Folding a short sleeve shirt isn’t much different than a long sleeve shirt, there’s just less sleeve to worry about. Use this method on dress shirts, polos or any other type of short sleeve shirt.

• Step 1: Repeat steps 1 & 2 from the long sleeve guide.
• Step 2: Fold the sleeves inwards along the seam.
• Step 3: Fold in the sides of the shirt, so that about ¼ to 1/3 of the front of the shirt is folded over the back on each side. The shirt should be a long rectangle at this point.
• Step 4: Pinch the shirttail and shoulder and pull gently to remove any wrinkles.
• Step 5: Fold the shirt in half horizontally, bringing the bottom hem of the shirt up to the collar. Again, your shirt should be a nice, neat square with the collar on top.

The roll method mentioned above also works great with short sleeve shirts, particularly polos, t-shirts and other knit shirts that won’t wrinkle as easily.

Shop our Men’s Short Sleeve Shirts

How to Fold Dress Shirts for Travel

If you’re packing for a trip, knowing how to fold a dress shirt properly can make the difference between arriving ready to go or reaching for the hotel iron. While the standard folding method works perfectly well, taking a few extra precautions can help reduce wrinkles in your dress shirts if you plan on packing them in a suitcase.

• Step 1: Start by fully buttoning the shirt, including the collar and cuff buttons. Keeping everything secure helps the shirt maintain its shape while packed and prevents the fabric from shifting.
• Step 2: Lay the shirt flat on a clean surface and smooth out any wrinkles before you begin folding. Taking a few extra seconds here helps prevent any existing wrinkles from becoming more noticeable.
• Step 3: Follow the standard folding method outlined earlier, carefully folding in the sleeves and sides while keeping each fold as flat and even as possible. Avoid rushing through this process, as uneven folds can create additional creasing.
• Step 4: Minimize unnecessary folds whenever possible. Every fold creates a crease line, so keeping the shirt as flat as your luggage allows can help reduce wrinkles when unpacking.
• Step 5: If suitcase space is limited, consider using the roll method for t-shirts or other more casual shirts to free up space. For dress shirts intended for business trips or formalwear, a traditional flat fold will provide the best result.
• Step 6: Once folded, avoid handling the shirt excessively before packing. Keeping the fold intact helps maintain the shirt’s shape until it’s placed in your suitcase.

Taking a little extra care while folding for travel helps ensure your dress shirts arrive looking as crisp as when you packed them.

When traveling, knowing how to fold a dress shirt is only half the process. Packing it correctly helps prevent wrinkles and maximize space in your suitcase.

Packing Shirts in a Checked Bag or Carry-On Luggage

• Place folded shirts at the very top of your bag. Heavier items like jeans or shoes should always go on the bottom
• Keep collars facing upward when possible
• Stack folded shirts together rather than spreading them throughout the suitcase
• Use packing cubes to keep shirts separated from shoes or toiletries

Packing Shirts for Business Travel

• Pack shirts you plan to wear first near the top of your bag or suitcase
• Bring wrinkle-resistant or non-iron shirts whenever possible
• Unpack immediately upon arrival and hang dress shirts as soon as possible

Question: How to fold a dress shirt without wrinkles?
Answer: No matter how neatly you pack and fold a dress shirt, placing it in a suitcase or drawer will inevitably create creases.

For travel-ready wrinkle-free style, check out our signature non-iron shirts. Designed and crafted specifically to resist wrinkles, our non-iron shirts maintain their shape and appearance for hours, no ironing needed. If they crease up a bit when folded, just toss them in the dryer on low for about 10 minutes.

That said, if you want to guarantee a perfect, wrinkle-free dress shirt we recommend you keep an iron or steamer handy in a pinch.

Question: How to fold a polo shirt?
Answer: To keep your polo shirts looking crisp, you can fold them the same way you would a dress shirt. The folding techniques listed above also apply to both long and short sleeve polos.

Our polo shirts are made from a finely knit fabric that makes them naturally resistant to holding wrinkles. Shop our men’s polo shirts.

Question: How to fold a collared shirt?
Answer: There are many different types of dress shirt collars but the folding method is exactly the same regardless of the collar you choose.

At Paul Fredrick we offer a wide range of collars for all occasions, including all-purpose button-down collars, band collars, point collars, spread collars, wing tip, and tab collars.

Question: How do you pack a dress shirt for travel?
Answer: Follow our step-by-step guide for easy tips on neatly folding a dress shirt for travel. If you’re pressed for space, try the roll method mentioned above.

If you’re traveling, our non-iron shirts are ready to wear after just a quick toss in the dryer. We also offer a wrinkle-resistant travel blazer, travel cases, face masks and passport wallets to help you travel in style.

Question: Is it better to roll or fold dress shirts in a suitcase?
Answer: Both rolling and folding can work well when traveling, but the best option depends on the type of shirt you're packing.

Traditional folding is generally the best choice for dress shirts, especially if you’re packing for business trips or formal events. Folding helps the shirt maintain its shape and leaves fewer wrinkles when packed carefully.

Rolling can be a smart option if you have limited space in your bag or dresser, but should be reserved for more casual button-up shirts, t-shirts, or dress shirts made with finer fabrics that are softer and less structured than your typical dress shirt.

Question: How to fold a shirt fast?
Answer: It may take you a few tries to get it down, but once you’ve mastered our folding method, you’ll have your shirts neatly packed away in no time.

Although it’s not necessarily suitable for dress shirts or long sleeve shirts, the 2-second fold is probably the fastest way to fold a t-shirt, polo, or other short sleeve shirt.

• Step 1: To do the 2-second fold, start by laying your shirt out flat.
• Step 2: Imagine 2 lines on the shirt, a horizontal line across the middle of the shirt and a vertical line halfway between the right shoulder seam and the collar.
• Step 3: With one hand, pinch the shirt at the point where these lines intersect.
• Step 4: With the other hand, pinch the top of the shirt on the vertical line and fold around the first hand to the point at the bottom of the shirt on the same line.
• Step 5: Lift the shirt up and lay it back down, folding the left sleeve under the shirt as you do so.