Have you ever wondered how to pack sweatshirts and hoodies so they don’t hog all the space in your luggage? If you love to layer up with a cozy hoodie or simply want one on hand for those unpredictable weather trips, efficient folding is your ticket to save space on your luggage.
The importance of efficient packing
Whether preparing your suitcase for an international adventure or a weekend getaway, how you fold your sweatshirts, hoodies, and other clothes will define how much you can fit into your luggage. In addition, while you enjoy the comfort of your sweatshirts, they can be a little bulky, and the proper folding method can be the difference between fitting in an extra outfit or leaving your favorite sweater behind.
Apart from conserving space, knowing how to fold clothes also ensures you’re not left with a crumpled mess when you arrive at your destination. Who wants to spend their vacation ironing, right? And if you’re planning to wear that folded sweatshirt or hoodie with a distinctive zipper or front pocket on a chilly evening out, it must be wrinkle-free.
Preparing your sweatshirt and hoodie
Finding a flat surface
Before getting started, find a flat surface like a bed or table. It’s the first step to ensuring you get a consistent fold, making your fold hoodies and sweatshirts look fresh off the store shelf.
Smoothing out
Position the hoodie facing upward, with the front pocket visible. Run your hands across the hood or sweatshirt to smooth wrinkles or creases. Maintaining the hoodie shape and having a clear view of any design is essential so you can easily pick it out of your packed clothes.
Basic fold
Rest the hoodie or sweatshirt flat, ensuring the hoodie’s seam line aligns well and the sweatshirt sleeves are evenly spread out. This step retains the shape and makes the hoodie secure, preventing it from poking out or getting twisted.
Folding the hoodie vertically
Here’s a sweatshirt tip: the best way to fold a hoodie or sweatshirt vertically is to fold it like a magazine in half. Fold one sleeve side towards the center fold, then fold the other half of the hoodie sides over it, creating a neat rectangle shape and tucking the sleeves in.
You can have the hood hang off the back or fold it to cover the front part. For a more secure fit, ensure the folded hoods face downward. This trick avoids any hood poking out or getting crumpled.
Advanced folding techniques
The Konmari fold
The Konmari fold, made famous by Marie Kondo, is all about space efficiency and easy stacking in suitcases or closets. After executing the basic fold, fold the top half down and the bottom half up, creating a neatly folded rectangle that optimizes space usage.
Tight tube fold
Turning your sweatshirt and hoodie into a tight tube is game-changing when there is limited room. Start with the basic fold, then roll your sweatshirt from the bottom upwards. This method works wonders for sweatshirts and t-shirts, ensuring they fit snugly into even the tightest corners of your luggage.
Mistakes in folding sweatshirts
Gentleness is crucial. Don’t yank the hoodie’s sleeves too tight. It can stretch the arm fabric. Always ensure there aren’t other clothes, especially smaller items like t-shirts, trapped inside the hoodies or sweatshirts when you fold. Smoothness and patience are your allies here.
Stacking and storing in luggage
Once you’ve mastered folding sweatshirts, you’ll discover they stack seamlessly with other clothing items, like t-shirts. Ensure that their folded sides are visible for easy identification and retrieval. Additionally, placing heavier items, such as hoodies, at the base of your luggage will free up more space for lighter items, optimizing your packing efficiency further.
Compression bags
Investing in compression bags is also a game-changer for travelers. These airtight bags allow you to remove excess air, significantly reducing the volume of your clothing. Place your folded sweatshirts in the bag, seal them, and roll out the air to create a vacuum effect.
Vacuum-sealed storage
If you don’t have compression bags on hand, vacuum-sealed storage bags are a fantastic alternative. These bags work similarly to compression bags but don’t require a special pump. Just place your sweatshirts inside, seal the bag, and use your vacuum cleaner to remove the air.
Bulkiest sweatshirt and hoodie
If you’re traveling during the colder months and have a particularly bulky sweatshirt or hoodie, consider wearing it during your journey. This technique saves space in your luggage and keeps you cozy during your travels.
Wrapping up
Mastering the art of folding sweatshirts is not just about efficient luggage packing. It’s about looking your best wherever you go and making the most out of every inch of luggage space. With these techniques in your arsenal, you’ll be packing like a pro in no time.
