If you’ve spent any time on “travelgram” or “traveltok”, you might have seen the viral sudoku packing method (yes, that’s right, this packing method is named after the numbers puzzle game). This capsule wardrobe “formula” uses a 3x3x3 grid system to help you pack nine essential pieces to maximize your outfits without overpacking. In total, this system pairs three tops, three bottoms, and three layers giving travelers a total of 27 different combinations. But how exactly does it work?
To get the scoop on the viral Sudoku packing method and learn how to implement it, we chatted with Athan Didaskalou, co-founder of July. Here’s what he shared to help you optimize your packing with this viral method.
The basics of the Sudoku packing method
“The Sudoku packing method is essentially a style system designed to help you max out your outfits without over packing,” Didaskalou shares. “Each pair of pants goes with each top goes with each jacket/jumper. You lay them out in a grid and your outfits work accordingly. The simplest way to think of it is like a tic tac toe grid. If you place your clothes within the spaces, you should be able to match outfits by going sideways, diagonally, up etc.”
Let’s not forget — this packing method didn’t just go viral for a cool name. It’s practical nature can help all types of travelers who common struggle with overpacking. Today’s travel trends show that travelers are becoming more intentional about what and how they pack.
“We all [take too much so we have options], because you don’t know what you want to wear on the night, or more realistically, what feels good on you that night. You only bring things that work, that can work with other things, and that always look on point. All killers, no fillers, Didaskalou shares.
How the Sudoku packing method really works
The Sudoku packing method starts by thinking of your suitcase as a grid (kind of like a tic-tac-toe board). From here, you’re going to select a total of nine items (three tops, three layers, three bottoms). Then, you’ll arrange them in your suitcase in a way that each row (in all directions) creates a full outfit. You’ll want to arrange it in the following formation:
- Top, bottom, layer
- Layer, top, bottom
- Bottom, layer, top
Unlike other packing methods which focus on rolling and folding to fit more into a carry-on suitcase, this method is a system. “You can still roll things, you just place them deliberately. It’s the difference between knowing how to cook and actually following a recipe,” says Didaskalou. “Frequent flyers love [this packing method] because it removes thinking. Business travelers too. But honestly, anyone who hates unpacking their bag mid-trip gets it pretty quickly.”
Using the Sudoku packing method
To put this packing method into real-time use as you pack for a trip, start by picking your nine pieces. Didaskalou recommends keeping it tight on color, packing as a single layer system. Keep tops rollers together, bottoms stacked, and layers on top so you can open your bag and see all your options to wear right away.
When it comes to selecting your nine focus pieces, he recommends selecting versatile basics whenever possible, like neutral tees, shirts, tailored pants, one good jacket. “Loud statement pieces or one-use outfits don’t really fit this method,” he says.
“For a short trip, you probably don’t even need all nine. Longer trips, you might swap in season-specific layers but keep the same logic. It scales pretty easily. To be safe, always pack more underwear than you expect,” he says. Didaskalou also shared that he used the Sudoku packing method on his last trip, but even before that he would use packing cells to keep his suitcase organized and prevent overpacking.
“If you first try this method and struggle, don’t overthink it. First go will feel awkward. On the second trip, the method really clicks. You just need to see it work once,” he shares.
The future of luggage packing trends
Viral trends like the Sudoku packing method always seem to come and go, but Didaskalou believes this method can teach travelers a behavior that will stick.
“The name might fade but the behavior sticks, he shares. “Once you experience a well-packed bag, it’s hard to go back. The simplest form of structured packing using packing cells, keeping things organized and easy for when you’re at the hotel is the name of the game.” Over time, luggage design will continue to evolve alongside new packing behaviors, featuring more intuitive layouts that feel obvious without instructions.
Emerging travel habits and trends also shape how July considers future luggage designs. Today’s travel trends suggest travelers are opting for shorter, more frequent trips.
“People are moving faster. People are benchmarked on the best experiences globally – they interact with their iPhones daily, use AI for work, drive state of the art EV’s on weekends,” says Didaskalou. “Their travel gear needs to match their daily expectations. So, I see more tech integration in the future but done quietly, not gimmicky. We are slowly adding in features that will become the new normal, but the fundamentals don’t change: Durable, accessible.”
