Showing up at a business meeting or wedding in clothing that looks like they've been wadded up and crushed is embarrassing. Unfortunately, with today's luggage fees and carry-on limitations, many of us are cramming as much as we can into tiny bags. Even before these restrictions, packing so clothes come out wrinkle-free at your destination was tricky.   These tips, just may help save the day-�and your reputation.

Wrinkle-resistant Fabric

One way to prevent wrinkles is to avoid them in the first place. Choose fabrics that are naturally wrinkle-resistant like synthetics -" nylon, lycra, or polyester. Or look for one of these natural fabrics that have the same properties: a cotton/wool jersey blend, wool, cashmere, or lyocell. If you're not sure, try this test before you buy or pack: Take a corner of the fabric and crush it in your fist for 30 seconds. If it doesn't wrinkle, or the wrinkles shake out in a minute or so, it's a good choice.

Packing Clothes To Avoid Wrinkles

There are several tricks to packing to minimize wrinkles. Use the one that suits the type of garment and fabric you prefer.

• Roll. This is one of the best ways to keep your clothes wrinkle-free as clothes are packed without hard creases. To reduce creases down the front of your shirt, before your roll your clothes, fold along the seams.
• Bundle or wrap. This involves wrapping your clothes around a bundle of wrinkle-resistant clothing. Put the most delicate clothes -" like a suit jacket -" on the outside. Wrap clothes so that larger, tailored, and wrinkle-prone garments end up on the outside. Place less easily wrinkled pieces closer to the core. Here is an example. Start with the jacket and lay it out flat on the bottom of the pile. Then add longer skirts, dresses, long-sleeved shirts, short-sleeved shirts, pants/slacks, sweater, knits, and shorts. Put your jewelry or cosmetic pouch in the center and fold the clothes around it.  
• Pack lightly. Avoid the temptation to overpack your bag. Give your clothes some room to breathe.
• Cushion with tissue paper or dry cleaner bags. Fold your shirts and pants with a piece of tissue paper in the middle. Or pace one outfit inside a dry cleaner bag and then fold. Either of these will reduce wrinkles by reducing friction, which actually causes wrinkling.

And, when you get back, bring your clothes to DELIA'S Cleaners for a full cleaning or to touch up any wrinkles that may have appeared.