Pack Hack: How to Fold a Shirt for Travel

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.

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