Is your closet overflowing with shirts? Are you tired of digging through piles of clothes to find the one you want? Struggling to learn how to fold a t-shirt to get everything organized?
Folding shirts might seem like a simple task, but there are actually several different techniques you can use to maximize space and keep your wardrobe organized.
Here are some ways to learn folding shirts, from the basic method to the KonMari method, and everything in between.
Basic Shirt Folding Technique
Let's start with the basics. The basic folding shirts technique is a quick and easy way to fold shirts for everyday storage. It's perfect for t-shirts, casual shirts, and other everyday wear.
Lay it flat: Start with a clean, wrinkle-free shirt laid flat on a surface. This will ensure that you get smooth, crisp folds.
Fold in half vertically: Bring one sleeve across to meet the other, creating a straight line down the middle of the shirt. This step helps in making a neat and compact fold.
Fold the sleeves: Fold each sleeve neatly backwards onto the shirt. This keeps the sleeves from sticking out and makes the shirt easier to store.
Fold horizontally: Bring the bottom hem up towards the collar, folding the shirt in half or thirds depending on your preference. This final fold ensures the shirt is compact and ready to be stored.
Mari Kondo's Folding Method
The KonMari method for folding shirts, created by tidying expert Marie Kondo, emphasizes keeping only items that spark joy and storing them in a way that you can see everything at a glance. This method is perfect for those who want a tidy and joyful space.
Lay the shirt flat, face down: Start by placing the shirt on a flat surface with the front side facing down. Make sure the shirt is smooth and free of wrinkles.
Fold one side of the shirt towards the center: Bring one side of the shirt across the middle, ensuring the sleeve is flat and not bunched up.
Fold the sleeve back in a neat line: Fold the sleeve straight back along the edge of the shirt. This creates a clean, rectangular shape.
Repeat on the other side: Fold the other side of the shirt towards the center and fold the sleeve back in the same manner.
Fold the shirt in half lengthwise: Bring the bottom hem of the shirt up to meet the collar, creating a long rectangle.
Fold into thirds so it can stand upright: Fold the shirt into thirds, making it compact and able to stand upright on its own.
The KonMari method saves space and makes it easy to see all your shirts at once. This helps you choose what to wear without rummaging through piles.
Folding for Travel
Efficient packing is essential for travel, but how do you fold a shirt when you need it to take up the least amount of space possible?
Rolling saves space and reduces wrinkles, making it ideal for travel.
Folding keeps your clothes flat and is better for delicate fabrics.
Placing tissue paper or dryer sheets between layers of clothing is a little trick that helps keep your clothes looking fresh and ready to wear upon arrival.
Folding Techniques
Learning how to fold shirts can seem like a simple task, but using the right technique can save space and keep your clothes looking neat.
We already talked about basic folding and KonMari folding, but there are even a few more folding techniques you can try out!:
The military fold is great for saving space and keeping your shirts wrinkle-free. Lay the shirt flat, fold in the sides, and then roll tightly from the bottom up. When it comes to how to fold t-shirts this one is great for saving space.
The department store fold is perfect for dress shirts, keeping them crisp and ready to wear. This method involves laying the shirt flat, folding the sleeves in, and then folding the shirt into thirds.
Tips for Handling Delicate Shirts
Delicate shirts require special care to keep them looking their best. Here are some tips to help you handle them properly.
Choose a Clean, Flat Surface
When folding delicate shirts, it's important to use a clean, flat surface. This helps avoid wrinkles and stains. Good options include:
- A clean table
- Your bed
- An ironing board
Use Acid-Free Tissue Paper
Using acid-free tissue paper can help preserve the quality of delicate fabrics and prevent yellowing. Place a sheet of tissue paper inside the shirt before folding to provide extra protection. You can find acid-free tissue paper at craft stores or online.
Avoid Hanging
While you might think hanging is a great way to avoid creases and folds, hanging delicate shirts can be damaging for a few reasons.
The weight of the fabric can cause stretching, especially around the shoulders leading to shoulder bumps.
To prevent these problems, folding is a gentler alternative. Folding helps maintain the shirt's shape and avoids unnecessary stress on the fabric, keeping your delicate shirts in better condition for longer.
Tips for Folding for Small Spaces
Use Vertical Storage
Vertical storage is a game-changer for maximizing space, especially in small closets or drawers. By storing clothes vertically, you can see everything at a glance and avoid messy piles.
To implement vertical storage, you can use shelf dividers to keep stacks of clothes upright and separated.
You can also opt for stackable bins to utilize vertical space effectively.
Use Folding Boards
Folding boards are handy tools that help create uniform folds, making your clothes more compact and easier to store. If you don't have a shirt folding board, you can still achieve neat results with the techniques we mentioned above!
Use Drawer Dividers
Drawer dividers are fantastic for maintaining organization and preventing shirts from becoming a jumbled mess, whether you have limited space or a walk-in closet.
They help keep each item in its place, making it easier to find what you need. Here are some options:
- Fabric dividers: Soft and flexible, ideal for delicate items.
- Plastic dividers: Sturdy and easy to clean.
- Wooden dividers: Durable and add a touch of elegance to your drawers.
Organize by Frequency of Use
It's important to place your frequently worn shirts in easily accessible locations. This way, you can quickly find what you need without rummaging through piles of clothes.
Store your most-worn shirts in the top drawers or at the front of your closet. This makes them easy to grab.
When you do laundry, place the freshly washed shirts at the back of the stack. This ensures you wear all your shirts evenly, not just the same few over and over.
Keep current season shirts in the most accessible spots and store out-of-season shirts in harder-to-reach places.
Use Multi-Functional Furniture
Using multi-functional furniture can help maximize space and keep your belongings organized.
Ottomans with storage are great for small spaces. You can sit on them and also use the inside storage compartment to keep folded shirts.
Benches with compartments at the end of your bed or in your hallway can provide seating and storage space underneath for your clothes.
Consider beds with built-in drawers. These provide ample space for storing clothes without taking up extra room.
Customize Your Shirt Organization with ClosetWorld!
At ClosetWorld, we specialize in creating custom closets that cater to your unique needs. Whether you need more shelves, drawers, or hanging space, we can design a system that helps you stay organized and make the most of your closet space.
Reach out for your free in-home consultation and take the first step in creating an organized and functional closet space that fits your lifestyle perfectly!
