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Explore quick and efficient ways to fold a shirt when packing.
There are multiple techniques to fold a dress shirt or any shirt properly for travel. By following this guide, you'll keep your shirts neat, wrinkle-free, and ready for the journey. Check out the steps below, and get expert advice on folding and removing wrinkles from professional organizer Marty Stevens-Heebner, SMM-C, CPO, and closet expert Caitlin Jaymes.
The Best Technique for Folding a Dress Shirt When Traveling
- Fasten all buttons on the shirt.
- Place the shirt face down on a smooth surface.
- Fold the sleeves inward along the armpit seams to form an 'X' shape.
- Fold each sleeve over itself, creating a 'V' shape.
- Fold the bottom of the shirt up in thirds, so it forms a neat square.
- Pack the shirt in your bag with the front facing up.
Folding Steps
How to Fold a Dress Shirt
Place your dress shirt on a flat surface. Lay it button-side up on a smooth surface such as a table, chair, or bed. Gently smooth out the front and back of the shirt to reduce wrinkles as you fold it.
Fasten the buttons on your shirt. While buttoning all the buttons helps minimize wrinkles, it can take longer to unbutton when you reach your destination. To save time, consider buttoning only the top, bottom, and center buttons.
Turn your shirt over so the button side is facing down. The folding process will now be completed on the back of the shirt. After flipping it, smooth both sides to ensure no wrinkles are left as you fold.
Fold one sleeve towards the middle of the shirt. Align the crease so it runs just below the collar. Keep the sleeve straight and fold it at a diagonal angle so the cuff aligns near the shirt's bottom hem on the opposite side.
- You can start with either the left or right sleeve.
Fold the other sleeve toward the center. Repeat the same folding motion as you did with the first sleeve. Keep the second sleeve straight as you fold it inward, ensuring that both sleeves slightly overlap to form an 'X' shape.
Fold each sleeve upwards over itself. Hold the top and bottom of the sleeve to keep it steady. Fold the sleeve over itself, bringing the cuff toward the collar. This creates a 'V' shape with the two sleeves.
- Do this for both the left and right sleeves.
Fold the shirt from the hem upwards in thirds. If the shirt is shorter, you may only need to fold it in half. For most shirts, fold the hem upwards in a third of the shirt's length. Then, fold it a second time, aligning the first fold with the shirt's collar.
Flip your folded shirt and pack it. Place it button-side up in your suitcase to avoid the buttons coming undone or getting scratched. Repeat this folding method for all your shirts to prepare for your trip.
- Jaymes recommends packing shirts on top in your luggage to avoid wrinkles. “Keep them clear of shoes or toiletry bags,” she suggests.
Rolling Your Shirt to Save Space
Place your shirt flat, facing up. Lay it on a smooth, flat surface like a table or chair to allow for tight, neat rolls. Smooth out any wrinkles with your hands to prepare it for folding.
Turn the hem of your shirt inside-out about 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5.1 cm). Flip both the front and back edges of the hem inward to create a small 'pocket' for tucking in the rest of the shirt later.
- While you can roll your shirt without this fold, it helps prevent the shirt from unrolling during storage.
Fold the sides of the shirt inward in thirds. Starting on one side, pinch the sleeve and shirt bottom, then fold it toward the center about a third of the way across. Do the same on the opposite side.
Fold your sleeves so they overlap. Begin by facing the sleeves outward from each other. Lift one side and lay the opposite sleeve underneath it, then flatten both sleeves on top of one another.
- Make sure the folds are as neat and flat as possible.
Turn your shirt upside down and roll it from the collar upwards. Grab the shoulders of the shirt and begin rolling tightly and evenly towards the 'pocket' you created earlier. Keep the roll straight to avoid uneven bulk.
- If needed, you can roll it again to make the bundle more compact and neat.
Secure the edge of your rolled shirt inside the bottom fold. With both hands, open the pocket you created earlier and pull it over the rolled shirt. Tuck the roll firmly into the fold to prevent it from unrolling while packing.
- The tuck is optional, and you can roll your shirts without it, but it helps keep them secure.
Place all your rolled shirts at the bottom of your suitcase. This creates a flat and stable base, making room for other items like pants or dresses.
- To maximize space, consider rolling other clothes like pants and sweaters as well.
- According to Stevens-Heebner, “Rolling won't prevent all wrinkles, but it certainly helps reduce them in your clothes.”
Folding Shirts Together to Minimize Wrinkles
Begin with one folded shirt and one unfolded shirt. If you have two unfolded shirts, start by folding one of them using the steps above. Once folded, place it inside the shirt you are about to fold, near the end of the process. This technique reduces wrinkles and saves space.
Place the unfolded shirt flat with the back facing down. Ensure the back of the shirt is facing up. For button-down shirts, button them all before flipping the shirt over. Use a flat surface, such as a table or bed, to make the fold.
- You can fold dress shirts, T-shirts, and sweaters together, or pair similar shirts for folding.
Fold your sleeves in and down along the sides of the shirt. Start by placing your palm inside the shoulder seam, then fold the sleeve over it. Align the sleeve with the side of the shirt so it creates a straight line. Repeat with the other sleeve.
Fold each sleeve inward over itself. Begin with the left sleeve by lifting the outer edge and creasing it so both sides of the sleeve meet. Do the same with the right sleeve.
- As you fold, smooth out the shirt to ensure it’s perfectly flat and wrinkle-free.
Fold the hem upwards about 3 to 5 inches (7.6 to 12.7 cm). Grab the hem with both hands and fold it up by approximately 3 to 5 inches, which is about a quarter of the shirt’s length. This prevents excess length from hanging over the fold later on.
Place your second folded shirt on top of the flat shirt. Take the shirt you’ve already folded and position it at the bottom of the shirt you’re about to fold, with the button-side facing up. Ensure it covers the top edge of the hem that you just folded upwards.
Fold the flat shirt around the folded shirt. Grasp the bottom of the flat shirt with both hands and pull it upwards toward the collar, effectively folding the shirt in half. Your pre-folded shirt will now be nestled between the top and bottom halves of the first shirt.
Pack your folded shirts with the buttons facing up. Since the inner shirt is securely folded inside the other, it’s less prone to wrinkling. Additionally, by packing them together, they’ll occupy slightly less space in your suitcase.
- If you’re aiming to save even more space, try bundle wrapping. This method involves folding pants, sweaters, and other clothes around each other to form a compact, square bundle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it better to roll or fold shirts for travel? It depends—each method has its advantages. Folding is typically better for dress shirts as it helps minimize wrinkles, while rolling button-down shirts can cause creases. However, rolled clothes tend to take up less space in your suitcase compared to folded ones.
- If your shirts are made from wrinkle-resistant fabric or don’t have buttons, rolling may be a better option, allowing you to fit more items in your bag.
- Rolling also makes it easier to find shirts in your suitcase. When folded, shirts are stacked, and you may need to search through them to find the one you need.
How can you prevent dress shirts from wrinkling while traveling? In addition to folding or rolling your shirt properly, place it at the top of your suitcase. Avoid having it squished under other items, like shoes, as this can lead to wrinkles caused by friction. You can also use a packing cube for your dress shirts to keep them protected from wrinkles.
What should you do if your shirt gets wrinkled during travel? The best solution is to steam or iron your shirt to remove any creases caused by the trip. If you're pressed for time, consider using an anti-wrinkle spray. Another trick is to hang your shirt in the bathroom while you take a shower, allowing the steam to loosen the wrinkles, suggests Jaymes.
- If you’re staying at a hotel, check if they offer laundry services, including ironing or pressing clothes. Alternatively, you can find a local laundry service that can help.
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Iron or steam your shirts before wearing them, or opt for the laundry service at your hotel to have them pressed.
