I Tried the Sudoku Packing Method, and I Packed My Carry-On in 10 Minutes

I’ve been traveling nonstop for the past few months, and there are still more trips on the horizon. Between now and September, I already have Germany, Boston, Las Vegas, and Italy on the calendar. And while I’m considered an expert traveler at this point, there’s just one problem: I’m a chronic overpacker. Even though I refuse to check a bag, I somehow still manage to squeeze in at least five extra outfits I never end up wearing into my carry-on.

So when I came across the sudoku packing method, I was immediately intrigued. I might not know how to actually play sudoku, but this outfit-planning trick completely changed how I pack — and I can’t believe I ever traveled without it.

The sudoku packing method is a simple way to plan outfits using just nine clothing items: three tops, three bottoms, and three layers that suit the weather, along with three pairs of footwear. The idea, popularized on Instagram by creator Jean Wang, is to arrange these pieces in a three-by-three grid — just like a block would look like within a sudoku puzzle — so that every item can be mixed and matched. The layout looks like the following:

• Top row: top, bottom, layer
• Middle row: bottom, layer, top
• Bottom row: layer, top, bottom

From there, you can build outfits across rows and mix pieces vertically, diagonally, and in smaller combinations, creating far more outfit options than you’d expect. In total, the nine pieces can create up to 27 different outfit combinations — all while taking up significantly less space in your suitcase. Plus, you can add accessory pieces, like jewelry and scarfs, for even more personalization.

I discovered this method just in time for an upcoming trip to Germany, so I decided to give it a real test run. Here’s how I did it.

With temperatures in the mid-50s, I knew I’d need lightweight layers. I chose a tan cropped trench, a printed denim jacket, and a black crewneck sweater as my outer layers. For tops, I went with a white sweatshirt, a black silk tank, and a patterned sweater. For bottoms, I packed wide-leg jeans, barrel jeans, and black leggings. Then I added a few shoes and accessories to round everything out.

All of these pieces are interchangeable. Some look more pulled-together, while others are more casual, but every item can actually be paired with every other item in the grid. I had so much fun playing with different outfit options, and kept getting inspired to see how everything worked together.

I’m obsessed with packing cubes, and I love that all the tops and bottoms fit into one. I laid the two jackets on top, and packed the shoes and purses on the other side of the hardshell suitcase. When it’s really time to pack for my trip, I will put two of the purses inside the tote I’ll bring on the plane to maximize even more space in my carry-on and wear one of the jackets, but I wanted to see whether everything would fit — and it did, perfectly.

I was honestly blown away by how much I immediately loved this packing method. Instead of feeling like I needed more outfit options, I was thrilled at the versatility I created with only nine items. This is the first trip I’ve ever taken where I feel completely prepared (not to mention that I packed everything within 10 minutes!). This sudoku method of outfit planning and packing will revolutionize how I travel going forward, and I can’t wait to put it to the test with my next trip.