How to pack bamboo clothing so it does not crease
Short answer: Bamboo viscose creases less than cotton, but it helps to roll your clothes rather than fold them. Rolled clothing has no sharp edges, and it is the edges that turn into creases along the way.
Roll instead of fold
A fold creates a sharp edge that stays, because the fabric is pressed together in one spot for many hours. A roll spreads the pressure evenly and gives soft waves instead of hard lines. Lay the top flat, fold the sleeves in along the sides and roll it tightly from the bottom.
Heavy items at the bottom
Put shoes, toiletry bags and other heavy items at the bottom of the suitcase, close to the wheels. That way the clothes are not pressed flat under the weight when the case stands upright. The rolled clothing can lie on top in layers, with the lightest pieces at the very top.
Fill the gaps
Underwear and socks are good for filling corners and gaps between the larger pieces. The rest then stays in place and does not slide back and forth in transit, which would otherwise create new creases. Socks can also go inside your shoes to free up space. See bamboo underwear for men.
Shirts need a little more care
Shirts crease the most, because the collar and front clearly show when they are not lying flat. Button the top buttons, lay the shirt flat and roll it around a pair of rolled up socks. The collar keeps its shape and there is no sharp fold across the chest. See bamboo shirts for men.
Do not pack too tightly
A suitcase stuffed to the brim squeezes all the clothes together, no matter how neatly they are rolled. Leave a little room so the clothes can lie without being crushed. If the lid only closes with force, something should stay at home or move to a separate bag.
Hang things up on arrival
Most creases drop out on their own when the clothes hang on a hanger for an hour. So unpack as soon as you arrive rather than leaving everything in the suitcase. A bathroom with steam from a hot shower speeds this up, because the moisture helps the fibres relax.
Avoid a hot iron
If you do need to iron, use a low setting on slightly damp fabric, ideally inside out. High heat can leave shiny marks on viscose that are hard to remove afterwards. Often it is enough to smooth the fabric by hand while it hangs. Read also should bamboo clothing be ironed.
Pack fewer pieces
If you can wash along the way, you do not need to bring everything. Fewer pieces mean more space, and more space means fewer creases. Bamboo viscose can be washed in a sink and hung to dry overnight in the bathroom. Choose pieces that combine well. See our packing list.
The trip home
On the way home it is tempting to throw everything into the suitcase. Instead, put worn clothes in a separate bag and roll the clean pieces as you did on the way out. The clean items stay neat, and the worn clothes do not end up smelling of the trip before they reach the washing machine.
When everything is creased anyway
If your clothes are creased when you unpack, give them a good shake and hang them up straight away. Heavy creases can be misted lightly with water from a spray bottle and left to hang overnight. Avoid pulling hard on the fabric to smooth it, since viscose can stretch when damp.
Frequently asked questions
Does bamboo viscose crease a lot?
Less than cotton. Most creases disappear on their own when the clothes hang for an hour, especially if there is a little steam in the room after a hot shower.
Is rolling better than folding?
Mostly, yes. A roll has no sharp edges, and those edges are what become creases. Rolled clothes also take up less space and stay put in the suitcase.
Can I wash bamboo clothing while travelling?
Yes. A hand wash in lukewarm water with a little mild detergent works well. Roll the clothes in a towel to press out the water and hang them to dry overnight.
See our range of Copenhagen Bamboo.
