What you need to know about shirt folding for travel

You should always look your wrinkle-free best when traveling, whether for serious business or a carefree summer vacation in Tuscany.

This article explains the best way to fold a shirt for storage or transport. This origami-like art form is essential for the stylish traveler like yourself.

The right way to fold a shirt ensures that your clothes will remain wrinkle-free even after being stuffed into a small suitcase.

Learn the ins and outs of packing a travel wardrobe here.

You should know your preferred method of operation before you begin packing your shirts in a cunning manner. There are four primary options for storing dress shirts, and each has its own set of pros and cons.

Folding

The standard method of packing clothes for a trip is to fold them in half and create a square. Although it does a great job of keeping wrinkles at bay, it isn't exactly space or time efficient.

Rolling

This method, popularized by Japanese organizing guru Marie Kondo, entails rolling your garments like a rug into a tight cylinder. Shirts of the same size can be rolled together to take up much less room than would be necessary if they were packed individually.

Bundling

You may want to give bundling a try if you're taking a compact wardrobe full of delicate items in a variety of sizes on a trip. This space-saving method of folding shirts is challenging to master, but it results in virtually wrinkle-free dress shirts.

Using a vacuum sealer

For those who need to save a lot of room, vacuum packing is a practical option. You can pack a lot of clothes that don't fit standard sizes into a carry-on bag, but it takes time and effort.

A Guide to Shirt Folding for Travel

How to Fold a Dress Shirt? If you follow these simple steps, you'll soon be an expert in the technique.

1. Close the clasps In order to prevent wrinkles from forming during travel, you should button up your shirt before folding it (this step is unnecessary if you are folding a buttonless t-shirt). To avoid being lazy and skipping a few buttons, refrain from doing the following: It only takes a few seconds to do them up, and the results will be much better.
   
2. Swap the garment over. The shirt should be laid flat with the back facing you on a clean, flat surface. Spread out the shirt and make sure it's even.
3. Make a diagonal sleeve fold First, you'll want to put your finger on your shirt's collar, and then you'll want to fold one sleeve in half diagonally until it reaches the shirt's center. Make sure that the front is folded over the back about a third of the way. Switch to the other sleeve and carry on.
4. Bring the sleeves back up. Touch one shoulder and pull on the sleeve cuff to demonstrate. If you want the cuff to match the shoulder on the same sleeve, you should fold it back up in a diagonal motion. It's time to do it all over again for the other sleeve so that you can create a lovely flat V-shaped pattern.
5. Roll your shirt up the long way. Fold the bottom of your shirt up to your collar using both hands. Two folds (folding it in thirds) should be your goal when folding a long dress shirt. For shorter shirts, a simple fold in half will do.
6. Invert, wipe down, and stow Reverse your shirt so that the buttons are facing out. Iron out the wrinkles and pack the garment securely.

There are benefits and drawbacks to folding shirts for travel.

Now you know the proper way to pack a shirt for a trip. Is this, though, the best method you've found for folding shirts? Review the following benefits and drawbacks.

Pros

• Significantly lessen the appearance of wrinkles.
• Incredibly simple to put into action
• Excellent for wrinkle-prone but soft fabrics.

Cons

• Doesn't economize room
• Possesses the ability to fold over and form creases
• You'll have to dig around in your suitcase to find the right shirt because you can't see it all at once.

Packing advice: rolling clothing

I'm not sold on the folding technique. Check out these expert tips for rolling your shirts.

1. Go somewhere with a level surface. Look for a place that is clean and smooth. Fasten the buttons and spread the shirt flat, back side facing you.
2. Tuck the shirt's bottom into its top half vertically. If you put your finger on the left sleeve and fold the right one over so that the cuffs meet, you'll look sharp. To achieve this, simply fold your shirt in half vertically so that the front is facing you.
3. Condense the sleeveless tops Align the sleeve hem with the shirt's existing crease and fold both sleeves down toward the shirt's body.
4. Roll it up Gently roll the shirt up from the bottom until it reaches the collar. Now you can pack away your tidy little cylinder.

Rolling clothes for travel: pros and cons

Do you feel more comfortable rolling than cutting? Weigh the following benefits and drawbacks.

Pros

• Effectively and quickly carried out
• Excellent for those who prefer to travel with only carry-on bags because of the space it saves.
• No more digging around in your bag for what you need.
• The method is adaptable to a wide variety of clothing, including shirts, pants, and sweaters.

Cons

• Causes more wrinkles than it saves in folding
• Shirts that wrinkle easily shouldn't be washed in this.
• Not recommended for use with bulky clothing.

Luggage by Carl Friedrik

In addition to perfecting your travel-packing technique, having the appropriate luggage on hand is essential for keeping your most prized shirts in pristine condition during your trip.

The polycarbonate exterior of Carl Friedrik's hard-sided suitcases keeps your clothing and other belongings safe from wear and tear on the road.

Each suitcase also comes with a compression pad that can be removed and two compression straps that can be adjusted to accommodate your packing needs. These helpful add-ons help you save room by compressing your load, keeping your dress shirts wrinkle-free in transit.

You can find the ideal travel companion among our assortment of suitcases, whether you need a large suitcase for checking in or a compact one for carrying on.

Looking to upgrade your existing suitcase with a compression pad Additionally, we provide a selection of practical luggage add-ons.

Even if you're a master packer, your carefully pressed dress shirt may still get wrinkled in transit.

While an iron is typically provided in every hotel room, there are occasions when you won't have access to one. On the other hand, you shouldn't be concerned We have compiled some neat tricks that you can use to smooth over the bumps.

To do this quickly and easily, close all windows and doors to the bathroom, hang up your dress shirt outside the door, and enjoy a relaxing bath or shower.

If that isn't successful (or if you just don't want wet hair), you can always try using a blow dryer. Turn it up to high and zap the wrinkles flat, making sure to keep the exhaust a safe distance away from the fabric (about two inches) to prevent any charring.

If you can't get the creases out of your shirt collar, a hair straightener can be used as a makeshift flatiron. Please remember to clean the plates thoroughly before each use, and take care not to scorch the fabric by turning the heat up too high.

Finally, for our British readers, a nice cup of tea is the perfect way to remove wrinkles from a shirt. Start the stove and place the kettle's spout within 12 inches of the trouble area. When the lines have softened, it's time to sip some hot Earl Grey.

Takeaway

Is it better to fold or roll a dress shirt for travel?

There are benefits and drawbacks to both methods of shirt packing. It really just depends on what you find to be most effective.

Crinkles in your dress shirts? No problem! Just follow our simple folding instructions. However, you may want to give rolling a try if the prospect of reduced travel time and a smaller carry-on is more appealing.

You don't have to take a stance or commit to one side. Shirts that need to be folded or ironed less should be hung, while tees and other casual wear can be rolled or folded as desired.