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If you're trying to save space in your suitcase or drawers, consider rolling your clothes instead of folding them. When rolling garments, it’s crucial to smooth out wrinkles as you fold and roll each item. Be cautious about rolling clothes made from delicate or rigid fabrics—these materials can become damaged or excessively wrinkled when rolled.
Steps
Rolling Shirts
Start by laying the shirt face down on a flat surface. Gently smooth out any wrinkles using your hands. This step is critical—wrinkles left in the fabric as you roll will set permanently.
- Only roll shirts made from medium-weight fabrics. Delicate or stiff materials will wrinkle easily.
- If you must roll shirts made from delicate or stiff fabrics, be prepared to iron or dry clean them before wearing.
Fold the sleeves inward towards the center of the shirt. Start by folding the left sleeve in towards the shirt’s middle. Then, fold the right sleeve over the left one. Smooth out any wrinkles by gently pressing them with your hands.
- For long-sleeve shirts, fold the sleeves diagonally across the back so that they form an “X.” Smooth out any wrinkles.
- If you are folding a collared shirt, be sure to unfold the collar and smooth out any wrinkles as well.
Roll the shirt tightly. Take the bottom hem and fold it up by about an inch. Smooth any wrinkles out. Start rolling from the hem all the way up to the collar, rolling as tightly as you prefer. Remember to continue smoothing the fabric as you roll.
- Your rolled shirts can be stored neatly in a drawer.
- If you're preparing for a trip, place your rolled shirts inside a 1-gallon plastic bag to keep them secure and prevent them from unrolling.
Rolling Trousers
Lay the pants flat on a surface. Position the pants so the waistband is closest to you. Use your hands to carefully smooth out any wrinkles or creases.
- If you skip the smoothing step, wrinkles will set into the fabric, making it harder to remove them later.
Fold the pants in half. When folding, make sure the back pockets face outward. Use your hands to smooth the fabric out evenly.
- Avoid rolling pants made from fabrics prone to wrinkling, such as linen, as they will be harder to manage.
Roll the pants up tightly. Begin at the waistband and carefully roll the pants down toward the hem of each leg. While rolling, make sure to smooth out any wrinkles that might form.
- For an even, straight roll, use both hands to maintain control.
Rolling Skirts
Place the skirt flat on a surface. Arrange the skirt so that the top is facing up, with the waist closest to you. Smooth the fabric out to eliminate any creases or wrinkles.
- If you roll a skirt with creases, those wrinkles will become permanent in the fabric.
Fold the skirt into thirds. Start by folding the left side of the skirt toward the center. Then, fold the right side over the left.
- Be sure to smooth out the fabric between each fold to avoid setting any wrinkles.
Roll the skirt tightly. Using both hands, roll the skirt from the waist down to the hem. As you roll, continue to smooth out any wrinkles that appear.
- Always roll away from your body, not towards it, for a more consistent roll.
Rolling Items That Are Prone to Wrinkles
Place the item in a plastic garment bag. Hang the wrinkle-sensitive item on a hanger and cover it with a plastic garment bag.
- The garment bag will help keep the item from developing wrinkles.
Lay the garment bag flat on a surface. Position the item so the hanger is furthest from you. Smooth out any wrinkles in both the item and the garment bag using your hands.
- Taking time to smooth out folds and creases will prevent wrinkles from setting into the garment.
Fold and roll the garment bag. Fold the sides of the garment bag inward towards the center. Fold the excess plastic at the bottom up. Starting from the hem, loosely roll the item towards the hanger.
- As you fold and roll, continue smoothing out any wrinkles or creases that appear.
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Once your clothes are rolled, pack them into the suitcase with the open end of the roll facing down or tightly pack them together to prevent them from unrolling.
Important Warnings
- Only roll clothes made from medium-weight, soft fabrics. For formal clothing made from stiffer materials or delicate, lightweight fabrics, it's best to fold them instead.
