The Ultimate Guide: Optimal Dress Packing Method - Rolling vs. Folding

Ensure you bring along a flawless dress devoid of any unsightly folds or creases by employing the correct packing technique – Image by Tamara Bellis (via Unsplash). In the course of preparing for your travels, it becomes necessary to allocate time for the task of packing. Though it may appear straightforward, there exist multiple methods to pack various clothing items. The predicament of choosing between rolling and folding arises, particularly when dealing with bulkier, longer garments like dresses.

Opting to roll your dresses in a meticulous manner proves the finest approach. This method surpasses folding in terms of saving time, space, and effort. Additionally, when executed correctly, it effectively prevents the unwanted formation of creases and wrinkles.

If you desire a thorough examination of the advantages offered by each packing technique, as well as an understanding of why rolling proves to be the superior choice for dresses, read on. Moreover, you can anticipate discovering the most appropriate packing method for dresses fashioned from different materials. For those who have reservations about rolling or folding, we shall also explore alternative options.

Folding provides several notable advantages over rolling when it comes to dresses. These advantages include:

The mere sight of an meticulously folded stack of clothing imparts an orderly appearance to one's suitcase. By folding all your dresses into identically-sized squares, you can create a neat stack inside your luggage.

Folding your dresses correctly enables you to save valuable suitcase space. However, this only applies to certain materials, such as cotton and linen. Other fabrics like wool and corduroy tend to occupy more volume when folded.

By smoothing out your garments prior to folding, you can prevent the formation of wrinkles during your journey. Furthermore, folding along existing creases aids in avoiding the formation of new ones.

In contrast, rolling dresses provides numerous advantages over folding. These advantages include:

If your suitcase or backpack possesses a top-loading design, rolling becomes the preferred method. Rolled dresses remain secure during transit, and packing them into your bag becomes significantly easier.

With the exception of skilled folders, rolling proves the faster of the two methods. By removing all wrinkles and creases beforehand, you can simply lay your dresses flat and roll them up.

Although folding clothes into neat squares may appear visually appealing, it leaves substantial unused space in your suitcase. Rolling your dresses allows you to utilize these vacant areas by wedging them into empty corners.

When wrinkles and creases are eliminated before rolling, this method proves effective in preventing wrinkling of the dresses. This is especially true for materials such as satin, fleece, and rayon.

Though not a critical advantage if you intend to unpack upon arrival at your destination, it remains a noteworthy consideration. When dresses are rolled and neatly laid out within your suitcase, you have a clear view of all your options, making it easier to locate the one you desire.

Were you aware that the material your dress is fashioned from dictates the most suitable packing method?

Dresses made from the following materials necessitate folding, as they possess a higher susceptibility to wrinkling within your suitcase:

• Cotton
• Linen
• Hemp

In contrast, dresses composed of the following materials display great resistance to wrinkling, allowing for either packing method. However, rolling proves preferable for some wrinkle-resistant materials due to their bulkiness when folded:

• Chiffon

• Denim
• Polyester
• Wool
• Satin
• Fleece
• Corduroy
• Rayon

If you seek an honest response, it is without a doubt that rolling surpasses folding as the superior method of packing. This is especially evident when considering its multitude of advantages over folding. Moreover, if you harbor concerns about avoiding unsightly wrinkles and creases through rolling, rest assured that most dresses are crafted from materials resistant to such issues.

Contrary to popular belief, rolling and folding are not the sole packing methods at your disposal. While they may hold the majority's favor, there exist four alternative approaches to consider when packing your dresses for your forthcoming journey.

Among these methods, travel hangers remain a beloved choice among brides and those in the fashion industry. Notably, employing travel hangers is the most effective means of reducing wrinkles, friction, and harm to garments. Should your transportation allowance permit, one possible approach is to hang your dresses and shield them with garment bags.

For the meticulously organized packers and travelers, the utilization of packing cubes for dresses is worth contemplating. These cubes, composed of plastic or fabric with mesh tops and zippers, provide a convenient means of compartmentalizing your garments. Although the choice between folding and rolling remains, the decision becomes easier as each dress can be packed within its own cube.

It is noteworthy that packing cubes, also referred to as suitcase dividers, feature within our comprehensive collection of travel essentials for women. Hence, we advise you to consult this list for further essentials to include in your packing for the upcoming journey.

In the realm of alternative manners of packing dresses, the bundling or wrapping technique deserves recognition. This entails layering your dresses atop each other within the suitcase while placing undergarments or other soft and loose items in the middle. Then, proceed to fold each side inward until nothing extends beyond the confines of the suitcase. Typically suited for complete outfits, this method also proves effective for dresses and other garments.

On a similar note, compression bags share similarities with packing cubes, but with an additional capability to compress the air within your clothes. This results in significantly increased space within your suitcase, particularly for voluminous dresses necessitating compression for accommodation.

Now that you possess insight into the finest method for packing dresses, it is enlightening to discover what items to include and factors to consider for your journey. We have compiled our top guides for 5-day and 3-week packing lists.