Packing cubes and order in the suitcase
Short answer: Packing cubes keep clothes together and let you find something without emptying the case. They do not save space in themselves.
What they actually do
They give structure. One cube for underwear, one for tops and one for dirty laundry means you can take out what you need without rummaging through the rest. The gain is order rather than space.
How to pack them
Roll the clothes inside the cube rather than folding them. Fill them completely but without forcing, and they become firm and stackable. See bamboo t-shirts for men.
One cube for dirty laundry
That is the most important one. Without it, clean and worn clothes mix and the whole case starts to smell. See bamboo underwear for men and bamboo socks for men.
Frequently asked questions
Do they save space
Only if they compress. Ordinary cubes give order, not space.
How many do you need
Three or four for a week. More makes it confusing again.
Can you use bags instead
Yes. A thin fabric bag does almost the same job for a fraction of the price.