Packing sparks the age-old debate: roll or fold?
Choose wrong and you risk wasted space, wrinkled clothes, and suitcase stress.
This guide breaks down both methods, showing when to use each—or combine them—for the smartest way to pack.
The Basics of Folding vs Rolling
Folding is the traditional approach most of us grew up with, laying clothes flat and stacking them in your suitcase.
The real benefit is structure: it keeps garments orderly and makes bulkier pieces easier to manage in a suitcase.
Rolling is the traveller’s favourite hack, where items are tightly wound into compact bundles.
Its biggest advantage is space efficiency, helping you fit more into the same bag and tuck clothes into corners you’d otherwise waste.
Both methods are simple, but each sets you up differently - one for neatness, the other for maximising every inch of room.
Pros and Cons of Folding
Pros
- Brings structure and order to your suitcase
- Keeps clothes flat, stacked, and easy to layer
- Works well for bulkier items like jeans, sweaters, and jackets
- Makes it easier to keep luggage looking neat and predictable
Cons
- Not always the most space-efficient method
- Gaps form between stacked items
- Can feel restrictive when trying to maximise a smaller bag
Pros and Cons of Rolling
Pros
- Compresses clothes into tight bundles and saves space
- Squeezes out air for a more efficient fit
- Flexible—easy to tuck into corners and fill awkward gaps
- Ideal for soft fabrics like tees, dresses, and activewear
Cons
- Harder to keep perfectly organised without extra tools (like cubes)
- Suitcase can feel looser compared to folded stacks
- Doesn’t work as well with stiff or structured garments
When to Use Each Method
Short trips vs long trips
For short getaways, rolling helps you pack light and fit everything into a smaller bag. On longer trips, folding can keep things more organised over time, especially if you’ll be unpacking and repacking often.
Carry-on vs checked baggage
If you’re sticking to a carry-on luggage, rolling is the most efficient way to maximise every inch. With large checked luggage and suitcases, folding works well since you usually have more space to play with.
Multi-climate trips
When packing bulky layers alongside lighter pieces, folding helps keep larger items flat while rolling squeezes casual wear into the gaps. A hybrid approach works best here.
Formal wear or delicate garments
Folding is safer for structured or delicate clothes like dress shirts, blazers, or dresses, since it helps minimise awkward creases and maintains the garment’s shape.
Fast access to clothes
If you’ll be living out of your bag—on a road trip or a multi-stop itinerary—rolling makes it easier to see everything at a glance and grab what you need without unpacking the whole suitcase.
Best Practice Approach
The smartest way to pack usually isn’t choosing one method over the other, but combining both.
Fold structured pieces like shirts, jeans, or blazers to keep their shape, and roll lighter items such as tees, dresses, and activewear to maximise space. Packing cubes make this even easier by keeping rolls tight and folded stacks neat.
That said, flexibility is key. The right approach depends on your suitcase size, the type of clothes you’re bringing, and how you like to stay organised on the road.
Experiment with a mix until you find the balance that works best for your travel style.
