Improperly folded laundry can result in wrinkled clothes, as well as disordered and wasted storage space. Fortunately, there are some tried-and-true folding techniques to keep your closets and drawers neat and tidy. Check out these clothes-folding hacks for six common items. Show T-ShirtsScientists have revealed the most efficient method for folding T-shirts. The technique, described by robotics engineers at the University of California Berkeley, was part of a research project that programmed robots on how to fold clothing for maximum space-saving.
TipFor T-shirts with logos or designs (such as concert tees), start folding with the printed side down. That way, once folded, the design will be facing up, so it's easier to find a specific T-shirt without unfolding every shirt. Illustration: The Spruce / Ellen LindnerDress ShirtsWhile you might be tempted to hang your dress shirts, folding them so they can be stored neatly in drawers not only saves precious closet space but also prevents wrinkling. The latter is a big plus if you dread breaking out the ironing board. Make sure to button all the buttons, from top to bottom, before folding. Doing so will ensure a neat and tidy fold that stays wrinkle-free. Then, follow these folding steps that are similar to the T-shirt fold:
TowelsFolding both large and small towels in thirds is a real win-win. Towels folded using this method take up less surface space and are also much easier to stack. FYI, it's how most five-star hotels fold their towels.
Short SocksAny KonMari fan will tell you not to tuck one sock into the other after the pair is rolled into a ball—unless you like stretched out socks. Instead, long socks should be folded into thirds by placing one flattened sock over the other and then folding in thirds like you are folding a letter. Short socks, though, might not be long enough to fold in thirds. This diagram shows how to fold socks like these without resorting to the old sock-tucking trick.
SweatersBulky, heavy sweaters should never be hung on a hanger. To prevent sweaters like these from getting droopy and stretched out of shape, neatly fold as shown.
How to Fold a HoodieUnderwearWhile you might be thinking "Who the heck folds underwear?" consider this: Keeping your skivvies neatly organized will make it easier to find the pair you want to wear without messing up the entire underwear drawer. Even better, it saves precious drawer space. Always start with the underwear on a flat surface. For women's underwear, fold in half by bringing either the right or left edge to the opposite edge. Repeat, then fold in half from top to bottom. For men's briefs, fold in thirds by bringing one side to the center, and then repeat for the other side. Fold in half from top to bottom. Illustration: The Spruce / Ellen LindnerIs it better to hang or fold clothes to save space?When deciding whether to hang, fold, or roll a piece of clothing, the two most important factors to consider are the item's weight and fabric. Heavy garments are best folded and easily wrinkled garments are best hung. Fabrics that are lightweight and/or wrinkle resistant can be rolled to save space.
Is it more efficient to roll or fold clothes?Rolling your clothes in your suitcase will generally save space. This is because it squeezes air from between folds and means the most of available space is used. If done correctly, rolling can also ensure less wrinkles in your clothes.
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