Folding button-up shirts properly not only keeps them looking crisp and neat in your drawer or closet, but can also help prevent wrinkles and creases. Learning a few basic techniques for folding dress shirts can ensure they stay looking their best. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover three easy methods for folding button-up shirts – the classic fold, the military roll, and the file folder. With step-by-step instructions and visual guides, you’ll be folding shirts like a pro in no time!
The Classic Fold Method
The classic fold is a simple, traditional way to neatly fold dress shirts that keeps them smooth and wrinkle-free. It’s easy to do and results in a compact, tidy package.
What You Need
- A button-up collared shirt
- A flat, clean surface like a table or bed
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Lay the shirt face down on a flat surface. Make sure the collar is flat and the shirt is fully buttoned up. Smooth out any wrinkles.
- Fold the sleeves in toward the middle. Fold each sleeve in half lengthwise so the cuffs meet the shoulder seams.
- Fold the shirt in half lengthwise. Take the bottom of the shirt and fold it up so the bottom hem meets the collar.
- Fold the shirt in half widthwise. Take one side and fold it in so the edges meet in the middle.
- Fold the shirt in thirds. Take the top third of the shirt and fold it down over the middle third, then take the bottom third and fold it up.
- Flip the shirt over. The folded shirt should now have clean edges all around.
And there you have it! A neatly folded dress shirt ready for storage. Be sure to store the folded shirt on a shelf or in a drawer, not hanging, to keep its shape.
Tips for the Classic Fold
- Iron or steam the shirt first to make folding easier.
- Button all the buttons before folding to keep the collar and placket smooth.
- Fold it briskly and decisively for sharper creases.
- Store folded shirts stacked away from direct sunlight to prevent fading.
- Refold and rearrange stacks periodically to maintain the fold lines.
With the classic technique, it’s easy to keep dress shirts looking their best for each wear. This versatile method works well for most button-up styles and thicknesses.
The Military Roll Method
The military roll, sometimes called the ranger roll, is a great way to neatly fold shirts while taking up very little space. It was designed for efficient packing and storage in the armed forces. The end result is a tightly rolled bundle secured with the shirt sleeves.
What You Need
- A button-up collared shirt
- A flat surface for folding
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Lay the shirt face down and button all the buttons. Make sure the collar lays flat.
- Fold the shirt in half lengthwise. Take the bottom hem and fold it up to the collar.
- Fold the sleeves in toward the middle. Just like with the classic fold, fold each sleeve in half lengthwise.
- Start tightly rolling the shirt from the bottom up. Use your hands to make tight, even rolls until you reach the sleeves.
- Wrap the sleeves around the roll and thread them through the center. The sleeves will secure the roll in place.
- Adjust the sleeves so the cuffs are tucked in neatly. The military fold is now complete!
The rolled shirt takes up very little space but stays securely bundled. This makes it perfect for travel or tight storage situations like drawers.
Tips for the Military Roll
- Roll it as tightly as possible for a compact bundle.
- Wrap the sleeves snugly and thread them fully through the center.
- Try it with polo shirts and t-shirts too, not just button-ups.
- Store the rolls upright like files to prevent flattening.
- Use it to organize shirts by color in a drawer.
The military roll is an efficient, space-saving way to stow dress shirts. With a little practice, you can roll them evenly tight every time.
The File Folder Method
For a clean, structured look, the file folder technique is a great way to fold shirts. It involves several precise folds that create right angles for a neat finished product. This method keeps shirts smooth and crease-free for a polished look.
What You Need:
- A button-up collared shirt
- A flat surface for folding
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Lay the shirt face down and button all the buttons. Make sure the collar lays flat against the shirt.
- Fold the sides of the shirt in toward the center. Fold along the seams so the edges meet in the middle.
- Fold the shirt vertically into thirds. Take the bottom and top thirds and fold them into the center third.
- Fold the sleeves back toward the middle. Just like with other methods, fold each sleeve lengthwise.
- Fold the shirt horizontally into thirds. Fold the top and bottom thirds into the middle third.
- Flip the shirt over for clean folds. Adjust it as needed so all the edges and corners align neatly.
The end result is a crisply folded shirt with sharp 90-degree angles, similar to a file folder. This helps keep the fabric smooth and prevents wrinkles.
Tips for the File Folder Fold
- Iron shirts first for sharper creases.
- Fold along the seams slowly and methodically.
- Align the edges carefully for right angles.
- Store folded shirts flat, never hanging.
- Place fabric softener sheets between folds to keep fresh.
With its precise folds and crisp edges, the file folder technique really makes shirts look their best. All the angles give the fold lines a structured look.
Frequently Asked Questions About Folding Button-Up Shirts
Folding shirts properly is a useful skill for keeping them neat and wrinkle-free. Here are answers to some common questions about folding button-up shirts using various methods:
How tight should I roll the military fold?
Roll the military fold as tightly as possible without straining the fabric. Wrap the sleeves snugly to keep the roll secured. The key is evenly distributed tightness for a compact bundle.
Which fold works best for packing shirts in a suitcase?
The military roll is ideal for packing shirts because it takes up very little space and stays folded neatly. The tight roll won’t come undone even with shifting in luggage.
Can I fold a wrinkled shirt and have it look crisp?
It depends on the severity of the wrinkles. Light wrinkles may come out with a good fold. But for deep creases, its best to iron or steam the shirt first and then fold while still warm.
Does the order of the folds matter with the file folder method?
Yes, the order of the folds is important to make the right angles and evenly aligned edges. Do the side folds first, then thirds, then sleeves for the proper look.
How do I keep folded shirts from getting wrinkled in storage?
Storing folded shirts flat and evenly stacked helps prevent wrinkles. Placing them inside breathable cotton pillowcases also keeps them neat. Avoid hanging folded shirts.
How often should I refold stored dress shirts?
Every few months, refolding shirts helps reestablish the creases and prevent wrinkles. It also allows you to re-stack them for better organization.
What’s the benefit of buttoning up shirts before folding?
Buttoning shirts keeps the placket and collar flat, preventing creases while folding. It also secures the cuffs to avoid twisting or flipping out.
Can I fold short sleeve shirts the same ways as dress shirts?
Yes, all these folding methods work well for short sleeve button-ups. You’ll just skip the step about folding the sleeves in.
Conclusion
Whether you opt for the classic fold, military roll, or file folder method, learning how to properly fold dress shirts is an invaluable skill. Keeping button-ups neat and wrinkle-free through folding techniques will have them looking fresh-pressed for every wear. With a little practice, you can master all three folding styles covered here.
The key things to remember are:
- Always fold shirts on a clean, flat surface
- Button shirts fully before folding
- Fold sleeves in first, then fold shirt in half lengthwise
- Store folded shirts flat, not hanging
- Refold periodically to maintain crisp creases
Having go-to techniques for folding dress shirts will keep your wardrobe organized and ready to wear. With crisp folds, your shirts will stay looking their absolute best.