How To Pack Clothes Without Wrinkles: Guide To Wrinkle-Free Travel Wardrobe

Whether it is a vacation or a business trip, clothes packing is something almost everybody fret over. The last thing one wants is to roam the streets of an exciting foreign land in outfits with creases on them. So, learning How to pack clothes without wrinkles is crucial.

We have the answer to your prayers. Our team has compiled a list of tips and tricks for your convenience. Read on to find out how to assemble a wrinkle-free travel wardrobe.

1. Some Ground Rules

Most people would jump straight into packing as a default. While it isn't a fatal mistake, things could quickly go south due to poor preparation. With that in mind, what should you do beforehand?

The Right Bag/Suitcase Goes A Long Way

Pick the right backpack, and you already have a head start!

Choosing a good backpack or suitcase that best fits your luggage content is a cardinal rule. Aviation baggage will be moved around quite a lot, and an ill-suited container runs the risk of rumpling clothes. 

For starters, opt for suitcases with broad and flat bottoms to help eliminate unsightly creases from inbuilt ridges. A right-sized portmanteau would also keep things neat and prevent jumbled-up clothing.

Tips: Avoid stuffing, as this puts more pressure on clothing items, making them wrinkle faster. Things should fit snugly, no more, no less.

Materials Matter 

A quality article of travel clothes begins with the right type of fabric. Keep the bad ones at bay! Photo by Polina Tankilevitch on Pexels

Before learning how to keep packed clothes from wrinkling, know your friend and foes. Some materials are more wrinkle-prone than others, so be aware of this matter when picking out what to put in your suitcase. 

Your wardrobe contains a myriad of different fabrics, and these are the ones you should steer clear of at all costs: 

• Cotton
• Hemp
• Linen (flax)
• Silk

The following list contains materials with wrinkle-resistant properties, making them more packing friendly:

• Lycra
• Nylon
• Denim
• Knits (wool, cashmere): Larger yarns are less likely to wrinkle than loose-knit ones. 
• Bamboo rayon
• Lyocell.

2. Packing Methods To Keep Your Clothes Wrinkle-Free

Bundle Wrapping

Pros:

• If done right, the tension created from stretching would eliminate most wrinkles in your clothes and keep them that way until unpacking. 
• Save space as all items are fastened into a neat bundle. 

Cons: 

• May be a hassle for TSA (Transportation Security Administration) search.
• Not for grab-and-go convenience.

There is a lot of buzz around this technique as it is a far cry from conventional doings such as folding or rolling. While it might take a minute to get the hang of it, the outcome is absolutely worthwhile. 

• Step 1: Wrap socks or underwear in a t-shirt of choice to make a core. Be sure to keep your grip tight.
• Step 2: Lay your clothes flat and layer them on top of one another.
• Step 3: Bring the core back into the stack’s centre and begin to wrap your bundle. Smooth out any potential bumps during the process.
• Step 4: Pop the garment “burrito” into your suitcase.

Tips: Place shirts horizontally and trousers vertically, and stack thinner items on top for better efficiency.

Rolling

Rolling clothes for packing is living proof of the saying: “Old but gold”. It is a virtually one-size-fits-all method with easy-to-follow steps. Smooth the seams of your garments, fold, roll and secure them in place. It’s that simple. 

It is a general rule that you place least-likely-to-wrinkle items in the middle and vice versa. By doing this, you are giving them a larger surface area, thus, lowering the likelihood of creases.

Folding

The traditional way works like a charm. Photo by Sarah Brown on Unsplash

Pros:

• Simplicity: the method renders unpacking a breeze. 
• Suitable for formal wear since they stay in form better when folded.

Cons:

• Your clothes are highly susceptible to wrinkles and creases as hard edges are an inevitable product of folding.
• Visibility is not so great. With garments stacked on top of each other, you will have a harder time spotting items and grabbing them.

Another classic! Folding clothes seems like second nature to most people. However, doing so for travel packing requires a different level of finesse. Check out our ultimate shirt folding guide and learn to do it the right way.

The “Goody Two-Shoes” Hack

It is a rookie mistake to leave small garments like socks, ties and belts unattended. They pose hindrances to larger items in the pack. Roll and stash them in your shoes and place the heavier stuff at the bottom of your bag to stop them from creasing lighter clothing. 

Make Use Of Tissue Papers And Dry Cleaning Bags

Wrappings are used to keep clothes from rubbing against each other. Photo by Kampus Production on Pexels

Friction is the number one enemy of travel clothing. A little-known trick is placing tissue paper in the centre of your clothing item before folding it. This should keep the layers from clashing in transport. Less friction means lower chances of wrinkles.

For double protection, dry cleaning bags/plastic wraps are brought into play. Wrapping individual pieces in a bag reduces friction between different items. Hence, making them more wrinkle-resistant. A normal plastic bag will do if you don’t have the specific kind at hand. 

3. Useful Items For Wrinkle-Free Travel Clothing

Packing Cubes