Abstract: The present invention provides a method of compacting a sheet article, for example an article of underwear, to produce a stable, substantially rigid, compacted article. This reduces space required for storage and distribution and facilitates packaging of the article. Compaction is effected by placing the article, or a plurality of articles, in a mould cavity, and subjecting them to elevated pressure for a certain time. The pressure and time are selected to compact the article sufficiently to form the stable, rigid body, but simultaneously not being so great as to either damage the article or compact it so much that water or other liquid is required to recover the article from its compacted state to its original state.