How to Fold Underwear to Travel

Planning a trip? Whether you’re going on a cruise, taking a cross-country road trip, flying first-class to a posh resort, or backpacking or camping in the backwoods, in order to ensure that your trip is a success, making sure that you pack appropriately is an absolute must.

While the garments that you bring with you on your journey will vary according to the type of adventure you’re taking, there’s one item of clothing that you’re going to want to make sure that you have plenty of, regardless of where you’re going and how you’re getting there: underwear. Undies are an essential garment for men, women, and children alike. It helps to protect and provides privacy for your nether regions, absorbs sweat and other fluids that collect “down there”, and ensures your comfort. It’s no secret that skivvies can get pretty gross after just one wear – and maybe even more so when you’re traveling – which is why changing into a clean pair on a daily basis is an absolute must.

When you’re packing for a trip, to travel light, there are some garments that you may be able to wear more than once, like jeans and sweatshirts; however, there’s one thing that you definitely don’t want to skimp on: underwear. In fact, because wearing clean underwear is so important, you may even want to pack a few more pairs than you think you’ll need; it’s better to be safe than sorry. Rather than just tossing them into your suitcase or backpack and running the risk of damaging or losing them, not being able to find them, or getting fresh undies mixed up with dirty ones (yuck!). Here are some handy tips that you can use to fold your underwear when you’re packing.

How to Fold Underwear to Travel

Folding Panties for Packing

Bikinis, boy shorts, hipsters, or thongs, folding panties may seem like a nuisance and even pointless because they’re so small; however, folding ladies underwear is important for all of the reasons listed above, and it’s a lot easier than it seems. Here are some techniques that you might want to try. Note: you may want to tuck your folded panties into an antibacterial pouch to keep them neat, clean, and easy to access.

The Seamless Square

The quintessential fold, the seamless square is one of the easiest ways to fold ladies panties. Here’s how:

  • Lay your undies on a flat surface so that the crotch is pointing toward you and the backside is facing up.
  • Smooth any wrinkles out of the fabric with your hands.
  • Fold the crotch up toward the top so that it lines up with the waist.
  • Fold one side into the center, stopping at about the midpoint of the waistband.
  • Fold the other side toward the center so that it slightly overlaps the opposite side.
  • Flip the panties over so that they’re face-up and they’re ready to pack.

It’s easy to stack one pair on top of the other, making the seamless square an ideal folding technique for packing in luggage.

The Basic Roll

The basic roll is another simple way to keep your panties neat and tidy. It’s also ideal for stowing away in either luggage or a backpack, as it can be easily tucked into a pocket or a corner.

  • Lay the panties on a flat surface so that the crotch is nearest you and the front is facing up.
  • Use your hands to smooth any wrinkles out of the fabric.
  • Fold one side of the panties inward, toward the waistband, stopping at about the midpoint.
  • Repeat with the opposite side so that it slightly overlaps with the previously folded side.
  • Roll the waistband down toward the crotch, keeping the fabric as tight as you can while you’re rolling.

Once you’ve finished, your panties should be nice and tight, and ready to stow away.

The Roll and Tuck

Similar to the basic tuck, but a little more complicated, the roll and tuck is less likely to unfold while you’re traveling.

  • Lay your panties on a flat surface so that they’re face-down and the waistband is closest to you.
  • Smooth the wrinkles out of the fabric and starting at the waistband, tightly roll the fabric toward the crotch, stopping about mid-way.
  • Flip the panties over so that the unrolled crotch is nearest you.
  • Fold one side toward the center, and repeat with the other side, so that the two ends overlap slightly.
  • Fold the crotch into the pocket that formed at the waist.
How to Fold Underwear to Travel

Folding Men’s Underwear for Packing

Boxers, briefs, boxer briefs, or tighty whities; no matter what type you wear, here are some simple ways that you can neatly fold men’s underwear for packing.

The (Larger) Seamless Square

This is the fastest and easiest way to fold men’s underwear, both for packing and when storing in your dresser drawers.

  • Lay the underwear on a flat surface, face-up, with the crotch nearest to you.
  • Smooth out the fabric.
  • Fold the right leg in, toward the middle.
  • Repeat the same with the left leg.
  • Tuck up any additional fabric from the crotch area.
  • Fold the crotch side about 1/3 of the way up, toward the waist.
  • Fold the previously folded 1/3 portion up one more time until it reaches the waistband.

When finished, you should have a neatly folded square.

The Tucked-In Square

A basic square is great, but a tucked-in square is even better for packing, as it’s more compact, and therefore, easier to stow away.

  • Lay your underwear on a flat surface, face-up, with the crotch nearest you.
  • Fold the right leg in toward the middle.
  • Repeat the same with the left leg.
  • You should have a rectangle.
  • Fold the waist halfway down toward the crotch or leg openings.
  • Hold the waistband open with one hand and with your other hand, tuck the bottom of the underwear and tuck it into the waist.

When you’re done, flip the underwear over and you’ll have a nice, tight square that’s ready to pack away.

About the author

Kelsey Summers

Kelsey is the lead editor of Undywear.com. She's a fashionista who's written for Glamour, GQ and others. She enjoys breaking the stigma and taboo around underwear and writing about all things fashion.