The pros shared six top tips for looking polished right out of the bag.
You made a thoughtful list, meticulously checked it off, and think you packed for your trip to perfection. That is—until you open your bag to find your go-to dress looking like a wrinkled mess, hardly fit for vacation photos, a milestone occasion, or an important work meeting. But it doesn’t have to be that way. With a bit of preparation—and a few insider tips from the experts—you can unzip that bag to find your wardrobe ready for primetime right off the bat.
For tips on how to pack clothes without wrinkles, we tapped the pros for their top strategies. Bookmark these hacks ahead of your next trip to keep your outfits looking fresh, polished, and ready to go when you get there.
Less Is More
As much as you might be tempted, don’t overpack your suitcase. Giving your clothes room to breathe means less compression and, in turn, fewer wrinkles. “Not having to trawl through a bunch of clothes makes it so much easier to avoid wrinkles,” says SteamLine Luggage founder, Sara Banks, who has traveled the world with four kids in tow. “There is more space, fewer wrinkles, and it makes repacking a pleasure. Plus, it leaves room to bring home souvenirs.”
Invest In Packing Cubes
Packing cubes or organizational pouches are game changers for keeping your suitcase tidy and your clothes wrinkle-free. “This will help keep things orderly so everything has a place,” says Banks. “Rolling clothes or gently placing them in packing cubes helps to keep wrinkles away.” Packing cubes also keep items separated and organized, she says. (Plus, “they’re a great way to store dirty laundry separate from items that remain clean.”)
Roll Clothes, Don’t Fold Them
Rolling your clothes instead of folding them is a method well known to savvy packers; it saves space and helps prevent creases. “When it comes to packing clothes without wrinkles, I recommend rolling your garments instead of folding them,” says Monica Mahoney, designer of her eponymous clothing line. “This method not only saves space but also helps keep wrinkles at bay,”
To improve your organization, organize your rolled pieces vertically and tightly in your suitcase. This method—like Marie Kondo’s famous organizational strategy—also makes it easier to see all your wardrobe pieces at a glance.
Hang Clothes On Arrival
Once you arrive at your destination, take a few minutes to hang your clothes. This helps keep them wrinkle-free and ready to wear. If you notice a few creases, here’s a simple hack: hang your clothes in the bathroom while you shower. Banks suggests that the warm moisture from the steam will help release minor wrinkles.
Use Tissue Paper For Delicate Fabrics
Packing with tissue paper can be a game changer for more delicate fabrics. “You can place tissue paper between layers of delicate fabrics to reduce friction and keep your pieces looking fresh,” says Mahoney.
(If you’re traveling with a blazer or dress for a high-stakes occasion, consider a garment bag to keep it pristine.)
Pack Strategically Using Layers
“I suggest packing each item with intention, placing heavier items at the bottom of your suitcase and reserving the top layer for lighter, more delicate fabrics,” Mahoney says. Layering is key to minimizing wrinkles. Start by placing shoes and heavier items at the bottom of your suitcase. Lay rolled or folded clothes on top, and save the most delicate pieces for the top layer.
By packing smarter, not harder, you’ll spend less time worrying about wrinkles and more time enjoying your trip (and snapping fabulous photos along the way).
