shipments if the box is filled and padded properly to keep the garments in place.
Padding & Cushioning
If you offer garments with extra embellishments like beading or pieces made from extra-delicate fabrics, consider adding tissue paper or bubble wrap for extra cushion and care during transit.
Essentials for Damage-Free Garment Shipping
- Choose hanger packs for shipment of items that will wrinkle or damage if folded.
- Select the right size box.
- Use additional padding and protection for extra-delicate items.
- Opt for eco-friendly corrugated hanger packs with reusable bars.
At President Industrial Products (PIP), we’ve been helping businesses like yours care for luxury garments since poodle skirts were in style. Today, we’re the leaders in the Tri-State area in commercial packaging and shipping supplies!
Connect with a PIP expert today and we’ll connect you with the packaging solutions you need to ship your high-end garments with the same amount of care and attention to detail that went into crafting them in the first place.