To fold a ball gown dress, especially for compact storage or travel as implied by making it "hand luggage size," you start by folding the bodice in first, and then putting the sides in to make the dress as narrow as possible.
Folding a voluminous garment like a ball gown requires careful technique to minimize wrinkles and maximize space. While specific methods can vary depending on the gown's construction (e.g., layers of tulle, boning, delicate embellishments), the goal is typically to condense the bulk effectively.
Basic Folding Steps (Based on Reference)
Based on the provided information from a video titled "HOW TO PACK A BALLGOWN WEDDING DRESS INTO ... - YouTube", the process involves these core steps:
- Fold the Bodice In: Begin by addressing the top part of the dress, the bodice. This involves folding it inwards. This step likely prepares the rigid or structured part of the dress for compaction and protects delicate details on the bodice.
- Put the Sides In: After handling the bodice, the next step is to manage the sides of the gown, which usually involve the voluminous skirt. By "putting the sides in," you are consolidating the width of the skirt layers to make the entire dress as narrow as possible.
This method aims to reduce the overall size significantly, making the dress suitable for packing into a confined space, such as carry-on luggage.
Why Fold a Ball Gown?
- Travel: Folding is often necessary when packing a ball gown for a destination event, particularly when traveling by air with luggage restrictions.
- Storage: Compact folding can also be useful for storing the dress when space is limited, though long-term storage often benefits from less compressed methods like hanging or using specialized garment bags to prevent permanent creasing.
While this basic method provides a starting point for making a ball gown compact, additional steps like wrapping layers in tissue paper or using garment bags are often recommended to protect the fabric and structure during packing or storage.
