Knowing how to fold a garment correctly is a useful skill that can make a big difference to the organization of your wardrobe and the lifespan of your clothes. This article will explore various techniques for folding garments such as shirts, pants, skirts and more, to optimize your storage space while taking care of your clothes.
The benefits of folding clothes properly
There are several significant advantages to folding clothes correctly. Not only can this simple gesture help keep your wardrobe organized, it can also reduce the need for ironing, avoid unpleasant creases and extend the life of fabrics.
Reduce wrinkles
When clothes are folded properly, they're less likely to crease, which means you won't have to spend as much time ironing them. For example, folding a shirt properly can prevent creases around the collar and shoulders.
Optimizing space
Another benefit of folding clothes correctly is optimizing the space in your closet or drawer. By using specific techniques, it becomes possible to store more garments in the same space, making your wardrobe management more efficient.
Protecting fibers
Finally, folding clothes carefully helps to protect textile fibers. For example, jeans can retain their shape longer if you fold them rather than hang them up, as this reduces tension on the seams.
The basics of folding different types of garment
Each type of garment requires a specific folding technique to ensure that the garment remains wrinkle-free and retains its shape. Here's how to do it for some of the most common garments:
How to fold a shirt
Folding a shirt seems tricky at first glance, especially when you want to avoid wrinkles. Follow these steps to achieve impeccable results:
- Button all buttons, including those on the collar and cuffs.
- Lay the shirt face down on a flat surface.
- Fold a third of the shirt towards the center, folding the sleeve sideways.
- Repeat on the other side.
- Then fold downwards in two or three parts, depending on the length of the shirt.
How to fold a T-shirt
Folding T-shirts is probably the most common method, but there's a quick and efficient way:
- Lay the T-shirt out on a flat surface.
- Fold each sleeve inside out, following an imaginary line from the shoulder to the bottom of the shirt.
- Fold the T-shirt in two, bringing the bottom up.
- Fold again into three parts to finish.
How to fold pants
Whether jeans or pants, here's how to fold them without causing creases:
- Lay the pants flat, aligning the legs together.
- Make sure all pockets are empty.
- Fold over each leg, smoothing out any creases.
- Fold the pants in half from the crotch and then, once again, horizontally.
How to fold a skirt
Skirts often require special treatment because of their varied shapes. The standard method is to :
- Lay the open skirt flat on a clean surface.
- Fold one half of the skirt until it reaches the other half.
- Roll or fold in half, depending on the storage space available.
How to fold a sweater or wadded cotton
For thick sweaters and wadded cottons, a different folding technique ensures that these bulky garments take up less space:
- Lay the sweater flat, face down.
- Bring each sleeve over the back of the sweater, crossing slightly.
- Then fold the sweater in three parts from the bottom up.
Additional tips for folding clothes after washing
Folding clothes properly starts as soon as they come out of the dryer. Quick action minimizes wrinkles and makes folding easier.
Work quickly
Removing clothes immediately after the end of the drying cycle allows you to take advantage of the remaining heat to smooth out any creases naturally present.
Avoid overloading
Don't overload your machine during the drying process. This ensures that each garment has enough room to dry properly, making subsequent folding much easier.
Storing folded garments efficiently
Once your clothes are properly folded, it's time to store them in the best possible way:
Make a list of space-saving essentials
- Use drawer dividers.
- Store T-shirts vertically in a drawer for easy retrieval.
- Use transparent boxes for small items such as underwear.
- Hang bulky items to keep drawers free of clutter.
Tips for maintaining order
Paying attention to storage habits helps keep your wardrobe organized and practical.
- Sort by category: group all T-shirts together, pants together, etc.
- Adopt the "one in, one out" method: for every new item that comes in, get rid of something.
Special materials: specific tips for folding certain fabrics
Some fabrics require a unique approach to avoid damaging the fibers. Whether natural or synthetic, adapt your technique to best protect your garments.
Folding delicate materials like silk or linen
For silk shirts or linen pants:
- Place tissue paper between the folds to avoid marks.
- Fold gently and avoid tight corners.
Taking care of stretch materials
Garments made of spandex or other stretch fabrics should be rolled rather than folded. This prevents the material from deforming.