Folding shirts properly not only saves space but can also help keep them looking crisp and wrinkle-free. With a few simple techniques, you can fold shirts in multiple ways to suit your needs. Here are five different methods for folding shirts.
The Classic Fold
The classic fold is a basic technique that works well for most shirts.
- Lay the shirt face down and smooth out any wrinkles. Make sure the sleeves are straight.
- Fold the shirt in half lengthwise, matching up the side seams. Smooth with your hand.
- Fold the shirt in half widthwise, bringing the bottom hem up to the collar.
- Fold the shirt in thirds: take the bottom short edge and fold up to meet the top edge. Then fold the shirt in half widthwise again.
This creates a neat rectangular packet that stacks efficiently in a drawer. The classic fold keeps the shirt fabric smooth and free of deep creases.
The Military Fold (Or Ranger Roll)
The military fold, also known as the ranger roll, is a great way to neatly store shirts in compact quarters. It’s ideal for packing bags and suitcases.
- Lay the shirt face down and smooth out wrinkles. Make sure the sleeves are straight.
- Fold the shirt in half lengthwise, matching up the side seams.
- Start at the bottom hem and fold up tightly in 1-2 inch folds. Work your way up the shirt, rolling tightly until you reach the collar.
- Secure the roll with your hands and smooth in place. The military fold makes for a tight bundle that takes up minimal space.
Folding into Thirds
This technique divides the shirt into thirds for a tidy upright fold.
- Lay the shirt face down and smooth out wrinkles. Straighten the sleeves.
- Fold the shirt in thirds: bring the bottom short edge up to meet the top shoulder edge. Smooth into place.
- Now fold the shirt in thirds again the other way: bring the left side edge over to meet the right side edge.
- Stand the folded shirt upright with the folded edges on the bottom. The thirds technique keeps the shirt fabric smooth and flat. The upright folded shirt can stand neatly in a closet or drawer.
The File Fold
Similar to the classic fold, the file fold has an extra step to condense the shirt into a thin packet.
- Lay the shirt face down and smooth out wrinkles. Straighten the sleeves.
- Fold the shirt in half lengthwise, matching up the side seams.
- Fold the shirt in half widthwise, bringing the bottom hem up to the collar.
- Now fold the shirt in thirds: bring the bottom short edge up to meet the top edge.
- Fold the shirt in half widthwise again. This creates a very thin folded packet that can slip neatly into tight spaces.
Accordion Fold
The accordion fold makes it easy to see the design or pattern of the folded shirt.
- Lay the shirt face down and smooth out wrinkles. Straighten the sleeves.
- Lift the bottom hem and fold up 2-3 inches. Smooth into place.
- Continue folding the shirt into 2-3 inch accordion folds, working your way up to the top collar.
- Press each fold with your hand to compress the folds. The accordion fold keeps the shirt fabric and graphics visible. It allows shirts to stand upright easily while maximizing vertical drawer space.
Tips for Folding Shirts
- Always fold with the shirt face down to prevent wrinkles on the exterior fabric.
- Smooth shirts completely between each fold. This prevents creases from setting into the fabric.
- Store folded shirts upright rather than stacked to keep collars and folds neat.
- Use interleaving – place tissue paper between freshly laundered and folded shirts to absorb moisture and prevent mildew.
- Refold and rearrange shirts seasonally to maintain their shape. Don’t leave them folded one way for too long.
- Invest in shirt folders or boards to fold shirts quickly and uniformly every time.
Knowing multiple folding techniques for shirts provides options for storage and travel. Start with the classic fold, then experiment with the military roll or accordion folds to identify your preferred method. With practice, you can efficiently fold shirts for any situation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Folding Shirts
How do I keep folded shirts wrinkle free?
- Make sure shirts are completely dry before folding to prevent wrinkles from setting in.
- Fold shirts smoothly and evenly. Don’t bunch fabric when folding.
- Store folded shirts upright rather than stacked to prevent wrinkling.
- Consider using shirt folders or boards for uniform folds.
- Place tissue paper between freshly laundered shirts to absorb moisture.
Should I fold shirts before or after ironing?
It’s best to fold shirts right after ironing when the fabric is still warm. The warmth helps set the folds and prevents new wrinkles from forming. Waiting too long after ironing to fold can allow wrinkles to reappear.
What is the best way to fold dress shirts?
The classic fold or filing fold are ideal techniques for dress shirts. They keep collars and plackets neat and free of creases for a polished look. Hang freshly laundered dress shirts immediately rather than folding to prevent wrinkles.
How do I fold shirts to save space?
Use space-saving folds like the military roll or accordion fold. These techniques condense shirts into compact bundles. Also store shirts upright rather than stacked to maximize vertical drawer space. Use shirt folders to uniformly compress folded shirts.
Should you store shirts on hangers or folded?
It depends on the shirt. Formal shirts and blouses look best hung up to maintain their shape. Casual t-shirts and athletic shirts can be folded. Storing some shirts folded and others on hangers creates more space in the closet.
Conclusion
Knowing alternate folding methods for shirts can make a difference in your laundry routine. Simple techniques like the classic fold, thirds, and accordion folds help keep shirts neat and wrinkle-free for storage. Specialized folds like the military roll are ideal when packing shirts tightly. With practice, you can adopt the folding techniques that suit your needs and streamline your laundry workflow. Achieving crisp, uniform folds for your shirts will help them last longer and look their best.