When you sloppily stuff shirts into your suitcase minutes before a big trip, you’re guaranteed to be greeted with wrinkles upon arrival. Instead, pack strategically to save space and minimize creased clothing. Learn how to fold a shirt for travel + more shirt secrets for tidy trekkers.
How to Fold a Shirt for Travel | T-Shirts & Casual Tops
You can’t rock your trip unless you roll—your shirts. For optimal suitcase storage, we recommend rolling over folding. Folding leaves lines on your tops, while rolling provides a smoother finish. This method also ensures you utilize corner space in your suitcase.
How to roll shirts for travel:
- Lay the shirt flat and turn the bottom 2 inches up, so the bottom hem is inside out.
- Fold one side lengthwise a third of the way in; repeat on the other side.
- Fold the entire shirt in half lengthwise.
- Roll tightly from the top to the bottom.
How to Fold Button Up Shirts for Travel
Button-up shirts are trickier than tees. The main reason? Slots between buttons create more space for wrinkles. Here’s how to stow button-ups better:
- Button the shirt.
- Lay it flat, button side down, with the arms out.
- Fold one sleeve over to the other side of the shirt, keeping a straight line from the armhole (slightly angled down).
- Fold the sleeve up so the cuff touches the collar.
- Repeat with the other sleeve.
- Fold one side of the shirt lengthwise so the edge comes slightly over the middle.
- Repeat with the other side.
- Fold the bottom of the shirt up 1/3 of the way.
- Fold again so the bottom meets the top.
Planning to pack a suit with your button-up top? Here’s how to quickly fold a shirt:
- Get a garment bag large enough to accommodate your entire ensemble.
- Hang the suit pants in the middle of the hanger’s bar. Button your shirt over the hanger and pants.
- Hang the suit coat. Make sure to button the coat over the shirt.
- Place in the garment bag and fold in half.
Now that you’re a shirt-stowing sensei, learn how to pack a suit coat.