How to Fold Dress Shirts for a Suitcase

What You’ll Need

A clean, flat surface (table or bed)
Your dress shirt, buttoned and wrinkle-free
Optional: tissue paper or a dry-cleaning bag to reduce creases
Optional: a packing cube or garment folder

Step-by-Step

Button the shirt completely. Button every button, including the collar and cuffs. This keeps the shirt’s shape and prevents the collar from folding over awkwardly.
Lay the shirt face down. Place the shirt on your flat surface with the back facing up. Smooth out any wrinkles with your hands.
Fold one sleeve in. Take the left sleeve and fold it across the back of the shirt, so the cuff lies at the bottom hem, parallel to the side seam. The sleeve should form a straight line from the shoulder to the hem.
Repeat with the other sleeve. Fold the right sleeve the same way, so both sleeves are now lying flat on the back of the shirt, forming a rectangle.
Fold the shirt in half lengthwise. Take the left side of the shirt (including the sleeve) and fold it toward the center, about one-third of the way. Then fold the right side over it, so the shirt is now a long, narrow rectangle. Smooth out any bubbles.
Fold the shirt into thirds. Starting from the bottom hem, fold the shirt up one-third of the way. Then fold the top third down over it. You should now have a compact rectangle.
Place in suitcase. Put the folded shirt into your suitcase with the collar facing up (or down, depending on how you stack). Pack it tightly with other items to keep it from shifting.

Common Mistakes

Skipping the buttoning step: If you don’t button the shirt, the collar can become misshapen and the front placket can wrinkle.
Folding sleeves unevenly: If the sleeves are not folded straight, the shirt will have lumps and creases.
Overstuffing the suitcase: If you pack too many items on top of the shirt, it will get crushed and wrinkled.
Using the roll method for dress shirts: Rolling can cause deep creases in the fabric, especially on the collar and cuffs.

Tips

Use tissue paper: Place a sheet of tissue paper or a dry-cleaning bag between the folds to reduce friction and prevent creases.
Pack shirts on top: Put folded dress shirts on top of heavier items like shoes or jeans, so they don’t get crushed.
Use packing cubes: Packing cubes keep shirts compressed and in place, reducing wrinkles.
Unpack immediately: Hang your shirts as soon as you arrive at your destination to let any minor creases fall out.

Troubleshooting

If your shirt still comes out wrinkled, try the following:

Steam it: Hang the shirt in the bathroom while you take a hot shower. The steam will relax the wrinkles.
Iron it: If you have access to an iron, use a low heat setting and press the shirt while it’s slightly damp.
Use a travel steamer: A portable steamer is a quick fix for stubborn wrinkles.
Re-fold more carefully: If you notice creases, you may have folded the shirt too tightly or unevenly. Try again with more care.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it better to roll or fold dress shirts?

For dress shirts, folding is generally better than rolling. Rolling can create deep creases, especially on the collar and cuffs. The flat-pack fold method minimizes wrinkles.

How many dress shirts can I fit in a suitcase?

It depends on the size of your suitcase and the thickness of the shirts. A standard carry-on can typically hold 3-5 folded dress shirts if you pack them flat.

Should I use a garment bag for dress shirts?

If you have a suit bag that fits in your suitcase, you can use it, but it’s not necessary. The flat-pack fold method is effective and saves space.

How do I keep collars from getting crushed?

Button the top collar button and fold the shirt with the collar facing up. You can also place a rolled-up belt or sock inside the collar to help it keep its shape.

Can I fold a shirt with a wrinkle-free finish the same way?

Yes, wrinkle-free shirts can be folded the same way. They may still get slight creases, but they will fall out more easily.

What if my shirt has a pocket?

Pockets don’t affect the folding method. Just make sure the pocket is flat and empty before folding.

Sources: The Container Store. Menus and buttons can differ slightly by version. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.