Travel Pro Shares Four Smart Ways to Keep Clothes Wrinkle-Free Without an Iron

The Battle Against Wrinkled Clothes on the Go

Whether you're embarking on a business trip or planning a beach getaway, one common travel hassle remains: wrinkled clothes. From packed carry-ons to long-haul flights, keeping your wardrobe looking sharp is a challenge many travelers face. According to a clothing expert, the solution might be simpler than you think and doesn’t necessarily involve an iron.

Arriving at a tropical resort or rushing from the airport to a packed press event with a suitcase full of wrinkles is a frustrating reality for many. Noor de Swart, founder and CEO of Super Label Store, explains that how you prepare and pack your clothes can make all the difference. “Different fabrics respond uniquely to heat, moisture, and movement,” she says. “But ultimately, the way you pack is key.”

Gabrielle Schmauderer, a journalist for Guessing Headlights, agrees. She notes that when you’re running between press events, hotel check-ins, and evening mixers, it’s easy to feel exhausted. “I’d rather get those extra five minutes of sleep than waste time de-wrinkling clothes that were perfectly straight when I packed them,” she says. “A little prep means I can show up looking sharp without scrambling for an iron.”

Here are four effective wrinkle-free clothing hacks from de Swart that will keep your suitcase organized and have you ready for any photo opportunity upon arrival.

1. Don’t Overpack: Give Clothes Room to Breathe

It’s tempting to fill every inch of your carry-on, but overpacking can set wrinkles deeper. “Clothes packed too tightly have no room to shift, so every crease becomes set,” de Swart explains. “Leaving a little space means your garments can breathe, and it’s easier to shake out any wrinkles on arrival.”

She also recommends using packing cubes strategically. Sort by fabric type and pack them loosely. “Don’t squash wrinkle-prone items like linen with dense materials like denim.” A pro tip is to opt for wrinkle-resistant fabrics, such as polyester blends, knits, or items labeled “non-iron.” Even formalwear with a bit of stretch or structure will hold up better.

2. Use Tissue Paper and Roll

If your clothes always seem wrinkled by the time you arrive, it may be due to your packing technique. “Layer tissue paper between garments,” de Swart advises. “It creates a soft buffer and helps prevent pressure wrinkles.”

When placing items in your bag, rolling instead of folding is more effective. This works particularly well for tees, knitwear, and casual shirts. “Rolling not only saves space but minimizes those sharp crease lines that are tough to shake out,” she adds.

3. Shake, Hang, Steam, Easy

Once you arrive, timing matters. Don’t just unpack and refold; get those clothes hanging. “Give them a quick shake and hang them in the bathroom while you shower,” says de Swart. “The steam relaxes fibers and softens wrinkles. Closing the door helps trap the steam and boosts results.”

She also warns against stacking freshly unpacked clothes. “It presses in travel wrinkles all over again.”

4. No Iron Needed, Steam on the Go

Think you need a hotel iron to look good? Think again. “Steam is your best friend when traveling,” de Swart says. “If you can’t hang your clothes in a steamy shower, lightly mist them with water using a travel spray bottle and let gravity work.” This method works particularly well for lightweight or delicate fabrics, such as rayon, silk, and polyester. Gently pull on the hems and seams to help the material reset.

Wrinkle-Free Style in Minutes

De Swart emphasizes that the key to wrinkle-free travel is a combination of patience and strategy. “Most wrinkles happen when we rush the drying or packing process. Taking a few extra minutes up front saves hours of frustration later.”

Whether you’re jetting off for business, heading out on a road trip, or preparing for a formal event abroad, these hacks will help you step off the plane looking like you planned it that way. As Schmauderer puts it, “When your schedule is packed with travel, interviews, or media stops, your clothes shouldn’t hold you back. These tips keep your style sharp—no iron required.”