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Welcome to Day 14 of 30 Days to Packing a Better Bag.
As discussed in the last post (Day 13: Rolling vs. Folding), different ways of packing can serve different purposes.
Rolling and using compression sacks helps the traveler who wants to save space, while folding clothing might be preferred for the business traveler with slacks and button-down shirts.
Preventing wrinkles is probably one of the toughest parts of packing because clothing that is squished and rattled around inside a bag or suitcase will inevitably come out with a few extra lines. For the most part, a few wrinkles never hurt us, but if your travel comes with a bit more purpose (like work, a wedding, or something that’s more upscale) then you’ll want to keep your wrinkles to a minimum.
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Wrinkle Fighting Tactics
When packing, there are a few techniques you can use to keep your clothes as wrinkle-free as possible.
Rolling
Rolling your clothing can help minimize wrinkles since it keeps your clothing taut without hard creases.
However, depending on how the article of clothing is folded before it is rolled, you could end up with a big crease down the front of your shirt. This is a common side effect of the rolling method, but if space and organization are your main concerns, then this isn’t a huge problem.
Folding with Tissue Paper
We learned this trick a while ago. Folding shirts and slacks with a piece of tissue paper or plastic bag in the middle can help to reduce wrinkles. This is because the slippery texture reduces the friction on the fabric.
However, unless you have several layers of something in the middle of the fold, you will still end up with creases of sorts from the folds.
Using Wrinkle-Resistant Fabrics
Many synthetic fabrics have the bonus of being wrinkle-resistant. So, that technical clothing we talked about in a previous post, the ones that are often anti-microbial, quick-drying, and moisture-wicking, are also the kind that help you get dressed right out of your backpack or suitcase without looking like a slob.
Types of wrinkle-resistant fabrics:
- Lycra
- Polyester
- Nylon
There are also some natural fibers that are great for staying wrinkle-free like Merino wool and bamboo.
- Learn more about the best fabric for travel in this blog post: Best Fabrics for Travel Clothing
Bundle Rolling or Wrapping
Another option for reducing wrinkles is by bundle wrapping your clothes. This method involves creating a pouch of wrinkle-resistant clothing (like socks, a swimsuit, and so on) and wrapping the rest of your minimal wardrobe around it from the least likely to become wrinkled to the most.
What this does is it helps to keep your clothing taut while reducing the folds (and thus reducing creases). While we see the benefit of this method for certain trips and articles of clothing, we don’t think it is the best for packing into a smaller, compressed space.
How to Get Rid of Wrinkles
Sometimes, even our best efforts will end in wrinkles. These methods will make getting rid of them as easy as possible. The rub-rub-rub straight with your hands method isn’t always going to cut it (you know what we’re talking about). We’ve discussed a few of these tactics in our looking professional while traveling post, which you can read further to get more ideas for that type of travel.
Hanging Clothes on Arrival
Once you get to your destination, take your clothes out of your luggage and hang them up. Taking away the pressure of being squished in a bag combined with the natural force of gravity will lead to fewer wrinkles.
Hanging Clothes Near a Shower
During a hot, hot shower, hang your wrinkled clothes in the bathroom so that the steam can help to release the wrinkles. Keep in mind that it might take a long shower or two to make this work well.
Pack a Travel Iron
Most hotels will have irons, and some hostels may, too, but if you’re going to be somewhere where it might not be available, pack a travel iron or travel steamer. This is only if it is necessary. If you’re the type of traveler who also packs a flat iron, then you could potentially use it to iron out some lines.
Wrinkle Releaser
There are travel sized bottles of wrinkle-releasing spray that can be applied to the areas in question. Once damp, stretch, rub, and tug the fabric a bit before hanging to dry.
Dampen the Area in Question
Dampen the winkled section before stretching and tugging the fabric taut. Let hang dry, or use a blow dryer to speed up the process.
Use a Damp Towel
Lay your wrinkled item flat and lay a warm, damp towel on top. Press and smooth out the towel.
Toss in the Dryer
A lot of hostels and hotels will have a washer and dryer, so if you really need something de-wrinkled, try popping it in the dryer for about 15 minutes with a damp sock or towel.
Wrinkle-Resistant Travel Clothing
If you don’t want to deal with wrinkles at all on your travels, we’ve found some examples of wrinkle-resistant travel clothing. We personally haven’t tested these but we’ve rounded up some options so you can get an idea of what to look for.
Wool& Chloe Dress
Merino wool is naturally wrinkle-resistant making this an obvious choice. Not to mention all of the other benefits; breathable, odor-resistant, temperature-regulating, naturally soft, and quick-drying.
Karina Margaret Dress
The Margaret Dress is made from a polyester/spandex fabric that is naturally wrinkle-free. The design is effortlessly chic and versatile, dress it up or down for any occasion. Plus it comes in inclusive sizing ranging from XS to 4XL
- Check out this blog post for some more travel dresses: Top Travel Dresses for Every Trip + How to Pack Them Right
SCOTTeVEST Tatum Travel Tank
While we love SCOTTeVEST for their pocket-heavy designs, the fabric they use is also wrinkle-resistant. The Tatum Travel Tank has one hidden pocket and is made from a combination of bamboo, cotton, and spandex. In addition to being wrinkle-resistant, it is also lightweight, moisture-wicking, breathable, and anti-microbial.
Anatomie Breck Shorts
The Breck Shorts are designed with Anatomie’s signature lightweight, wrinkle-resistant stretch fabric that keeps its shape no matter what your travel day throws at you. These versatile shorts are comfortable enough for travel but tailored enough for nicer settings.
Wayre Jetsetter Trousers
The Wayre Jetsetter Trousers are hyper lightweight and ultra compactible. They’re designed for packing light (which we love!). The four way stretch fabric is spill-proof, stink-proof, and of course, anti-wrinkle. As a bonus, these pants come with six (yes, six!) pockets, one of which is zippered, and the sizing range is inclusive from size 00 to size 24.
- For more great travel pants options, check out this blog post: Women’s Travel Pants with the Best Pockets
Suitably The 24/7 Blazer
This is the perfect blazer for a business traveler, but it’s also great for throwing on over a casual outfit. Dress it up or down for whatever the occasion demands. This blazer is made from a wrinkle-free blend of polyester, rayon, and spandex.
- Find more packable blazer options in this blog post: The Best Packable Blazers for Women Who Travel Light
Bluffworks Cardigan
This smart casual cardigan is a great piece for layering. In addition to being wrinkle-resistant, the fabric is also breathable, odor-resistant, moisture-wicking, and quick-drying. Plus it comes with two secret phone pockets which are hidden inside the front slash pockets.
Alternatively, you could embrace the wrinkles and wear something with a bit more texture like these pieces…
Blue Bungalow Crinkle Dress
The Blue Bungalow Crinkle Dresses are made to be, you guessed it, crinkled. Their crinkle cotton is the ultimate no-fuss fabric, you simply roll it up in your bag and when you get to your destination, it’s ready to be worn, no ironing required. They come in a wide range of styles, colors, patterns, and sizes. You’ll be sure to find something you love.
Eddie Bauer Thistle Textured V-Neck T-Shirt
This textured t-shirt is made from a lightweight, crinkled polyester/cotton blend. No ironing necessary!
Eddie Bauer also makes a collared t-shirt, a crewneck, and pants from the same material.
Take Action: Test It Out
Try the different packing techniques to prevent wrinkles to see how they leave your clothes looking in a day or two.
If left wrinkled, test out some techniques for removing wrinkles without an iron.
Next time you go shopping for travel clothes, keep an eye out for wrinkle-resistant materials, that way you won’t have to worry about wrinkles at all!
Do you have any other techniques for keeping items wrinkle-free or removing wrinkles? Let us know in the comments below.
- PREVIOUS – Day 13: Rolling vs. Folding: Which Saves More Space?
- NEXT – Day 15: Explore Travel Size Hair Products
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Loving this series, I’m always looking for new packing tips!!!
I travel with a small empty spray bottle. Once I get to my destination I just mist all my clothes with plain water and stretch/tug et and hang… works well. I used to travel with the bundle method but I found that if you are on the move you are constantly unbundling and re bundling. I now use the roll method – takes up less space but does increase wrinkles.
That bundle-wrapping just blew my mind. How could I have never known about this?? I cannot wait to test it out!
awesome.the bundle fold is great
For a special item that I can not afford to get wrinkled I will put it in a small plastic box and then in the suit case. This way nothing else touches the item or it feels no pressure from the other items in the suit case..