STEP 1 – Start with all your pieces pressed/steamed ahead of time. I usually iron/steam all my linen items the day before I pack or far enough in advance that they'll be able to cool down. Linen creases easier when warm and those lines can be tough to get out.

Yes, you should iron your clothes before packing them, as "pre-ironed" fabrics are less likely to hold deep, stubborn creases during transit. When you iron an item, you smooth out the fibers; if you then fold it neatly or use the "rolling" technique, the garment will arrive at your destination in much better condition than if it were packed wrinkled. To maintain the crispness, many experts in 2026 suggest using plastic dry-cleaner bags between layers of clothes; the plastic reduces friction, which is the primary cause of wrinkles. Additionally, you should pack heavier items like shoes and toiletry kits at the bottom of your suitcase and place your ironed, delicate items on top. If your clothes still have minor creases upon arrival, hanging them in the bathroom while you take a hot shower is an effective way to let the steam relax the fibers, but this only works well if the clothes were properly pressed before they were packed.