A few small details make the bundle method even more efficient for packing. Zipper, button and Velcro every garment beforehand. They keep their shape better when everything is fastened. Lay longer items like pants and long dresses across the length of the luggage compartment, and lay short dresses, skirts and tops across the width. Lay collars and waistbands out flat.
You need a soft object in the center of your bundle. Typically, a pouch carrying small items like underwear or socks works well. Ideally, the pouch should measure 1/2 to 3/4 the size of your luggage compartment. Compartment pouches that have clear pockets and zippers work well, since these items typically fold or roll up simply. If you use a toiletry bag, check that all bottles are tightly sealed and not filled to the top. Changes in air pressure while flying or driving through a hot region may cause the bottle's contents to explode or leak out.
Separate your longest and most wrinkle-prone items. Include any long, delicate items you don't want to wrinkle, like an evening dress or linen pants, for instance. Sports jackets also work well. Proceed from the longest and wrinkle-prone pieces to the smaller items, like tank tops and shorts, which should end up in the center. Be careful not to stretch out delicate items that may lose their shape, like knit sweaters.
Once you've laid out your clothes alternating across the luggage compartment's width and length, you need to bring the bundle together. Packlite.net estimates that about 14 garment items should fit into a standard carry-on bag. If your top items are button-down shirts, fold the second to the top shirt's tail and sleeves over the top shirt. Fold the top shirt's sleeves and tail in again, so both are bundled. Continue this method until all the shirts are bundled. Roll skirts, dresses and the pants over the bundle gently.
