Today, we’re breaking down exactly how to fold clothes to maximize space and minimize wrinkles.
Key Takeaways
- File Folding: Storing items vertically (standing up) rather than stacking them saves significant drawer space and improves visibility.
- Material Matters: Roll thin items like cotton tees and pajamas to save room, but fold bulky items like sweaters to prevent stretching.
- Wrinkle Prevention: Dress shirts require specific folding techniques to protect the collar and reduce ironing time later.
- Uniformity: Folding every item to the same width ensures neat, uniform rows in your drawers or on shelves.
T-Shirts
1. Create a Rectangle
Lay your T-shirt face down on a flat surface. Smooth out any wrinkles. Fold the left side toward the center, folding the sleeve back so it doesn’t stick out. Repeat this on the right side. You should now have a long, clear rectangle.
2. Fold in Half
Take the bottom hem of the shirt and fold it up toward the neckline, leaving about an inch of space at the top.
3. Create the Stand
Fold the shirt in thirds (or halves, depending on the shirt length) to create a small, compact square. If done correctly, the shirt should stand up on its own edge when you place it in the drawer.
Dress Shirts
1. Button Up
Fasten all buttons from top to bottom. This adds structural integrity and stops the shirt from shifting while you fold it.
2. The Sleeve Tuck
Flip the shirt face down. Fold the right sleeve toward the center. Fold the sleeve downward at a diagonal angle so the cuff lines up with the hem. Repeat on the left side.
3. Fold the Body
Bring the bottom of the shirt up about one-third of the way. Then, fold the bottom section up again so it meets the shoulders (just below the collar). Flip it over, and you have a crisp, retail-ready package.
Pants and Jeans
The trick to space-saving pants storage is knowing the difference between casual denim and creased trousers.
Jeans and Casual Pants
1. Shake and Flatten
Zip the fly and button the waist. Shake the jeans out and lay them flat on a table.
2. Create a Rectangle
Fold the jeans in half lengthwise so one leg rests directly on top of the other. Tuck the crotch seam in slightly to create a straight vertical line.
3. The Thirds Method
Fold the ankles up toward the knees. Then, fold the knees up toward the waist. This creates a thick, square bundle that stacks easily on shelves or stands up in deep drawers.
Dress Pants (With Crease)
1. Find the Crease
Hold the pants by the hem and find the natural crease lines. Lay them flat so the crease is on the edge of the fold, not the center.
2. Fold Lengthwise
Fold the pants in half vertically. Ensure the legs are perfectly aligned to prevent double-creasing.
3. The Horizontal Fold
Bring the hem up to the waistband. If you have a shallow drawer, you can fold them into thirds instead. Place them gently in the drawer to avoid crushing the fabric.
Hoodies and Sweatshirts
Hoodies are notoriously bulky and awkward to store. The “hood tuck” method creates a neat square that won’t unravel.
1. Center Fold
Lay the hoodie face down. Fold the arms across the back of the hoodie straight across. Fold the sides in slightly to create a uniform rectangle width.
2. Fold the Body
Fold the bottom hem up and over the body of the hoodie until it reaches the base of the hood.
3. The Hood Tuck
Take the hood and stretch it over the folded body of the sweatshirt. Tuck the entire square body inside the hood and smooth it out. You now have a contained pod that can be tossed on a shelf without unfolding.
Sweaters
1. Face Down
Lay the sweater face down. Smooth out the fabric.
2. Box the Arms
Fold each arm straight across the back. Unlike a dress shirt, you don’t need fancy angles here. Just aim for a straight line down the sides.
3. Fold Up
Fold the bottom hem up once to the middle, then again to the top shoulders. Flip it over. Avoid stacking too many sweaters on top of each other, or the bottom ones will get crushed.
Socks
1. Make a Cross
Lay one sock vertically. Place the other sock horizontally across it, forming a “T” shape.
2. Fold the Ends
Fold the toe of the bottom sock up and over the center. Fold the top cuff of the bottom sock down and over the center.
3. Lock it In
Repeat with the horizontal sock, folding the left and right sides over the middle. Tuck the final loose end into the pocket created by the folds. You now have a neat, flat square.
Towels
1. Lengthwise Fold
Lay the towel flat. Fold it in half lengthwise (hot dog style) so it is long and skinny.
2. Halves and Thirds
Fold the short end toward the center. Fold the other short end over it. Alternatively, roll the towel from one end to the other if you prefer the rolled aesthetic for open shelving.
Underwear
1. The Crotch Fold
Lay the underwear flat. Bring the crotch section up to the waistband.
2. The Sides
Fold the left hip in toward the center, then the right hip over the left.
3. Roll or Square
For boxers, fold in thirds. For panties, roll the little bundle from the bottom up to tuck it into the waistband. This keeps the underwear contained in a small “pod” that won’t unfold in the drawer.
FAQs About Folding Clothes
Is It Better To Roll Or Fold Clothes For Storage?
Rolling is generally better for thin items like t-shirts, leggings, and swimwear because it saves space and minimizes fold lines. However, bulky items like thick wool sweaters and stiff denim jeans stack better when folded flat.
Does Rolling Clothes Save Space In Drawers?
Yes, rolling thin clothing saves significant space and allows you to fit more items in shallow drawers. It also improves visibility, as you can see every item at a glance rather than digging to the bottom of a stack.
How Does Marie Kondo Fold Clothes?
Marie Kondo uses a technique known as “file folding.” She folds items into small, durable rectangles that can stand upright on their own. This allows clothes to be stored vertically in rows, similar to files in a filing cabinet.
How Do I Organize My Closet?
Start by emptying the closet completely and categorizing items into “keep,” “donate,” and “trash” piles. Once sorted, use slim velvet hangers for hanging items and use shelf dividers for folded stacks to keep piles from toppling over.
What Saves More Space: Folding or Hanging?
Folding generally saves more space because you can compress items into drawers or shelves. However, hanging utilizes vertical space well and is necessary for delicate fabrics like silk, linen, or intricate dresses that wrinkle easily.
How Do You Fold Bras?
Avoid folding molded cup bras in half, as this damages the padding and shape. Instead, stack them flat against each other in a row (spooning style). Unlined bralettes can be folded in half and tucked into the drawer.
How Do You Fold Clothes For Travel?
When packing a suitcase, rolling your clothes is the most efficient method. It compresses the air out of the fabric and allows you to fill awkward gaps in the luggage. Using packing cubes can further compress your rolled items to maximize space.
