Laundry days are packed with tasks such as washing, drying and folding. Then, when it comes to ironing and steaming, some garments require extra care and ironing to remove wrinkles. This is where wrinkle-resistant clothing comes in. Not only is it great in a pinch when getting ready, but it's also great for travel. And as someone who travels often, I find wrinkle-resistant clothing easier to pack because it doesn't become crinkled like other fabrics.
Some materials are designed to hold their silhouette without adding an extra pleat to your garment. If you're looking for T-shirts that resist creasing when folded or dresses that hold their shape, you should prioritize items made with wrinkle-resistant fabrics. In comparison to linen, denim doesn't wrinkle as easily, for example. Some fabrics are less wrinkly than others, while others tend to scrunch. We interviewed a variety of experts to understand what to look for while shopping and which fabrics will keep their structure even when rolled up inside your carry-on.
Fabrics that do not wrinkle
According to textile expert and professor at the Fashion Institute of Technology Preeti Arya, fibers that do not have cellulose in them do not wrinkle. "For example, man-made petroleums do not wrinkle," so she suggests looking for fabrics like polyester, nylon and acrylics.
"When we talk about untreated fabrics, synthetics (e.g., polyester, nylon) generally wrinkle less than natural ones. One reason is that synthetics are hydrophobic, meaning they repel water and absorb very little moisture. Their molecular bonds are not easily disrupted by moisture, and so, they are less likely to form and retain creases when exposed to humidity," explains textile scientist Vianna Chan.
Another is their resilience. "Synthetic fibers form long, continuous polymer chains that are uniform and linear. This neat packing also means they can return to their original configuration well," adds Chan.
Los Angeles-based fashion designer Suzanne Vinnik says that the type of fabric, the way it's sewn, and the weave also play a role in how wrinkle-resistant a fabric can be.
Natural fibers can be wrinkle-resistant as well if they are finished with a chemical that is resistant to creases. Chan says a common example is "a cotton fabric that has been given a durable press finish. This is a chemical finish that offers shape-retaining and wrinkle-resistant properties, even after repeated washing and drying."
If you're looking for a natural fiber, Vinnik recommends modal. "It is softer than cotton and uses less water than cotton. It's found in underwear and other fashion garments."
Tencel, also known as Lyocell, is a drapey material that's less prone to wrinkling, according to Vinnik. "Wools are also wrinkle-resistant. They have a fine weave to them and are ideal for structured garments, suits and are an easy to pack," adds Vinnik.
Wrinkle-resistant clothing approved by experts
Vinnik recommends this brand and athleisure as a go-to for wrinkle-resistant fabrics. The bodysuit features a lightweight construction that feels smooth and stretchy. It comes in a thong and brief coverage, with a flattering neckline that feels supportive.
Chan recommends anything from Aritzia made from crepette. "A heavier crepe fabric rarely wrinkles due to its weight and use of higher twist yarns, as I mentioned earlier," Chan says. These high-rise shorts have a trouser-like silhouette and feature a few more inches to avoid a waist gap. These are your everyday travel shorts for when you need to look polished yet comfortable.
As mentioned by Vinnik, Lyocell is a great material that wrinkles less when blended with other natural fibers. This sundress is easy to throw on a summer day and it features a flowy silhouette that feels breezy. With added pockets and great coverage, this dress can be added to your everyday wardrobe for easy outfit variations.
Wrinkle-resistant clothing approved by editors
On warmer days when I [Espinal] need to feel comfortable, I opt for this skirt, which features built-in shorts. The material is soft, it has pockets and can be worn for multiple casual activities. I wore it on a busy day while exploring Montreal and it kept me dry. The double-layer design offers added coverage, and the material tends to keep its shape even after washing. I never had to steam or iron this skirt, thanks to the nylon component.
I love keeping it casual during the summer and fall seasons, and this dress is a sensible addition to my packing list. The design offers an A-line cut and side pockets that feel functional and comfortable for all-day wear. It comes in various neutral colors and is double-layered, so your undergarment isn't visible.
Editor Vivien Moon and I own this button-down shirt from Untuckit, and it has saved us from wasting time ironing in the morning. "I’ve worn this shirt so many times and am constantly surprised by how well it holds up! My biggest pet peeve is when I see people who didn’t steam/iron their clothing, so I never want to look like that," says Moon.
"On my morning commute, I am usually with my dog and carry him, so that immediately causes unwanted wrinkles," adds Moon. But with this shirt, she can show up to work wrinkle-free and put together. Similarly, I can just spray a bit of wrinkle release spray if I want the edges to be flatter. Overall, this is a brand for the busy worker and traveler who needs something on the go.
I always reach for a similar dress to this one during the fall season when I need a quick outfit that looks professional and requires no ironing. While I have the version with 3/4 sleeves, this one has a similar silhouette that holds its shape after washing. It’s comfortable, stretchy and offers a body-hugging silhouette.
This top has become one of my favorites to wear with slacks, maxi skirts and jeans. I recently packed this on a trip, and it was completely wrinkle-free when I took it out of my carry-on. The material features a blend of nylon and elastane that keeps it intact. While it requires a delicate wash, the top offers versatility thanks to the elegant motif of floral lace.
If you're looking for a more sculpted silhouette, this dress from Miraclesuit is the ideal solution. It never wrinkles, is easy to wash and comes with a built-in bra that supports your chest. Also, the power mesh layer under the dress helps contour your figure. Every time I wear this dress, I get compliments and it helps me to hide body parts I want to conceal during days I am bloated.
Frequently Asked Questions
"It’s difficult to call any fabric ‘completely’ wrinkle-free. Under extreme conditions, nearly any fabric could form wrinkles. The textile industry has standard tests (e.g., AATCC Test Method 124) to help rate the smoothness of fabrics after laundering. You don’t need a ‘perfect’ rating to be considered wrinkle-resistant. To the naked eye, smooth enough is good enough!" shares Chan.
To make a fabric completely wrinkle-free, a chemical finish, also known as a durable press finish, is required for maintaining its shape. "Wrinkling in some fiber types can be lowered by blending with petroleum fibers like polyester," adds Arya.
Just like polyester, nylon and other synthetic fabrics, there are more exceptions to wrinkle-resistant fabrics. "Other considerations, however, are yarn twist, knit versus woven fabric construction, fabric thickness, and weave density," says Chan.
All of these components play a role in how easily wrinkles can form in a fabric. "Knits, for example, are ‘springier’ fabrics than wovens and hence more resilient. Fabrics with denser and thicker weaves are also more wrinkle-resistant because the yarns are less prone to shifting and crinkling," adds Chan.
The answer is yes. "Heat makes fibers more relaxed and pliable. The tumbling action is also a great way to ‘fluff’ out our fibers. For the best result, a little bit of moisture and heat (aka steam) allows for the best wrinkle release," says Chan.
Chan recommends looking for cotton fabrics that say wrinkle-resistant in their description, "as they’ve likely been treated with a ‘durable press’ finish. Other practical steps are to look at fabric thickness and weave density (as consumers, you can assess this by holding a fabric to the light and seeing how much passes through)."
She also recommends clothing that has a lining. "The extra layer offers more structure to the garment, and reduces direct pressure, contact, and friction," says Chan.
Additionally, she suggests hanging your items as opposed to folding them. "But if you do decide to fold cotton pieces, stack heavier pieces on the bottom so they are less likely to get crushed," concludes Chan.
You can also prevent wrinkles when packing cotton-made shirts by using a "piece of tissue paper into the body of the garment to prevent creases and limit wrinkling," says Vinnik.
How we chose
We selected these products based on insights and recommendations from textiles scientists, a designer and approved picks from Shop TODAY editors and staffers.
Jannely Espinal has been with the Shop TODAY team for over three years and has covered a variety of topics with a focus on fashion and footwear.
Meet the experts
- Vianna Chan is an NYC-based textile scientist and content creator for the fashion blog Styled by Science. She is passionate about sharing sustainable fashion and fabric education with consumers.
- Suzanne Vinnik is a fashion designer and CEO of her eponymous brand, byVINNIK. She has worked with television and Broadway stars while changing the narrative around the lack of inclusivity surrounding luxury fashion.
- Preeti Arya, PhD, is an assistant professor and textile expert at the Fashion Institute of Technology.
