Keeping Clothes Wrinkle-Free in Your Suitcase

Use the bundle wrapping method or layer your clothes with plastic dry-cleaner bags to prevent friction. Avoid folding clothes into tight, small squares; instead, roll them or wrap them around a central core to minimize crease lines.

1. Use plastic bags as barriers. Place each garment inside a thin plastic dry-cleaning bag before packing it. The plastic creates a slick surface that allows fabric to slide against itself rather than bunching up, which is the primary cause of wrinkles.
2. The bundle wrap technique. Start with your least wrinkle-prone items (like leggings or underwear) to create a core. Wrap your more structured items, like button-down shirts or blazers, around this core one by one. Smooth each layer down as you go to keep tension even.
3. Rolling for casual items. For t-shirts and jeans, use the rolling method. Lay the item flat, fold the sleeves in, and roll tightly from the bottom hem to the collar. This compression actually helps prevent deep creases.
4. Immediate unpacking. As soon as you arrive, hang your clothes in the bathroom while you take a hot shower. The ambient steam will relax any minor wrinkles that formed during transit.

Does tissue paper actually work?

Yes. If you are folding, placing a sheet of acid-free tissue paper between layers of fabric prevents the fibers from rubbing against each other, which reduces friction and wrinkles.

What should I do if I arrive and my suit is still wrinkled?

Hang the suit in the bathroom while running a hot shower. If that doesn't work, use a portable steamer or simply hold the garment over a boiling tea kettle for a few seconds.