How to Fold Dress Shirts for Travel

Traveling with dress shirts can be challenging, as you want to arrive at your destination with shirts that are wrinkle-free and ready to wear. Properly folding your dress shirts is key to keeping them in good condition during your journey. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to fold dress shirts for travel:

Materials You’ll Need:

• Dress shirts
• A flat surface or clean table
• Tissue paper (optional)
• Plastic dry-cleaning bags (optional)
• A suitcase or garment bag

Steps:

1. Prepare Your Dress Shirts:

• Start with clean and freshly pressed dress shirts. Ensure they are free from wrinkles before you begin the folding process.

2. Lay the Shirt Flat:

• Lay the dress shirt face down on a clean, flat surface or table. Ensure that all buttons are fastened, including the collar button.

3. Fold the Sleeves Inward:

• Fold one sleeve horizontally across the back of the shirt, positioning it parallel to the top edge of the shirt. Repeat this step with the other sleeve so that both sleeves overlap in the center.

4. Fold the Sides Inward:

• Fold the sides of the dress shirt inwards so that the sides meet in the center of the back. The edges of the sleeves should now be tucked inside the folded sides.

5. Create a Rectangle:

• Fold the bottom of the dress shirt up towards the collar to create a rectangle shape. Make sure the fold is neat and aligns with the bottom of the collar.

6. Optional: Add Tissue Paper:

• If you want extra protection against wrinkles, you can place a sheet of tissue paper between the layers of the shirt before folding. This can help prevent creases and friction between the fabric.

7. Use Plastic Bags (Optional):

• If you have access to plastic dry-cleaning bags, you can place each folded dress shirt inside an individual bag. This can further reduce the risk of wrinkles and keep your shirts clean.

8. Packing in Your Suitcase:

• Place the folded dress shirts in your suitcase or garment bag. If using a suitcase, consider placing them near the top to minimize the weight on top of them.

9. Arriving at Your Destination:

• When you arrive at your destination, carefully unpack your dress shirts. If necessary, hang them up in the bathroom while you take a hot shower to help release any remaining wrinkles. You can also use a portable garment steamer or iron with a low-heat setting to remove any stubborn wrinkles.

By following these steps, you can fold your dress shirts effectively for travel, reducing the chances of wrinkles and ensuring that you arrive with shirts that look sharp and ready to wear.