How to Fold a Raincoat Into Its Pocket

What You’ll Need

Your raincoat, with its pocket or built-in stuff pocket
A dry, clean surface, if you want to keep the coat from picking up dirt while folding

Folding a raincoat into its own pocket makes it easier to carry and store without needing a separate bag. The exact method depends on the design: some jackets have a pocket that turns inside out to become a pouch, while others have a dedicated pack-away pocket. Check the seams and any care label first. If the coat is wet, shake off excess water and let it air-dry when practical before storing it for a long time; packing it away damp can leave it musty.

Step-by-Step

Find the pack-away pocket. Look for a pocket with a reversible lining, a small loop or closure, or a sewn-in pouch. If there is a dedicated pouch, use that instead of assuming an ordinary hand pocket is designed to hold the coat.
Prepare the coat. Empty the pockets, close zippers and fasten any snaps or hook-and-loop tabs. Shake off loose water and dirt. Lay the coat front-side down on a clean, dry surface, or hold it by the shoulders if there is no suitable surface.
Turn the pocket inside out. For a reversible pack-away pocket, open it and pull the pocket lining through the opening so the pocket bag is on the outside of the coat. Keep the opening accessible. Do not tug hard on a small zipper, seam or elastic edge.
Smooth and narrow the coat. Flatten the body, straighten the sleeves, and fold each sleeve inward across the back. Fold the hood inward too, if it is attached, keeping bulky toggles or stiff parts from sticking out. Smooth out large air pockets with your hands.
Fold the body into a strip. Bring one side of the coat toward the centre, then fold the other side over it so the bundle is roughly as wide as the pocket opening. Fold the hem upward in sections toward the pocket. Keep the bundle even, but do not press, twist or sharply crease coated fabric.
Feed the bundle into the pocket. Start with the end opposite the pocket opening and push the folded coat in gradually. Use your fingers to guide fabric into the corners; do not force the bundle through a narrow opening or pull on the pocket seams. If the fabric catches, ease it back and refold it more narrowly.
Turn the pocket right-side out and close it. When the coat is inside, pull the pocket fabric around the bundle so it forms a pouch. Zip or fasten the pouch if it has a closure. Check that no sleeve, hood or hem is trapped in the opening, then use the sewn-in loop or tab to carry it if provided.

Common Mistakes

Using the wrong pocket: A standard pocket may not be large or strong enough for the whole coat. Find the reversible pouch or the pocket identified by the coat’s design; do not force a fit.
Folding it too bulky: Twisted sleeves, a bunched hood or trapped air can make the bundle too large. Smooth the coat and make the side folds narrower before rolling or folding the body.
Stuffing instead of guiding: Shoving fabric in can strain pocket seams, zippers and closures. Feed it in bit by bit and pause to reposition any fabric that catches.
Packing it away soaking wet: A brief pack-up in the rain may be unavoidable, but leaving a damp coat compressed for storage can cause unpleasant odour or damage some finishes. Unpack and dry it as soon as you can.
Over-tight rolling: Pulling the bundle very tight can stress seams and leave deep creases. Aim for compact, not compressed, and follow the garment’s care instructions.

Tips

Use the pocket’s shape as your guide: make the folded bundle slightly narrower than its opening, then let the pouch expand around it.
Fold on a clean surface to keep grit from rubbing against the coating or lining.
Keep sharp objects, keys and bulky items out of the pocket before turning it inside out.
If the coat has a built-in stuff sack, check whether it is attached to the lining or sewn into a pocket. That pouch may have a simpler folding method than the reversible-pocket method.
For longer storage, unpack the raincoat and let it dry fully according to its care label rather than leaving it compressed in its pouch.
Do not use heat or iron the coat to remove creases unless the care label specifically permits it; some waterproof coatings can be damaged by heat.

Troubleshooting

The coat will not fit: Take it back out and check that the sleeves and hood are folded flat. Narrow the side folds and make smaller sections from the hem. If it still will not fit without force, the pocket may not be intended to store the whole coat, or the coat may be too bulky for that pouch.

The pocket will not turn right-side out: Check that the opening is fully unzipped or unfastened and that no fabric is caught in its seam. Work the pocket lining around the bundle a little at a time. Do not pull by a zipper slider or a single seam.

A sleeve or hood keeps coming back out: Fold it inward toward the centre before folding the body. Keep the final bundle aligned with the pocket opening, and tuck loose edges in as you feed the coat through.

The pocket seems too small or the fabric catches: Stop rather than pushing harder. Remove the coat, check for a snag or closed fastening, and refold it more smoothly. If the opening remains too narrow, use a separate bag or carry the coat unfolded.

The packed coat is damp or smells musty: Take it out promptly and hang it in a ventilated place to dry, following the care label. Do not seal it away again until it is dry.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can every raincoat be folded into its pocket?

No. Some have a reversible pocket or a dedicated pouch, but an ordinary pocket may not be built to hold the coat. Look for a sewn-in pouch, reversible lining or manufacturer instructions.

Should I roll or fold the raincoat?

Either can work if the bundle fits the pouch without force. Folding sleeves and sides inward first helps make a neat shape; roll the body only if the pocket’s opening and shape suit it.

Can I pack the raincoat while it is wet?

You can pack it briefly when you need to move, but unpack and air-dry it as soon as practical. Avoid storing it compressed while damp, and follow the care label.

How do I know which pocket to use?

Look for a pocket with a reversible lining, a closure or an attached carry loop, or check the coat’s instructions. Do not assume a regular hand pocket is a pack-away pouch.

What if there is no pouch?

Fold the coat neatly and carry it in a separate bag, or use a bag designed for clothing. Avoid forcing it into a pocket that is too small or putting strain on its seams.

Sources: No organisation owns this topic. Menus and buttons can differ slightly by version. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.