Should You Roll or Fold Clothes When Packing?

With airlines charging fees for checked luggage while also becoming more strict with carry-on requirements, smaller suitcases or carry-on bags are often the less expensive option.

Frequent travelers know how to squeeze in plenty of clothing and personal items for trips long and short by expertly folding or rolling.

When it comes to the rolling vs. folding debate, both methods have their advantages and disadvantages.

Bundle wrapping, however, is a more obscure travel tip that could best fit your needs when it comes time to pack clothes.

Tightly rolling clothes into compact pieces allows for much tighter packing that fits more items from your packing list into the suitcase.

The rolling method also cuts down on creases but makes some rolled items into wrinkly messes.

Rolling can be used on small items, especially types of clothing made of synthetic fabrics, such as nylon or Lycra, that are less likely to wrinkle than natural fabrics, such as cotton. It works well for shorts, swimsuits, socks, synthetic T-shirts and tank tops, some pajamas and sweats.

Tip

Try the “Ranger Roll” for the best way to keep your rolled clothes wrinkle-free

Folding clothes is the quickest packing technique and is preferred over rolling for pieces of clothing that easily wrinkle such as a cotton button-down shirt or linen. Fold items along their existing creases.

For example, follow the creases of jeans or pants. Be warned, unwanted creases will show up where the garment is folded in half and the bottom of the pile is more likely to wrinkle. Be sure to make unpacking a priority when you arrive at your destination to cut back on cumbersome ironing.

Tip

A classic packing tip for the best way to keep your folded clothes wrinkle-free is to put them in a packing cubes. Not only does it take up less space, but you can use it as an easy way to separate your clean clothes from your dirty clothes.

Bundle wrapping is a space saving packing method that packs the clothes into one solid bundle that fits snugly into your suitcase. It is also a practice that will leave you with the fewest wrinkles and unwanted creases, especially for items such as dresses or skirts.

The trick is to put the smallest and most wrinkle-resistant items of clothing on the inside of the bundle, surrounding it by layers of larger and more easily wrinkled garments.

Take note, follow this order from inner clothes to outer for the most success. Start with shorts, which are then wrapped in sweaters or knits; sturdy pairs of pants and dress pants; short-sleeved and then long-sleeved and button-up shirts; dresses; skirts; and bulky clothes or jackets.