If you travel a lot for business, you may understand the significance of appearing polished and professional. A wrinkled jacket can spoil your image and have a detrimental impact on your performance. That’s why mastering the art of jacket folding for travel is crucial.
Folding it correctly keeps wrinkles away, keeps your jacket in good shape, and saves space in your luggage. Moreover, it helps you seem like a professional, confident, and stylish person. In this guide, we’ll teach you three easy ways to fold your jacket like a pro when you travel.
So, keep reading and become a jacket-folding expert!
Must Read: Why Should You Travel with a Scarf?
How to Fold a Jacket for Travel?
To fold a jacket for travel, try the “Inside-Out Jacket Fold” for a compact, wrinkle-free result or use the quick and easy “Shirt Style Folding” method when you’re in a hurry. You can also roll the jacket in a sophisticated manner to save space, or use the bubble wrap method if you want a wrinkle-free jacket. Let’s go through each method step-by-step.
Method 1: Inside-Out Jacket Fold
This folding technique is perfect when you require a flatter fold and intend to store the jacket for an extended period. However, mastering this technique might require some practice, especially if you’re new to it. Now, let’s break it down with a step-by-step guide:
- Select Your Jacket: Begin by choosing the jacket you wish to fold. Ensure that it’s clean and free of wrinkles. A clean and smooth jacket provides the best results when folding.
- Inside-Out Shoulder: Gently start by turning one shoulder of the jacket inside out. As you do this, make sure the lining of the jacket is on the outside.
- Tuck the Second Shoulder: Next, tuck the opposite shoulder into the inside-out shoulder you just created. It’s crucial to align the seams of both shoulders during this step. This ensures a neat and well-organized fold.
- Straighten the Sleeves: Allow the sleeves of the jacket to lie flat and straight down the length of the jacket. One sleeve should rest on top of the other. It will help in maintaining the overall structure of the jacket.
- Layer the Breast Panels: Focus on the breast panels of the jacket. Turn their linings outward so that they encase the entire jacket.
- Fold in Half: Finally, fold the jacket in half, starting from the bottom. This folding action creates a square shape that’s perfectly suitable for packing. It helps minimize wrinkles and saves space in your luggage.
Useful Tips
When employing the “Inside-Out Jacket Fold” method, ensure to complement it with these valuable tips for optimal results:
- Ideally, find a clean, flat surface to execute the folding process. This setup provides the best conditions for achieving a creaseless and flawless fold.
- Exercise caution when packing your suitcase. Avoid placing heavy items on top of the folded jacket. This precaution prevents the center crease from setting and helps maintain the jacket’s impeccable appearance during your travels.
Be sure to read: How to Fold Shorts for Travel to Save Space [Latest Methods]
Method 2: Shirt Style Folding
Why not consider this quick method when you’re in a hurry and have no time for intricate jacket-folding techniques? It takes nearly the same amount of time as tossing your jacket into your luggage but with the added benefit of maintaining a neat appearance. Plus, it’s incredibly easy and requires no prior practice. Let’s take a look at these straightforward step-by-step instructions.
Step 1: To begin, lay your jacket out flat on a clean and spacious surface. Similar to the first method, ensure that there are no wrinkles or creases on the jacket’s fabric.
Step 2: With the jacket laid out, gently tuck the sleeves behind the back of the jacket. Pay attention to symmetry – the sleeves should overlap slightly at the center of the back. Performing this step with precision is essential to attain a uniform and refined fold.
Step 3: Now, it’s time to create the first fold. Take the bottom of the jacket and fold it upward and make sure to tuck the bottom hem neatly underneath the collar. This fold should align with the edge of the shoulders to ensure a clean and uniform appearance.
Step 4: Examine the final result. The lapels and collar of the jacket should rest smoothly on top of the folded portion, forming a neat and square shape. If there’s a perfect square shape, it signifies that you’ve skillfully folded your jacket to maintain its structure and minimize wrinkles.
Useful Tips
To achieve optimal outcomes when utilizing this rapid jacket-folding technique, take into account the following pointers:
- Keep in mind that this folding method involves multiple folds, which can lead to creases. To reduce this, start with a well-pressed jacket.
- This quick fold is ideal if you plan to temporarily place the jacket on a bag or case for a short period.
- For longer trips or if your jacket will be subjected to weight or pressure, it’s advisable to opt for one of the other folding methods for better preservation of your jacket’s condition.
Related: How to Fold a Dress Shirt for Travel to Save Space [3 Methods]
Method 3: Roll Your Jacket
This method requires some creative tucking and layering, but it maintains your jacket’s pristine look by avoiding harsh creases. But, the key lies in the gentle curve created around the shoulders and sleeves, rather than flattening the entire jacket. Read on for a step-by-step guide and a few useful tips to ensure your jacket remains wrinkle-free.
- Place your jacket on a smooth and clean surface and make sure that the front side of the jacket is facing downwards.
- Begin by folding one shoulder inside the jacket, so it overlaps with the opposite shoulder. This creates a diagonal line across the back of the jacket.
- Following that, grab the jacket sleeves and bring them inward toward the center. Be certain that you align the sleeves with the diagonal fold you formed earlier.
- Begin rolling the jacket by starting at the collar and rolling it down towards the bottom. Make sure it’s rolled tightly enough to stay in place but not so tight that it causes too many wrinkles. This balance will help keep your jacket looking smooth.
- While you’re rolling up the jacket, make sure that the front and back parts of the jacket bend slightly instead of being squished tightly against each other. This way, you’ll reduce the chances of getting annoying wrinkles in your jacket.
After you’ve successfully rolled your jacket into a tight tube shape, here’s a handy trick: if your suitcase has some extra space inside, you can gently tuck smaller clothing items like a shirt or underwear into the roll. However, be cautious not to stuff it too full, as this can make the rolled jacket lose its shape and effectiveness. Keep it balanced!
Useful Tips
Just like any other technique, this method comes with its own set of tips to simplify your folding process. Take a look at these helpful suggestions.
- After rolling your jacket, consider using a wide rubber band, a belt, or a packing cube with compression straps to secure the roll in place.
- Be mindful that this rolling technique takes up more vertical space compared to a flat fold, so plan your luggage accordingly.
- Rolling may require a bit of practice to perfect. So, don’t be discouraged if it takes a few tries to get it right without any wrinkles.
Recommended Reading: How to Fold a Polo Shirt For Travel Like a Pro? [Latest Methods]
Method 4: Bundle Wrapping
Bundle wrapping is a nifty way to pack your clothes, including a jacket while minimizing wrinkles and optimizing space. It involves layering your clothes into a “bundle,” so they act as padding for each other. Here’s how to do it:
- Lay your jacket flat on a bed or any clean surface, with the front side down. Make sure it’s smooth and wrinkle-free.
- Place other clothing items, like shirts, pants, or sweaters, on top of the jacket. Try to distribute the weight and thickness evenly.
- Fold the sleeves of the jacket over the clothes on top of it, creating a protective layer. Add more clothes on top, continuing to distribute weight evenly.
- Fold the bottom of the jacket up and over the pile of clothes. It should cover everything like a protective cocoon.
- Now, add more clothes on top, continuing to layer and distribute evenly.
- Fold the sides of the jacket in, essentially wrapping the entire bundle with the jacket.
- Finish by adding any smaller items, like socks or underwear, in the center of the bundle.
- Once you’ve created your bundle, carefully roll it up from one end, like a burrito, ensuring everything stays snug and compact.
- Place the bundle in your suitcase or travel bag. The layered clothing acts as cushioning, preventing your jacket and other items from getting creased during travel.
- When you unpack, simply unroll the bundle, and your clothes, including your jacket, should be relatively wrinkle-free and ready to wear. It’s a bit like creating a clothes sandwich to protect your jacket and keep it looking sharp on your journey.
Useful Tips
- Use Vacuum Seal Bags: Consider using vacuum seal bags for an extra level of compression and space-saving. After wrapping your jacket in bubble wrap, place it inside a vacuum seal bag and remove the air to further reduce the bundle’s size and protect your jacket from creases.
- Secure the Bundle: After wrapping your jacket and clothes into a bundle, use a wide rubber band, packing straps, or a belt to secure the bundle in place. This added security ensures that your jacket and clothes stay in position and minimizes shifting during travel.
- Include a Fabric Freshener: To keep your jacket smelling fresh during your travels, add a small fabric freshener or a few scented sachets within the layers of clothing before wrapping the bundle. This simple addition can help prevent any musty odors from developing while your jacket is packed.
Conclusion
Mastering the art of folding a jacket for travel is a valuable skill that can help you maintain a polished and professional appearance while saving space in your luggage.
Whether you opt for the Inside-Out Jacket Fold for a compact, wrinkle-free result, the quick and easy Shirt Style Folding when you’re in a hurry, the space-saving Roll Your Jacket method, or the protective Bundle Wrapping technique, each approach offers its own advantages.
By following these step-by-step instructions and tips, you can confidently travel with your jacket, knowing it will stay wrinkle-free and ready to make a stylish statement at your destination.
How to Fold a Jacket for Travel? - FAQs
While it’s not the most conventional method, using a hair straightener on low heat can help smooth out minor wrinkles in a pinch. Just be cautious and test it on a small, inconspicuous area first to avoid damaging your jacket.
For leather jackets, it’s best to avoid folding whenever possible, as creases can be hard to remove. Instead, consider using a padded hanger or rolling the jacket to minimize wrinkles and maintain its shape.
Yes, placing tissue paper or newspaper between the folds of your jacket can help prevent wrinkles by providing a barrier. However, be cautious with newspaper, as the ink may transfer to your jacket.
Yes, you can apply these methods to formal attire like tuxedos or suits. Just be sure to handle them with extra care, and consider using a suit bag or garment bag for added protection during travel.
