Folding T-Shirts For Travel: A Step-By-Step Guide

Packing for a trip can be a tedious task, especially when it comes to folding t-shirts. The good news is that there are several methods to choose from, depending on your preferences and the type of t-shirt. The most common way to fold a t-shirt is to lay it flat, smooth out any wrinkles, and fold it into a compact rectangle. However, if you're looking to save space, you can try rolling your t-shirts or using the bundling technique.

How to roll a T-shirt for travel

Rolling your T-shirts is a great way to save space when packing for travel. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Lay your T-shirt on a flat surface

Find a clean, horizontal surface to work on, such as a bed or a table. Lay your T-shirt flat, with the front facing up.

Step 2: Roll up the bottom hem

Roll up 2-5 inches (5.1-12.7 cm) of the bottom hem of your T-shirt. This will create a "pocket" for the rest of the shirt to fit into. The size of the "pocket" is up to you; a bigger pocket will result in a flatter roll, while a smaller pocket will make it more compact.

Step 3: Fold in one-third of the shirt

Fold one-third of the shirt towards the centre, and fold the sleeve back towards the edge of the T-shirt. You can do this by lining up the edge of the sleeve with the opposite edge of the collar.

Step 4: Repeat on the other side

Do the same on the other side. Fold the other half of the T-shirt so that it completely overlaps with the first fold. Then, fold the sleeve back. You can hold the T-shirt at the shoulder seam and the bottom hem with two fingers to do this step more quickly.

Step 5: Roll it up

Starting at the collar, begin to roll the fabric towards the pocket you created in Step 2. When you reach the pocket, tuck the roll inside. The tighter you roll your T-shirt, the more compact it will be.

Tips:

• If you want to save space but are concerned about wrinkles, consider using packing cubes or compression bags.
• Place the rolled T-shirts at the bottom of your suitcase to create a level base and pack other items on top.
• For delicate or easy-to-wrinkle shirts, you may prefer to fold rather than roll.

Now you know how to roll your T-shirts for travel, you can maximise space in your suitcase and focus on enjoying your trip!

How to fold a T-shirt for a suitcase

There are several ways to fold a T-shirt for a suitcase, depending on your priorities. If you want to reduce wrinkles, save space, or simply fold your T-shirts neatly, there are different methods you can follow. Here are some detailed instructions for each approach.

Reducing Wrinkles

If your priority is to reduce wrinkles, try the bundling method. First, lay your T-shirts flat, one on top of the other, with the backs facing you. Button up the shirts if they have buttons. Place your finger at the neckline and fold the sleeves towards the centre of the shirt, creating a straight line down the edge. Repeat this for both sleeves, so they lie flat on top of the back of the shirt. Then, place the next shirt in the stack towards the bottom of the first shirt, leaving a few inches at the tail. Sandwich the second shirt between the top and bottom halves of the first shirt. Repeat this process for each shirt, then flip them over and place them in your suitcase.

Saving Space

To save space in your suitcase, try rolling your T-shirts. Lay your shirt flat, face-up, on a flat surface. Take the bottom of the shirt and fold it up by a few inches to create a "pocket." Then, fold the shirt into thirds, bringing the sleeves over the centre. Starting at the collar, roll the shirt tightly down towards the pocket. Finally, tuck the edge of the rolled shirt into the bottom fold to secure it.

Neat Folding

For a neat fold, start with the T-shirt on a flat surface, front facing down. Fold in one sleeve, then the other, creating a long rectangle. Next, fold the collar down to the hem. You can leave the shirt like this, or continue for a more compact fold. Fold the shirt in half, then in half again if needed, to make it smaller. Stack your T-shirts in the suitcase, placing them vertically to save space and see them all at once.

How to fold a T-shirt for a drawer

There are several ways to fold a T-shirt neatly and efficiently, perfect for storing in a drawer.

Method 1:

• Lay the T-shirt flat on a surface, with the front facing you.
• Tuck the sleeves behind the shirt, so they lie flat.
• Fold the shirt into thirds horizontally, so that you have a long rectangle.
• Bring the neckline down so it is an inch or so from the bottom of the shirt.
• Finally, fold the shirt into thirds vertically.

Method 2:

• Start with the T-shirt on a flat surface, with the front facing down.
• Fold in one sleeve, then the other, so that the shirt forms a long rectangle.
• Fold the collar of the T-shirt down to the hem, creating a smaller rectangle.
• You can stop here, or continue for a more compact fold.
• Fold the T-shirt in half again, and then once more, to make it even more compact.

Method 3:

• Lay the T-shirt flat, with the front facing you.
• Fold the right side of the shirt into the middle horizontally.
• Fold the left side to meet the right side.
• Fold the shirt in half horizontally, so the two ends meet.
• Fold the shirt into thirds horizontally.

Method 4:

• Lay the T-shirt flat, with the front facing you.
• Pinch the sides of the shirt and fold it in half horizontally.
• Fold the shirt in half vertically.
• Take the bottom of the shirt and fold it up towards the middle.
• Fold it up again to form a square.

These methods will ensure your T-shirts are folded neatly and efficiently, maximising space in your drawers.

How to fold a T-shirt to prevent wrinkles

There are several ways to fold a T-shirt to prevent wrinkles when packing for travel. Here are three methods to help you save space and keep your T-shirts looking neat and tidy.

Method 1: Compact Folding

Place the T-shirt on a flat surface with the front facing down. This way, if there is a design or logo on the shirt, it will be visible when you're done folding. You can also place a piece of tissue paper on top of the shirt to help prevent creasing.

Fold in one of the sleeves, then fold in the other sleeve, creating a long rectangle. Next, fold the collar of the T-shirt down to the hem. You can stop here if you want to stack the T-shirts flat in your suitcase.

To make the T-shirt even more compact, continue folding it in half until you're happy with the size. Keep in mind that the more you fold the shirt, the thicker it will become. You can then line up several T-shirts vertically in your suitcase to save space and easily view them all at once.

Method 2: Rolling

Lay the T-shirt on a flat surface. Roll up 2-5 inches (5.1-12.7 cm) of the bottom hem to create a "pocket" for the rest of the shirt to fit into. The size of the "pocket" will determine the final shape of your roll—a larger "pocket" will result in a flatter roll, while a smaller "pocket" will make it rounder but narrower.

Fold in one-third of the shirt, then fold the sleeve back towards the edge. Repeat on the other side. You don't need to worry about making perfect folds, as long as the T-shirt fits into the pocket.

Starting at the collar, roll the T-shirt towards the pocket and tuck it in. The tighter you roll the shirt, the more compact it will be.

Method 3: Bundling

This method helps prevent wrinkles by stacking multiple T-shirts together. Place one T-shirt on a flat surface, then lay another T-shirt on top, leaving 3-5 inches at the tail of the first shirt uncovered. Make sure to button up the shirts if they have buttons.

Place your finger at the neckline and fold the sleeves towards the center, creating a straight line down the edge of the shirt. Fold both sleeves so they lie flat on top of the back of the shirt.

Sandwich the second shirt between the top and bottom halves of the first shirt by folding the first shirt around it. Repeat this process, folding each shirt around the next, until you reach the bottom layer.

Place the pile of bundled T-shirts in your suitcase, and you're ready to go!

How to fold a T-shirt using the Marie Kondo method

Folding T-shirts using the Marie Kondo method is a great way to save space and keep your clothes organised. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Start by laying your T-shirt flat on a surface with the front side facing up. If you have a graphic or logo on your T-shirt and want to be able to identify it at a glance, lay it face down.

Now, fold one side of the T-shirt towards the centre. You can start with either the left or right side.

Next, fold the sleeve of the T-shirt back. Make sure to lay the sleeve flat and fold it towards the centre, stopping a little before the edge to form a rectangle.

Repeat the same steps on the other side of the T-shirt. Fold the other side towards the centre, and then fold the sleeve back, creating a rectangle.

Once you have a rectangle shape, fold the T-shirt in half lengthwise. Leave a little gap at the edge – this is an important part of the KonMari method!

Now, fold the T-shirt in half or thirds, depending on its length. For longer T-shirts, you might need to fold it into thirds or even more folds.

Finally, stand the T-shirt upright. It should be able to stand on its own. If it collapses or falls over, adjust your folds. The rectangle may be too wide, or the height of your folds may be too high or too low.

And there you have it! You've just folded a T-shirt using the Marie Kondo method. This method not only saves space but is also a great way to show gratitude for the items that spark joy in your life.

Frequently asked questions