How to Fold Clothes Like a Pro (Without Crying Into Your Laundry Pile)
Have you ever stared at a clean pile of laundry and wondered if you should hang it, fold it, or just give up and shove that oddly-shaped top into the drawer and hope for the best? You’re not alone. Folding clothes can feel like a test of patience, dexterity, and emotional stability. But with a few tricks (and maybe a little laughter), you can learn how to fold clothes like a pro and make that drawer look less like a rummaged suitcase.
And hey, if Marie Kondo can build an empire around folding T-shirts, there’s hope for the rest of us.
Let’s get into it.
1. T-Shirts: The Ancient Art of the Square Fold
The modern T-shirt, as we know it, didn’t hit mainstream fashion until around the 1920s. But folding one neatly? That’s a 21st-century miracle.
Here’s the method:
- Lay the shirt face down on a flat surface.
- Bring each sleeve inward toward the center.
- Next, tuck each side toward the middle to form a long rectangle.
- Finally, lift the bottom edge and fold it up in thirds.
- Boom: a tidy square that stacks like a champ.
Pro tip: Want drawer satisfaction? Stack them vertically in a drawer, Marie Kondo style, not flat. That way, you can see every shirt at a glance, like a little laundry file cabinet.
2. Button-Down Shirts: Business Casual, Meet Business Folded
We get it, button-downs feel fancier and a little trickier. But they don’t have to be.
Try this:
- Button the shirt all the way up (yes, even the collar).
- Lay it face down, smooth out wrinkles.
- Fold one sleeve diagonally across the back, then fold it again at the elbow to create a flat edge.
- Repeat on the other side.
- Fold each side in toward the center.
- Fold from the bottom up once or twice, depending on the length.
Bonus tip: If you wear them often, hang them. If you’re storing seasonally, fold them this way to avoid “closet shoulder bumps.”
3. Jeans: Fold, Don’t Roll (Unless You’re Packing)
Jeans are durable, but that doesn’t mean you should crumple them like old receipts.
Fold them like this:
- Position the jeans flat with the back pockets facing up.
- Cross one leg over the other.
- Then, fold the pants in half at the knees.
- Finish by bringing the bottom hem up to meet the waistband.
Packing instead? Roll them tightly to save space. But for drawer storage, folding keeps them crisp and tidy.
4. Delicates & Lingerie: A Soft Touch Goes a Long Way
Folding delicates isn’t just about neatness. It’s about protecting your investment.
For bras:
- Stack cups inside each other; don’t fold them in half.
- Store them upright in a drawer to preserve their shape.
For undies:
- Fold in half vertically, then in thirds.
- Or live your best life and toss them into a designated bin. No judgment here.
5. Sweaters: Save the Shoulders
Hanging sweaters is a one-way ticket to stretched-out shoulders.
Try this fold instead:
- Lay the sweater face down.
- Begin by folding each sleeve inward at a slight angle.
- Tuck the sides in toward the center.
- To complete, fold from the bottom up into thirds.
Want to be extra? Place tissue paper between the folds to help retain the shape, especially for expensive knits.
Real Talk: Do You Have to Fold Everything?
Nope. Some items are better hung (like structured blazers or delicate dresses), and others can live their best life in a drawer. But knowing how to fold clothes like a pro saves space, prevents wrinkles, and makes getting dressed in the morning so much easier.
Plus, it just feels good to look into a tidy drawer and think, “I did that.”
TL;DR – Folding Tips Recap:
- T-Shirts – Fold into squares, stack vertically
- Button-Downs – Button up and fold like origami
- Jeans – Fold flat, not rolled
- Delicates – Stack bras, fold undies (or bin them)
- Sweaters – Always fold, never hang
Final Thought from Kona Cleaners
At Kona Cleaners, we believe laundry day should feel less like a chore and more like self-care. From expertly cleaned garments to folding tips you didn’t know you needed, we’ve got your back (and your back-of-the-closet).
If you ever need help with pressing, finishing, or professional folding for bulky or tricky items, we’re just a pickup away.
