Arriving at a business trip or wedding with a suitcase full of creased shirts is avoidable. The key is how you fold, how tightly you pack and which cloth you choose in the first place.
The flat-fold method
- Button the shirt up fully, including the collar, and lay it face down
- Fold each side inward to the middle of the back, then fold the sleeves down along the sides
- Fold the bottom third up, then the top third down, to make a neat rectangle
- Place collar stays in, or slide a thin card into the collar to protect its shape
Pack smart
Lay shirts flat on top of your other clothes instead of at the bottom, where they'll be crushed. Use a shirt folder or wrap shirts around softer items such as socks to create gentle curves instead of hard creases.
Fabrics that travel well
Textured weaves such as fine twill, oxford and herringbone hide creases better than flat, smooth poplin. Cotton-linen blends can look relaxed even when rumpled, which suits a travel wardrobe.
On arrival
- Unpack and hang shirts straight away
- Hang them in the bathroom while you shower; steam relaxes light creases
- Smooth collars and cuffs with your hands before they dry
Wrinkles come from compression and time. Reduce both and your shirts will arrive in good shape.
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