Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Travel
  3. Evergreens

How to roll clothes for packing (the ultimate space-saving hack)

These tips will save you, trust us

By
A man packing clothes in his suitcase
Vlada Karpovich / Pexels

The way you pack can make or break your trip — and one packing hack that can save you from packing stress is rolling your clothes. It’s a simple, no-fuss method that opens up more space in your suitcase, keeps wrinkles at bay, and helps you keep your suitcase neat and tidy. Now, let’s dive into how you can roll clothes for packing,

Why roll your clothes when packing a suitcase?

rolled clothes in an open suitcase
Timur Weber / Pexels

Rolling clothes isn’t just a random trend that gained popularity because it looks neat on travel TikToks and YouTube videos. It has real, practical benefits, such as:

  • Space-saving: Rolled clothes take up less space compared to when they’re folded. This means you can fit more into your luggage without having to wrestle with the zipper.
  • Wrinkle reduction: When clothes are rolled properly, they’re less prone to creases. While it’s not a foolproof way to prevent wrinkles entirely, it can help reduce them significantly.
  • Organization: Rolling allows you to see each item at a glance. Unlike stacks of folded clothes that can shift and require rummaging, rolled items stay put and are easier to sort through.
Recommended Videos

How to roll clothes for more space in your luggage (and less wrinkles)

person putting rolled clothes in a packing cube
Timur Weber / Pexels

Getting the rolling technique right is essential. Here’s a step-by-step guide for different types of clothing:

1. T-shirts and casual tops

  • Step 1: Lay the shirt flat on a clean surface and smooth out any wrinkles.
  • Step 2: Fold the shirt in half lengthwise so that the sleeves align. For short-sleeve shirts, fold the sleeves inward to create a rectangular shape.
  • Step 3: Starting at the bottom hem, roll the shirt tightly until you reach the neckline.

2. Pants and jeans

  • Step 1: Lay the pants flat and fold them in half so one leg rests on top of the other.
  • Step 2: Smooth out any creases with your hands.
  • Step 3: Begin rolling from the waistband down to the cuffs.

3. Bulky items (sweaters and hoodies)

  • Step 1: Lay the item flat and fold the sleeves in so they cross the body.
  • Step 2: Fold the item in half or thirds, depending on its length.
  • Step 3: Roll from the bottom up. If the fabric is thick, roll it loosely to avoid compressing the material too much.

Extra tips to help you roll clothes like a pro

Cube meshed bags with rolled clothes
sasimoto / Shutterstock
  • Use packing cubes: These are game-changers for keeping rolled items compact and organized. Packing cubes can help compress rolled clothes even more and separate different types of clothing.
  • Strategic rolling: Place heavier, rolled items at the bottom of your suitcase and lighter items on top to maintain balance and prevent shifting.
  • Layer with tissue paper: For ultra-delicate fabrics, layering a piece of tissue paper before rolling can help minimize wrinkles and friction.

Bonus packing tips

Rolling your clothes is a great start, but pairing it with these packing strategies can help save even more space in your suitcase:

  • Layer socks and small items inside shoes: Use every inch of space by placing rolled socks, belts, or smaller items inside shoes.
  • Bundle method: For longer trips, consider combining rolling with the bundle method. Start by rolling smaller items and wrapping larger garments around them to create a tight bundle.
  • Compression bags: For bulky items, consider using compression bags. These bags can be vacuum-sealed or manually compressed to squeeze out excess air, creating more space in your luggage without damaging your clothes.

Is rolling clothes when packing always the best option?

open suitcase with rolled clothes inside Although rolling clothes is a great packing method for most items, here are a few instances where traditional folding or using garment bags can be a better option:

  • Formal wear: Suits, blazers, and dress shirts may hold their shape better when folded or kept in a garment bag.
  • Delicate fabrics: Silk and certain synthetic materials can be more prone to creases and might need special handling or even hand-carrying.

FAQs

a man wearing headphones while packing clothes in a suitcase
Vlada Karpovich / Pexels

Does rolling clothes actually save more space than folding?

Yes, rolling clothes can save more space compared to traditional folding. The rolled method allows you to fit more items into your suitcase because the clothes lie flatter and compactly.

Do rolled clothes really get fewer wrinkles?

While rolling clothes does not completely prevent wrinkles, it significantly reduces them compared to traditional folding. Smoother items like cotton shirts and jeans tend to stay wrinkle-free, while delicate fabrics may still need touch-ups.

Can I roll all types of clothing?

Most clothing items can be rolled, including t-shirts, jeans, and light sweaters. However, items like formal suits and fabrics prone to wrinkles, such as silk, are better kept folded or in garment bags.

Is rolling or folding better for long trips?

Rolling is often better for long trips where you need to maximize space in your suitcase and keep items organized. However, a mix of rolling and folding might be ideal if you have a variety of clothing types.

Kelly Baker
Kelly Baker
Kelly is a writer who loves good books, baking homemade bread, playing the piano, and spending time with her family. Read Full Bio
Topics
Travel
The art of adventure packing: packing light but effective
Clothing, Coat, Jacket

If you are like me, you grew up with stories of adventure. Whether you were fans of fictional adventure like Indiana Jones and Alan Quartermain, or you loved the true-life accounts of Ernest Shackleton and David Livingstone, there is a deep pull to venture into the unknown. The desire to abandon the Mon-Fri 9-5 in search of something deeper. You could spend your time thinking about hopping a boat and sailing the seven seas like the pirates of old. You could look up at the elusive peak of a mountain and believe it begs to be summited. You could stare into the depths of a jungle and wonder what treasures it hides beneath its canopy. No matter what kind of adventurer you are, you need to be prepared for whatever the world throws at you. I have climbed Salkantay Peak and explored the jungles of Peru. I have scanned the plains of Africa in search of a giant cat (the prospect of which was much more comforting than the actual sighting and wondering if I was far enough away). And I have disappeared into the secluded areas of Svalbard. One thing that remained constant was the need for the right pack.

Here is what I learned when packing for my adventures.

Read more
Travel
Savannah Beyond the Postcard
Architecture, Building, Spire

Savannah is one of those cities that seems almost too easy to like. The live oaks are dramatic. The Spanish moss does exactly what it is supposed to do. The brick sidewalks buckle in all the right places. The houses look like they were designed by people who understood proportion, shade, and the value of a proper front step. Even the light seems to arrive with better manners than it does in most places.

I have a built-in advantage when it comes to Savannah. We have family there, so we have been back several times, not just once for the checklist version of the city. I have also done a photography workshop there, which is a terrific way to learn any city. You get up early, stay out late, and pay attention to alleys, doorways, ironwork, reflections, and the way a city changes when the tourists are still asleep.

Read more
Travel
I spent 72 hours in London with only a carry-on. Here’s how I did it in style
London

Somewhere between the baggage claim carousel and the Elizabeth Line, I realized I’d already won. As passengers from my Norwegian flight to London crowded around the conveyor belt waiting for checked luggage to appear, I was already on my way into the city. Twenty minutes later, I was headed toward central London with nothing more than a carry-on suitcase and a backpack. I’ve become a bit of a carry-on evangelist over the past few years. Not because I’m trying to prove some minimalist point or because I enjoy seeing how few shirts I can survive with. I just genuinely think it’s the better way to travel, especially for a long weekend in Europe.

My recent 72-hour trip from Copenhagen to London wasn’t exactly a backpacker’s itinerary. It included a stay at one of London’s nicest luxury hotels, rooftop cocktails, dinners worth dressing up for, and plenty of walking through Soho, Covent Garden, and the rest of central London. Somehow, everything I needed fit inside my Travelpro Platinum Elite Slim Cabin Hardshell Spinner V2, with a backpack holding my flight essentials.

Read more