How to Fold a Jacket: Neat & Wrinkle-Free

What You’ll Need

A flat, clean surface (table, bed, or floor)
Your jacket, unbuttoned and with pockets emptied
Optional: tissue paper or a plastic bag for delicate fabrics

Step-by-Step

Prepare the jacket: Empty all pockets, zip or button the front, and lay the jacket flat on the surface with the back facing up. Smooth out any wrinkles with your hands.
Fold in one sleeve: Take the left sleeve and fold it diagonally across the back so the shoulder seam lines up with the center of the jacket. The sleeve should lie flat along the side.
Fold in the other sleeve: Repeat with the right sleeve, folding it across so it overlaps the first sleeve. Both sleeves should now be parallel to the sides.
Fold the bottom up: Grab the bottom hem of the jacket and fold it up about one-third of the way toward the collar. This creates a clean, even fold.
Fold the top down: Fold the collar and shoulders down over the bottom fold, so the jacket is now roughly a rectangle. Adjust if needed so the edges align.
Flip and smooth: Turn the folded jacket over so the front (with buttons or zipper) faces up. Smooth out any bulges. Your jacket is now ready to store or pack.

Common Mistakes

Folding with the front facing up: This can cause the collar and lapels to crease awkwardly. Always start with the back facing up.
Leaving pockets full: Bulky items create lumps and distort the fold. Empty all pockets before you start.
Not smoothing wrinkles first: Folding over existing wrinkles sets them in. Take a moment to flatten the jacket before folding.
Folding too tightly: For delicate fabrics like wool or silk, a tight fold can leave permanent creases. Use a looser fold or roll instead.

Tips

For travel, roll the jacket instead of folding: after folding the sleeves in, roll from the bottom up tightly. This reduces wrinkles and saves space.
Place a sheet of tissue paper between folds for extra protection on delicate fabrics.
If you’re storing the jacket for a long time, hang it on a sturdy hanger instead of folding to maintain its shape.
For a quick touch-up, hang the folded jacket in a steamy bathroom for a few minutes to release wrinkles.

Troubleshooting

Jacket won’t lie flat: Check for bulky items in pockets or thick shoulder pads. Remove items and reposition the jacket, smoothing from the center outward.
Creases appear after folding: If the fabric is prone to creasing, try the rolling method or use a garment bag. For stubborn creases, iron on a low setting with a cloth between the iron and the jacket.
Fold comes out uneven: Make sure the jacket is centered on the surface and that each fold is aligned before moving to the next step. Use your hands to measure equal thirds.
Sleeves bunch up: When folding sleeves, keep them straight and smooth. If they bunch, unfold and reposition, ensuring the shoulder seam is aligned with the jacket’s center.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fold a suit jacket the same way?

Yes, but be extra careful with the shoulders. Use tissue paper to pad the shoulders and follow the same steps. However, for suits, hanging is always preferred to maintain shape.

How do I fold a jacket with a hood?

Fold the hood flat against the back before folding the sleeves. Then proceed with the normal steps, making sure the hood lies flat to avoid bulk.

Is it better to fold or roll a jacket for travel?

Rolling is better for casual jackets and reduces wrinkles. For structured jackets, folding with tissue paper is safer. Choose based on the fabric and how much space you have.

How do I remove wrinkles from a folded jacket?

Hang it in a steamy bathroom for 10–15 minutes, or use a handheld steamer. For delicate fabrics, use a cool iron with a pressing cloth.

Can I fold a leather jacket?

Yes, but be gentle. Leather can crease permanently, so use a loose fold and avoid sharp creases. Better yet, hang it if possible.

How do I fold a jacket to fit in a small suitcase?

Use the rolling method after folding sleeves in. Roll tightly from the bottom, then place it in the suitcase. This saves space and minimizes wrinkles.

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