How to Fold Clothes: A Step-by-Step Guide to Keep Your Wardrobe Neat and Organized

Living in a tight New York apartment has taught me loads (pun intended) about making the most of limited space. Since moving in, I’ve become particular about maximizing every inch of my small space. One thing I’ve learned? How you store your clothes makes a world of difference.

Folding clothes neatly doesn’t just save space—it’s helped me feel more organized, keeps my fabrics in better shape, and cuts down on wrinkles. And let me tell you, in a tiny apartment with no room for an ironing board, that’s a lifesaver.

While folding clothes might seem straightforward, doing it the wrong way can quickly turn into a mountain of nightmares. That’s why I put together this guide to help you master the art of laundry folding.

Why Properly Folding Clothes Matters

You heard it here first: folding clothes properly is important! Okay, maybe your mother told you first, but were you really paying attention back then? 

Folding your clothes maximizes storage space in your closet, drawers, and travel bags. What surprised me most after I started putting the time into folding my clothes properly was how my living space feels more organized and clutter-free. And let me reiterate–every nook, cranny, and crevice is vitally important when you’re living in a small space like me. Not to mention that the organization saves time when it comes to getting dressed in the morning since your items are easier to find!

Finally, washing clothes effectively and folding them properly helps prevent wrinkles and preserves clothing quality, allowing me to skip the ironing board (that I don’t own) more often than not.

Essential Clothing Folding Techniques

Each item, as you can guess, needs to be folded differently to maximize space and prevent wrinkles. I’ll provide step-by-step instructions for some of the most common items in every wardrobe. 

How to Fold T-Shirts

If you’re anything like me, t-shirts take up most of your wardrobe. Here’s how to fold a t-shirt in four simple steps:

1. Lay the shirt flat, front-side down.
2. Fold each side inward so the sleeves meet in the middle.
3. Fold the bottom up halfway to the shoulders.
4. Fold once more in the middle for a compact square.

What I love about this method is that it clears up space in my drawer. This folding technique is also especially useful if you have graphic tee shirts because it prevents creases from forming on the center of your design. 

Most of us have probably heard about the Marie Kondo method of folding at this point. I’m here to vouch for it! This method essentially condenses your tee shirt into thirds to take up as little space as possible while preserving the integrity of your t-shirts. Win-win!

How to Fold Pants and Jeans

As bulkier items that take up more space, it’s particularly important to keep your pants and jeans tidy with proper folding technique. Here’s how to fold jeans and pants:

1. Lay the pants flat on a stable surface.
2. Fold them in half vertically (leg over leg).
3. Fold the pant leg cuffs up to the waistband.
4. Fold again for a compact fit.

This method is excellent for minimizing wrinkles in your bottoms. However, you may have finicky dress pants that crease easily. To minimize creases, I recommend hanging them using pant hangers. Or, follow these steps for folding dress pants if hanging is not an option:

1. Lay the pants on a flat surface with the front facing up.
2. Pinch the waistline at the top of each leg pleat. Pull the pinched areas on the waist towards you and together, causing the zipper to fold inward. At this point, your pants should be folded in half lengthwise, with the sides facing out and the zipper and center of the pants collapsed inwards.
3. Fold the bottom cuffs up to the waistband.
4. Fold again for a compact fit.

If you travel frequently, I recommend rolling your pants to maximize space in your suitcase. To do this, fold your pants or jeans in half lengthwise, using one of the two folding methods described above. Starting at the waistband, tightly roll the pants down to the hem. Then, stick your rolled pants in your suitcase or packing cube. Done!

How to Fold Towels

Towels are incredibly easy to fold. I even ask my kids to help fold our freshly washed towels because there is little room for error! 

To fold a towel:

1. Lay the towel flat.
2. Fold in thirds lengthwise.
3. Fold in half, then half again.

This folding method is excellent for organization and maximizing small storage spaces! If you have an especially tight space, I recommend focusing on getting a nice, sharp fold. This ensures the towel won’t come unraveled and take up unnecessary space. 

Maybe you’re hosting guests, or perhaps towels are on display in your bathroom. Regardless of the reason, you can roll your towels for a spa-like presentation. Here’s how to roll your towels like hotels and spas do:

1. Lay your towel on a flat surface.
2. Fold one corner diagonally across the towel so that the short end of the towel meets the long end. This should create a point at one end of the towel.
3. Fold the towel in half lengthwise. The pointed corner should be at the bottom.
4. Tightly roll the towel, starting at the end opposite of the pointed end. 
5. When your roll meets the pointed end, tuck the point into the rolled towel to secure it in place.

How to Fold Socks

Folding socks is probably a no-brainer for most, but hey, let’s just cover all our bases! The hardest part about folding socks will be sorting through your laundry pile to find the matching pairs. It’s worth the hassle, though, to keep these garments organized so you can save space in your sock drawer. 

Folding socks requires two easy steps:

1. Lay one sock over the other.
2. Fold in half or roll.

Of course, different types of socks can benefit from different types of folding. For ankle socks, I recommend following this folding method:

1. Lay one sock down flat horizontally. Lay the matching sock on top of it vertically, creating a plus sign.
2. Starting with the bottom sock, fold one end into the center. Fold the other end of the sock in to meet it, tucking the toe of the sock into the opening.
3. Repeat with the top sock, folding it around the horizontal sock and securing your folded socks by tucking the toe into the opening. 

If you have a lot of dress or crew socks, follow these steps to keep them organized in your drawer:

1. Lay the socks on top of each other, lining up the toes and openings.
2. Start by folding the toes a third of the way up the sock. Fold the same end in another third.
3. Gently fold the folded toe into the opening of the socks to create a neat, organized rectangle.

How to Fold Underwear

My underwear drawer can quickly start to overflow. I have found that proper folding is key to keeping it easy to open. Plus, it’s even easier to find what I’m looking for quickly. 

To fold underwear:

1. Lay flat and fold sides in.
2. Fold the bottom up to the waistband.
3. Fold in half again for compact storage.

I recommend taking extra care when folding delicate underwear. Delicate garments made with lace, silk, or satin should follow the same steps as above, but ensure they’re stored in a cool, dark place and away from anything in your drawers that may snag the fabric. 

If you’re traveling, you can maximize space in your suitcase by rolling your underwear. Simply follow steps one and two. Then, starting at the long end, gently roll your underwear so that it is compactly rolled.

Specialized Folding Techniques for Different Clothing Types

Now that we’ve covered the wardrobe essentials, let’s talk about how to fold some specialty clothing items that require a little more care.

How to Fold Button-Up Shirts

Button-up shirts should be hung in most cases to avoid wrinkles. However, you can also fold these wrinkle-prone shirts in a pinch. I highly recommend following these steps to prevent creases from forming in the collar and preserving the shape of the shirt. 

To fold button-up shirts:

1. Ensure all of the buttons are done.
2. Place the shirt face-down on a flat surface.
3. Take one sleeve and fold it inwards so that the cuff of the sleeve is lying on top of the bottom edge of the shirt.
4. Fold the other sleeve inwards using the same technique. The sleeves will likely overlap—that’s okay! Smooth out the sleeves so that they lay neatly. 
5. Starting at the bottom of the shirt, fold the hem in a third of the way. Repeat two more times, folding the bottom edge in a third of the way each time until the bottom edge lines up with the collar.

I highly recommend storing your folded shirts stacked on a shelf since this makes finding and retrieving your items easier. If you have drawers, I recommend using drawer organizers to keep the stacks tidy.

Also, and I cannot emphasize this enough: keep the stacks small so you can easily remove them and return them to the drawers without making a mess of your other shirts.

Folding Sweaters Without Stretching

Sweaters are often made with delicate materials. To ensure your sweater holds its shape and doesn’t stretch, I recommend folding them as opposed to hanging them on hangers. 

Here’s how to fold sweaters without stretching them:

1. Lay the sweater on a flat surface with the front facing down.
2. Start with one side of the sweater by folding the sleeve and side of the sweater in towards the center. Repeat with the second side. If the sides and sleeves overlap in the center, that’s okay. Simply smooth the fabric out to prevent any additional wrinkles.
3. Fold the sweater into thirds by folding the bottom edge in three times. 

Take extra care when folding delicate knits like wool and cashmere. When storing them, I recommend using garment storage bags to keep them safe from dust and moths. Go the extra mile by including a cedar wood or lavender sachet in the garment bag—this will help repel bugs while also keeping your sweaters smelling fresh. 

Folding Workout Clothes and Leggings

Workout clothes and leggings don’t have to take up a lot of space if folded correctly! Leggings can be folded using the technique described for jeans and pants: simply fold them in half lengthwise and roll them from the bottom seam to the waistband. 

Tops, sports bras, and other activewear can be folded by laying them flat and folding the sides of the clothing to meet in the center. Then, fold the item into thirds to create a small, compact bundle that’s ready for your drawers!

My drawer organization has been transformed, thanks to the help of drawer organizers. These are especially useful for activewear which can come unfolded quickly, creating a messy drawer that’s difficult to navigate. These organizers help your clothes stay folded and allow you to organize by garment type so that everything is easy to find. 

How to Fold Dress Clothes for Travel

I’ve done a lot of business traveling over my career, and believe me when I say that there is nothing worse than arriving at your hotel with a suitcase full of wrinkled clothes. However, properly folding your clothes before putting them in the suitcase helps minimize wrinkles. 

Folding a suit can be especially difficult because, if folded incorrectly, it can take up most of your packing space! Here’s how to fold a suit to maximize your packing:

1. Start by laying the suit jacket on a flat surface, front side up. Align the button and buttonhole but don’t button them. Then, smooth the fabric out to minimize wrinkles when folding.
2. Place a rolled-up sweater or shirt along the jacket’s waist. This will help keep your clothes aligned once folded. 
3. Fold the hem and sleeves lengthwise, folding the jacket in half.
4. Fold the jacket in half again, this time folding it vertically so both shoulders touch.
5. Next, move to your suit pants. Lay the pants on a flat surface with the front facing up.
6. Pinch the waistline at the top of each leg pleat. Pull the pinched areas on the waist towards you and together, causing the zipper to fold inward. At this point, your pants should be folded in half lengthwise, with the sides facing out and the zipper and center of the pants collapse inwards.
7. Fold the bottom cuffs up to the waistband.
8. Fold again for a compact fit.

At the end of the day, some wrinkles are unavoidable. I recommend investing in a travel steamer especially if you travel regularly for work. This has helped me get rid of the wrinkles quickly and easily!

How to Organize Your Closet and Drawers with Folded Clothes

Now that all your laundry is folded, it’s time to put everything away. I have two favorite ways of organizing my folded clothes. The first, and perhaps most common, is stacking. I stack my sweaters on a shelf in my closet.

What I love about stacking clothes on shelves is how easy it makes finding and grabbing what I need. It’s simple and straightforward—no digging through drawers or bins. But let’s be honest, if you’re not careful, you can end up with a leaning tower of clothes that topples the second you pull something out.

To keep your stacks neat and manageable, keep them small—about 2-4 garments per stack, depending on the type of fabric and the space you have. Smaller stacks not only stay tidier but also make it easier to grab what you need without causing a wardrobe avalanche.

Another technique that I am a new devotee of is the vertical folding technique used by Marie Kondo. This storage method works best for bins and drawers so that the clothing is contained. For this method, stand clothes upright on their sides so that you see the folded edge. This optimizes drawer space so you can fit more in your drawers!

The proper tools and storage solutions can make life even easier when it comes to organizing your closet and drawers. I highly recommend investing in drawer dividers for optimal organization. These small, inexpensive storage tools help keep your clothes organized and folded within your drawers, reducing the risk of them becoming unruly and messy!

In my closet, I have two hanging shelf organizers for my folded sweaters and jeans. On the upper shelves of my closet, I use clear shelf dividers to keep my piles tidy.

Living in a New York apartment means every inch of space counts, so my family makes the most of our closets by swapping out clothes with the seasons. Out-of-season items, like bulky sweaters or summer dresses, are folded neatly and tucked away in fabric storage bags under my bed.

My kids have under-the-bed bins for their winter coats and heavy sweaters, which frees up precious space in their tiny closets. It’s a game-changer for keeping everything organized and making the most of our limited space.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Folding Clothes

Folding clothes is easy but can quickly become a mess if done incorrectly. Here are common mistakes to avoid when folding clothes and how to fix them:

• Overstuffing drawers or closets: Instead, use drawer organizers to keep your drawers tidy. Store special occasion or out-of-season clothing in storage bags under your bed.
• Folding everything: Sometimes, hanging your clothes is the best option. For sweaters, delicates, and items that may be damaged by hanging, opt for folding. For items that wrinkle easily, I recommend hanging them in your closet.
• Incorrect folding: Improper folding can lead to a wrinkled mess of clothes. Keep your garments neat and ready to wear by folding them on a flat surface and always using the proper technique. 

Quick Tips for Keeping Your Clothes Neat and Tidy

I firmly believe that keeping your clothes neatly organized makes it easier and so much more fun to get dressed in the morning. Folding your clothes properly is only one part of keeping your closet neat and tidy.

Here are some additional quick tips to keep your wardrobe organized:

• Refresh your folded clothes regularly to remove wrinkles without ironing. All this means is simply wear your clothes or rotate which clothes are hanging and which are folded. 
• Decluttering and re-folding items in your closet is essential for maintaining order. Re-folding ensures that clothes that have started to come unfolded get neatly tidied so that they don’t take up unnecessary space.
• Use scented drawer liners or sachets to keep clothes fresh. This is one of my favorite tips! Plus, they help keep moths and other pests at bay.

Conclusion

Folding your clothes might seem like a small task, but it can make a big difference. It keeps your wardrobe organized, maximizes storage space, and helps prevent wrinkles—all without the need for extra tools or gadgets. For a more organized home and a tidier closet, I definitely recommend taking a little extra time to learn the best folding techniques for your clothes.

If you’ve tried these tips or found this article helpful, why not share it with your friends? A little folding know-how can go a long way in keeping things neat and stress-free.

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