To roll or fold, that is the question!
Even if you fold, what strategy should you use? Standard traditional folds or KonMari Technique?
Is it a carry-on-only trip? Or, have you suddenly realized that your airlines can accommodate only one check-in luggage rather than two? You’re left clueless, right? How can you carry everything you need in such a small space?
Too much to ponder upon before your happy trip?
Well, here I shall take time to answer all your queries and eliminate all confusions that have crowded your otherwise sane head, one by one.
But first, have your packing checklist ready. Be it a beach holiday, a wintery fun holiday, a trip to your native, or some fancy abroad trip, remember to have a checklist ready before you gather your stuff.
Trust me. I’ve been there and done that for a decade now. I know it’s overwhelming.
So, scroll down to end your confusion once and for all. Know everything about rolling or folding clothes for packing and choose accordingly what technique (roll or fold) suits you.
To Roll Or Fold? Let’s compare.
Whether you Roll or fold, both techniques can prove effective.
It is a common belief that rolling clothes take less space than folding. But is it?
Mmm… my answer would be “No”!
Rolling or folding take equal space.. one creates space on the top, and the other creates space on the sides of the bag you’re packing. But you can pack an equal number of clothes using both techniques, provided you’ve correctly folded your clothes.
Let’s compare some basic rolling and folding differences from various aspects.
| Aspects | Rolling | Folding |
| Time | 1. Rolling clothes can be time-consuming. (esp. for the beginners) 2. Before Rolling, you need to fold certain clothes neatly and then roll them. This takes time. Once you master the art, it doesn’t take long. | 1. Rolling clothes can be time-consuming. (esp. for the beginners) 2. Before Rolling, you must fold certain clothes neatly and then roll them. This takes time. Once you master the art, it doesn’t take long. |
| Space | Rolling clothes can save space. It creates more space towards the top of the organizer. | Folding clothes correctly leaves enough space between two folded clothes and the sides of the organizer. |
| Technique | 1. There are different Folding techniques for each piece of clothing. 2. You have to learn to fold neatly along the lines. Otherwise, it will tend to get messy. 3. The KonMari folding technique feels just like a breeze. | 1. The folding technique works wonders for certain materials. Materials like polyester or jersey are too slippery to stay in neat folds. 2. You never have to think about clothes getting creases or wrinkles in unwanted places if you are packing for a short trip. 3. You can neatly fold any expensive material if you know how to without fear of getting creases. 4. You should always fold expensive materials with heavy embellishments if you cannot lay them flat or hand them. |
| Materials | 1. Silk, polyester, tulle, satin, muslin, etc., are too slippery to fold into neat rolls. (for beginners) 2. Even if the materials mentioned above are rolled, adjusting them to neat folds takes a lot of time. 3. Expensive dresses, Suits, dress pants, and expensive materials such as silks are advised not to be rolled. 4. 100% cotton is advised not to be rolled as they not only take up a lot of space but also rolling can crease them. | 1. Folding takes less time. But you must ensure that clothes are folded along certain lines to avoid messy folding. 2. There are T-shirt folding techniques that take less than 5 seconds. |
Packing and unpacking throughout my adult life, I have realized that there is no one way to let you pack satisfactorily and also refrain from overpacking! I always go for folding the majority of my clothes.
The dead spaces in between, at the bottom and on the sides of a bag, will be filled up by rolled-up clothes. I found it to be the most effective way of packing without overstuffing the bag.
FAQs
Roll or fold clothes for less wrinkles / Do rolling clothes crease them?
If you can Roll clothes properly following a particular method, the chances of getting creases or wrinkles are less for specific materials.
Whereas some clothes tend to get messed up when folded. Some often have deep crease marks when folded for a long time.
Let’s take a look at some of the points:
- Materials such as 100% cotton cannot be rolled neatly without getting creases.
- Polyester, Nylon, Spandex, Cotton blends, Knit Fabrics, and microfiber can be folded into compact rolls; since they are wrinkle-resistant, they might not crease.
- Expensive materials with embellishments, like silk or lace with beads, pearls, or embroidery, become susceptible to damage if rolled.
- Structured garments such as tailored suits are best when folded, laid flat, or hung.
- Sometimes folding can cause deep creases, but it should depend upon how long you’re keeping them in the same way.
So it always depends upon what material you are packing and for how long.
When I pack a blazer, a suit, or a dress, as soon as I reach my destination, I immediately hang them so that they don’t form deep creases.
You know your clothes better than anyone else. Now you know that it depends upon the time and material you fold. Also, you have to keep in mind that your rolling technique should be proper and not clumsy.
Does rolling or folding clothes save more space?
Rolling and Folding are like two sides of the same coin.
I have tried it and mark my words. Both techniques can hold an equal number of clothes. So, we cannot conclude that the rolling or folding techniques alone can hold more clothes.
Rather, I would recommend you mix two techniques up. I use the KonMari folding technique along with rolling techniques to pack my bag.
Rolling clothes to fill the dead spaces has proved to be a great idea to fit in more stuff without overstuffing.
Is it better to roll or fold clothes in Packing cubes / Vacuum bags?
I would suggest packing things inside a packing cube using the Konmari folding technique. That way, you can access every piece of clothing without messing other things up. That’s what I have always done since I owned a packing cube.
But, when it comes to vacuum bags, you should always pack things using the traditional folding method. So that when you pull all the air out, there won’t be any trapped air left inside the compression bag. You’ll get a neat bag full of fluffless clothes.
Now that you’ve got almost all answers from every angle possible, what are you waiting for? Grab your bag and pack your clothes.
Roll or fold, who cares! Just have fun. Ciao!
