One of the best parts of travelling and going on holidays overseas is dressing up for photo opps. You’ve excitedly planned which day to wear what ensemble and packed accordingly, perhaps using travel tips you’ve picked up here. The clothes, however, look creased and crumpled after being cramped into the luggage. Not a good look, especially if you’re travelling for work. That’s why we recommend bringing a travel clothing iron or garment steamer with you on your next trip. 

How to choose a travel iron or garment steamer

• Size and weight: Because they are made for travel, these clothing irons and garment steamers should naturally be small and compact. 
• Ironing preferences: On top of that, think about how you prefer to straighten the creases on your clothes — dry iron or wet steam — and how much weight you will allocate for the device. You might also want to pick iterations that allow for vertical and horizontal ironing, the latter especially if you have a business shirt that needs a sharp crease across the arm. 
• Voltage: Choose dual voltage options if you frequently travel to countries with different voltage levels than Singapore (220-240V), such as Japan, Taiwan, and America (110V).

Other uses for a travel clothing iron or garment steamer 

Besides making your clothes look sharp and creaseless, these travel clothing irons and garment steamers can also be used on hotel beds before sleeping on them. This would give you added peace of mind, given the news of bedbug proliferation in parts of Europe, South Korea, and around the world. 

At a glance: Travel irons and steamers 

• Most bang for buck: Philips Handheld Garment Steamer STH1000/16, $36
• Most lightweight: Newbealer Travel Iron with Dual Voltage, $48.86
• Multi-functional: Tefal Pure Pop Garment Steamer, $79

Philips Handheld Garment Steamer STH1000/16 ($36)

• Functionality: Steamer
• Weight: 520g

The Philips garment steamer starts steaming after just 35 seconds, making it a great option for those in a hurry. The water tanks hold 85ml of water and give off up to 18g of steam per minute. Philips offers a two-year global warranty on the product. Got a bigger budget? A more advanced version with a quicker steam rate is available here for $79. Philips Handheld Garment Steamer STH1000/16 ($36). Buy here

Newbealer Travel Iron with Dual Voltage ($49.82)

• Functionality: Dry iron
• Weight: 431g
• Voltage: Dual voltage

The lightest travel iron on this list, the Newbealer model is for those who dry iron only their clothing and don’t want to deal with potential leakages. But a mini spray bottle is included if you need some steam for extra straightening prowess. Otherwise, the soleplate heats up to 150 degrees Celsius and has a ceramic coating to resist sticking and wear. Lastly, the Newbealer travel iron has a 1.5m wire and dual voltage capabilities. Newbealer Travel Iron with Dual Voltage ($49.82). Buy here

Tefal Pure Pop Garment Steamer in Coral Red ($79)

• Functionality: Steamer
• Weight: 1,000g 
• Voltage: 230V

Available in three fun, bright colours — coral red, green, and yellow — this Tefal device is both a garment steamer and a lint remover. The former heats up in 15 seconds and offers an output of 20g of steam per minimum powered by a 70ml water tank. With a click of a button, the reversible pad system keeps the steam system to reveal the hair and lint removal side, all without scalding you. Lastly, the Tefal garment steamer has an extra long 2m power cord. Tefal Pure Pop Garment Steamer in Coral Red ($79). Buy here

Conair Travel Smart Dual Voltage Garment Steamer ($43.02)

• Functionality: Steamer
• Weight: 544g
• Voltage: Dual voltage

When filled to its maximum capacity, the Conair garment steamer offers up to 10 minutes of steam time. The device also has a detachable bristle and lint brush for finishing touches. The Conair garment steamer has a 2.4m wire and dual voltage capabilities making it suitable for travel. Conair Travel Smart Dual Voltage Garment Steamer ($43.02). Buy here

Sunbeam Travel Steam Iron ($38.89)

• Functionality: Dry iron with steam
• Weight: 758g
• Voltage: Dual voltage

The Sunbeam travel iron was made for the traditionalists who prefer the classic shape of clothing irons. Accented with an ergonomic handle and non-stick soleplate, the iron has a 70ml water tank you can fill to produce steam. There is a dial to control the heat settings too. Lastly, the Sunbeam travel iron has a 2.4m wire and dual voltage capabilities.  Sunbeam Travel Steam Iron ($38.89). Buy here

The Quilted Bear Mini Iron ($54.83) 

• Functionality: Dry iron with steam
• Weight: 495g
• Voltage: Dual voltage

This mini iron can be used for crafting and appliqué applications too. The Quilted Bear travel iron can be filled with up to 40ml of water to dry iron with steam up to 230 degrees Celsius. The handle, however, cannot be adjusted so you’ll have to get used to the grip. Otherwise, the soleplate is ceramic-coated. A hardshell carry case is also included for easy storage. The Quilted Bear Mini Iron ($54.83). Buy here

Jack & Rose Dual Voltage Travel Steamer for Clothes ($118.57)

• Functionality: Dry iron and steamer
• Weight: 680g
• Voltage: Dual voltage

What looks like a Dyson hair tool at first glance is actually both a dry iron and garment steamer. The dry iron ceramic-plated soleplate heats up to 150 degrees Celsius while the steam function gets as high as 120 degrees Celsius with up to 22g of steam per minute with the 150ml water tank. The settings are adjustable on the LED screen and the swivel steam head has a 360-degree rotation on this travel steamer, which comes with a two-year warranty too. There is a 2.2m cord and dual voltage capabilities. Jack & Rose Dual Voltage Travel Steamer for Clothes ($118.57). Buy here

Xiaomi Mijia Handheld Garment Steamer ($25.90)

• Functionality: Steamer
• Weight: 780g
• Voltage: 220V

Xiaomi’s garment steamer comes with a detachable water tank that holds 160ml of water, or enough to iron six adult-sized shirts each time. It takes 30 seconds to reach 130 degrees Celsius, which is sufficiently hot to straighten linen, cotton, and wool but not enough to damage silk and nylon. Steam dispersal is also enhanced with the 20 kPa micro-boosting, removing wrinkles without wetting the outfits. The Xiaomi garment steamer has a 1.6m rubber power cord, thermal fuse and insulation protection. Xiaomi Mijia Handheld Garment Steamer ($25.90). Buy here

Simplus Handheld Wet & Dry Dual Function Ironing Machine ($29.90)

Functionality: Dry iron and steamer 
Voltage: 220V

For those who want versatility without spending too much, consider this Simplus dual-function model. The water tank has a capacity of 120ml, and the iron gives off 14g of steam per minute. Otherwise, use it dry at temperatures of up to 135 degrees Celsius. The heated plate is made with cast aluminum and coated with non-stick Teflon. The handle swivels up to 180 degrees, so you can adjust the grip to match your personal preference. The Simplus iron has a 1.3m power cord and comes with a heat insulation bracket to rest the device on. Simplus Handheld Wet & Dry Dual Function Ironing Machine ($29.90). Buy here

Konka x Little Cofa 2in1 Portable Steam Iron & Travel Garment Steamer ($33.90) 

• Functionality: Dry iron and steamer
• Weight: 700g
• Voltage: 230V

Shaped almost like a showerhead, the Konka x Little Cofa iron and garment steamer does both dry iron and wet steaming. It gives off 20g per minute of steam with a water tank capacity of 80ml, or about two to three pieces of clothing. Heating up to 160 degrees Celsius, the ceramic-coated ironing panel can be rotated 90 degrees for flat ironing. Lastly, the Konka x Little Cofa iron and garment steamer has a 1.8m rubber wire, temperature control, and thermal wire protection. Konka x Little Cofa 2in1 Portable Steam Iron & Travel Garment Steamer ($33.90). Buy here