How to Fold a Shirt

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5 T-Shirt Folding Techniques to Save Space and Time​

Tired of cluttered drawers and messy piles of t-shirts? You’re not alone. With the many wardrobe organization challenges we face, it’s crucial to find practical and efficient folding methods to make our lives easier.  In the following post, we will explore five t-shirt folding techniques that will not only save space but also help you maintain an organized wardrobe. Say goodbye to untidy t-shirts, and embrace a more orderly closet with these tried-and-true methods.

The five Shirt folding methods are:

  • Standard Folding Method
  • The Japanese Quick Fold Method
  • The KonMari Method
  • The Folding Board Method
  • The Rolling Method
woman hand folding red shirt on table

1. The Standard Folding Method

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The Standard Folding Method is a classic and straightforward approach to folding t-shirts. It’s easy to learn and requires minimal effort, making it an excellent option for those who prefer a hassle-free folding technique.

How to Fold a T-shirt Using the Standard Folding Method

  1. Lay Shirt Out Flat: Lay your t-shirt out flat on a smooth surface, like a table or bed, with the design facing towards whatever it is on. By doing so, the design will be clear when you are done folding. Make sure to remove any visible wrinkles with your hand, or iron the shirt before.
    a black shirt indicating where to start folding.
  2. Fold Sleeves Inward: Note about 2 inches from the collar. Take the right corner of the sleeve and bring it over to the left. The corner should match the 2 inches from the collar.
    a black shirt indicating where to fold.Fold the top corner of the left sleeve of the shirt inward towards the right to the end of the shirt so that they’re parallel to each other.
    a black shirt indicating where to start folding.
  3. Fold Shirt Up from Bottom: Fold the bottom half of the shirt up, about a third of the way as indicated above, ensuring it forms a neat, compact rectangle. 
    a black shirt indicating where to start folding.
  4.  Fold again: If you wish to conserve space in your drawer, fold the shirt again.
    a black shirt indicating where to start folding.

2. The Japanese Quick Fold Method

Known as the “two-second fold,” the Japanese Quick Fold Method is perfect for those who seek to save time while folding t-shirts. Mastering this method allows you to fold shirts in an instant, making it an ideal choice for those with busy lifestyles.

How to Fold a T-shirt Using the Japanese Quick Fold Method:

  1. Lay Shirt Out Flat: Lay your t-shirt out flat on a smooth surface, like a table or bed, with the design facing towards whatever you.
  2. Visualize the points: Break the shirt down into 3 points; A, B, and C. Point A is about 2 inches from the collar. Point B is half of the shirt, perpendicular to point A. Point C is at the bottom of the shirt, perpendicular to point B.
  3. Pinch and Lift: Pinch the two shoulder seams and the center back seam of the shirt, then lift it off the surface. *Picture: someone pinching three specific points on a t-shirt with both hands before lifting it into the air.
  4. Fold Sleeves Inwards: While holding the shirt in the air, fold each sleeve inward so their edges meet the side seams. *Picture: both sleeves folded inward, forming an even layer down each side of the shirt after having been lifted in the previous step.
  5. Fold Middle Seams Downwards: Hold the middle front and back seams securely, ensuring the armholes remain open, and fold the sides downwards until all four edges touch each other. *Picture: front/back middle seams securely held together with armholes free from being folded over or pushed together while simultaneously folding front/back sides downwards until all four edges touch each other at the top edge of the other seam.
  6. Tuck Bottom Edge Inwards: Tuck the bottom edge of the shirt inward, creating a neat rectangular shape resembling an envelope or package. *Picture: bottom portion tucked inwardly, creating an envelope/package-shaped form with its design facing outwardly visible from the top portion.

3. The KonMari Method

Developed by organization expert Marie Kondo, the KonMari Method is designed to help you save space and maintain order within your wardrobe. This folding technique is especially useful for those who are fans of the KonMari organizing philosophy.

How to Fold a T-shirt Using the KonMari Method Method:

  1. Lay Shirt Out Flat: Lay your t-shirt out flat on a smooth surface, like a table or bed, with the design facing up.
  2. Fold Sleeves Inward: Fold the sleeves of the shirt inward towards the center, ensuring they don’t extend beyond the shirt’s length. 
  3. Fold the Shirt in Thirds Vertically: Starting from one side, fold the shirt in thirds vertically, ensuring the edges are aligned and neat. 
  4. Fold the Shirt in Half Horizontally: Fold the shirt in half horizontally from the bottom up, creating a compact square shape. 

4. The Folding Board Method

Utilizing a folding board, this technique allows for precise, uniform folding that results in perfectly organized t-shirts. This method is suitable for those who appreciate consistency and order in their wardrobe.

t-shirt-folding-board-instructions
From: Amazon.com

How to Fold a T-shirt Using the Folding Board Method:

  1. Lay Shirt Out Flat: Lay your t-shirt out flat on a smooth surface, like a table or bed, with the design facing up.
  2. Place Shirt onto Folding Board: Place the shirt onto the folding board, aligning its center seam along the edge of the board’s crease. Fold the bottom portions of the shirt inward until the sleeve edges meet at the center.
  3. Fold Sides Inward: Hold the front and back middle seams securely while keeping the armholes open, and fold each side inward until their respective edges meet at the top portion near the neckline.
  4. Tuck Bottom Edge Inwards: Tuck the bottom portion of the shirt inward, creating a neat, rectangular envelope-like shape.

5. The Rolling Method

Ideal for travelers or those with limited storage space, the Rolling Method is a space-saving folding technique that keeps your t-shirts wrinkle-free and organized.fold-t-shirts-basket

How to Fold a T-shirt Using the Rolling Method:

  1. Lay Shirt Out Flat: Lay your t-shirt out flat on a smooth surface, like a table or bed, with the design facing up.
  2. Fold Sleeves Inward: Fold the sleeves of the shirt inward towards the center, ensuring they form an even layer across the shirt’s width. 
  3. Start Rolling from Lower Edge: Begin rolling the shirt tightly from the bottom edge, ensuring the fabric remains smooth and wrinkle-free.
  4. Secure the Roll: Once you’ve rolled the entire shirt, tuck the rolled fabric under the collar or neckline to keep the roll secure.

With these five t-shirt folding techniques, you can now keep your shirts neat, organized, and save valuable space. Each method caters to different preferences and requirements, so whether you’re short on time, need a travel-friendly option, or want precision in your folds, there’s a technique for everyone. Embrace a more orderly closet and make folding t-shirts a breeze by incorporating these methods into your daily routine.

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