
Folding a jacket for traveling, saving space, or just seasonally is an art. When doing it the right way, your leather jacket will maintain its shape, have no creases, and fit perfectly. Or else, it can leave permanent wrinkles and will look like you pulled it out of the laundry. This is why understanding how to fold a jacket properly will make your investment worth it and make your life easier.
This guide breaks down different, tried-and-true ways on how to fold a jacket for packing it to keep it in fresh shape and ready whenever you’d like.
Let’s begin…
The First Step You Shouldn’t Skip
Be it men’s leather jackets or women’s leather coats, make sure to first…
- Wipe off dust or lint with a soft cloth or roller
- Check for dryness so no hidden moisture sneaks in
- Zip or button up to hold the shape
- Lay it on a flat surface and press it out to smooth it
By following the above small steps, you’ll know how to fold a jacket for travel or other purposes, while keeping it neat and wrinkle-free.
How to Fold a Jacket Differently

Here are some various and powerful ways to fold your leather jacket without damaging it.
Method 1: The Rectangle Fold
This is by far the easiest way when learning how to fold a jacket:
- Consider a flat surface and lay the jacket on it, facing down.
- Fold one sleeve across the back and then the other so it makes an overlap.
- Bring the bottom of the jacket up toward the collar.
- Using soft hands, smooth out any wrinkles to make a rectangular shape.
Leave a small space between the collar and the bottom of the jacket so it doesn’t ruin the collar shape.
Method 2: On-the-Go Fold
Another smart way to fold a jacket for travel is the roll-up. This technique is good when you want to save some space or have a small area for storing your leather jacket. This method is almost the same as the previous method, but with a twist.
- Spread the jacket flat, back side down.
- Cross the sleeves neatly over each other.
- Start rolling tightly from the bottom hem upward toward the shoulders.
- Tuck it into a cloth bag or secure it with a band.
This technique is only suitable for soft leather bomber jackets or relaxed leather outerwear.
Method 3: The Gentle Fold
- Again, lay the jacket back side up.
- Overlap each sleeve inward.
- Fold the shoulders in the same way, so your jacket makes one long rectangle.
- Now, bring the bottom of the jacket halfway to the collar and then give it another fold.
- Finally, use soft hands again to smooth out any wrinkles or creases, and you’re all done.
The Difference in Folding Jackets and Coats
Leather is strong but also delicate, so you need to be cautious. When folding, use acid-free tissue paper to stop the deformation.
If you want to know how to fold a coat, especially heavy ones, fold loosely. Especially men’s and women’s leather coats. Make sure the shoulders stay in good shape.
Extra Tips to Remember!
- Always fold your garment when it’s completely dry.
- Avoid using plastic bags as they can trap moisture, leading to mold buildup.
- Wrap or cover in a breathable fabric bag.
- Never fold your jacket too tightly, as it can cause stubborn creases. This is for all types of leather wear, including leather coats for men and women, jackets, and anything in between.
Frequently Asked Questions
Both are great in their own way. However, hanging is best when you’re storing it for a season, while folding is best for trips and travel.
Not at all. A plastic bag will stop leather from breathing, trap moisture, build mold, and ruin your jacket. If you don’t have a breathable bag, consider wrapping in a spare light cloth – a simple shirt will work too.
A week or two of folding is fine, but for longer, consider hanging to maintain the shape.



