T-Shirt Organization: Fold, Stack, And Display Your Collection

T-shirts can quickly pile up and create a cluttered mess if not properly stored. There are several ways to organise your T-shirts, from folding styles to storage solutions and donation plans. The KonMari method, for example, is a great way to organise T-shirts in dresser drawers. This involves folding shirts into rectangles and placing them upright in drawers so you can see all your shirts at once. You can also hang T-shirts in your closet, use cubbies, or store them in boxes. To save space, you can roll your T-shirts or use a FlipFold to efficiently fold a pile of shirts in minutes.

Folding techniques to save space

The File Fold

File folding your t-shirts allows you to stack them vertically in drawers instead of piling them on top of one another. This method is great for those who want to see the design on the front of the shirt.

Here's how to do it:

• Spread the shirt out on a flat surface with the back facing you.
• Fold the right side of the shirt into the middle horizontally.
• Fold the left side of the shirt into the middle horizontally so it meets the other side.
• Fold the shirt in half horizontally so the two ends are touching.
• Fold the shirt into thirds horizontally.

The Square Fold

This method produces a larger square, allowing you to see any logos when you tuck your shirts into drawers.

• Spread the shirt out on a flat surface with the front facing you.
• Pinch the right and left sides of the shirt, each under the armpits, and fold it in half horizontally.
• Fold the shirt in half again vertically.
• Take the bottom of the shirt and fold it up towards the middle.
• Fold a third time up to the top to form a square.

The Rolling Technique

Rolling your t-shirts is another great way to save space and prevent wrinkles.

• Spread the shirt out on a flat surface with the front facing you.
• Fold the right side of the shirt in towards the middle vertically.
• Fold the left side of the shirt in towards the middle vertically.
• Roll the shirt from top to bottom. Stop rolling about 10 inches from the bottom hem.
• Fold the bottom hem section back and around the shirt so it tucks over the rolled section.

The Packing Fold

If you're looking to save space in your suitcase, try this folding technique:

• Spread the shirt out on a flat surface with the front facing you.
• Tuck the sleeves back behind the shirt.
• Fold the shirt into thirds horizontally.
• Bring the neckline down an inch from the bottom of the shirt.
• Fold the shirt into thirds vertically.

Hanging vs storing in drawers

There are pros and cons to both hanging and storing t-shirts in drawers. It is often a matter of personal preference, but also depends on the space you have available.

Hanging

Hanging t-shirts in a wardrobe is a convenient option, as wardrobes usually come with a lot of hanging space. T-shirts are also very light, so they can be easily hung without causing damage or stretching. However, hanging t-shirts may result in some creases and wrinkles, which will need to be ironed out.

Storing in Drawers

Storing t-shirts in drawers is better for shape retention and can help to prevent stretching. When storing t-shirts in drawers, it is important to fold them neatly and place them in an organised stack. This will make it easier to find the t-shirt you are looking for and will also maximise space. One popular method for folding t-shirts is the KonMari method, which involves folding clothes into rectangles or squares and storing them vertically in rows, like files in a filing cabinet. This saves space, prevents wrinkles, and allows you to see all the contents of the drawer at once. Another option is to roll your t-shirts and place them in the drawer, which can also save space and prevent wrinkles.

Organising by type and style

T-shirts are a versatile piece of clothing that can be dressed up or down, depending on the occasion. When it comes to organising your t-shirts by type and style, there are a few key things to consider. Firstly, identify the different types of t-shirts you have in your collection. This includes t-shirts with different necklines such as crew necks, v-necks, henleys (y-necks), polo shirts, scoop necks, and boat necks. Additionally, you can categorise your t-shirts based on sleeve length, including sleeveless, cap sleeves, half sleeves, three-quarter sleeves, and full-length sleeves.

Once you've identified the different types of t-shirts you have, you can start organising them by style. For example, you may want to group together all your casual t-shirts, which tend to be made from more casual fabrics like cotton or linen, and feature more relaxed fits. On the other hand, you may want to separate your dressier t-shirts, which might include styles with unique details such as pockets, hoods, or graphic prints.

When organising your t-shirts by type and style, it's also important to consider the fit. T-shirts can range from slim-fit to oversized, and this will play a significant role in how you style them. For example, a slim-fit t-shirt might be better suited for layering under a blazer or jacket, while an oversized t-shirt could be perfect for a more casual, streetwear-inspired look.

Finally, don't forget to pay attention to the colours and patterns of your t-shirts. You may want to organise your t-shirts by colour to make it easier to find what you're looking for when putting together an outfit. For example, you might want to keep all your white t-shirts together, as they are a classic staple that can be easily dressed up or down. Alternatively, you may want to group together t-shirts with similar patterns or prints, such as stripes or graphics, to create a more cohesive look within your collection.

How to store old t-shirts

There are several ways to store old t-shirts. If you are running out of space, you can roll up your t-shirts instead of folding them and place them in drawers in a similar manner. You can also use a FlipFold to save time and fold a whole pile of shirts in a matter of minutes.

If you have old t-shirts with sentimental value, you can put them in boxes and store them in your attic, basement, garage, or at the top of your closet. If you plan on wearing them, make sure to take them out of the box and let them air out for about 15 minutes before putting them on.

If you have more t-shirts than you wear, you can donate the ones you don't want but are still usable to the less fortunate. Make sure to wash the shirts before giving them away. You can also convert old shirts into rags or work clothes.

Finally, if you have a lot of t-shirts, you can try a simple trick to get them organized and make it easy for you to find the one you want when getting dressed. Instead of folding them haphazardly and placing one on top of the other, you can fold your t-shirts into a rectangle or square shape and then file them on their side, almost like file folders.

Using tools to help fold

One popular option is the FlipFold Shirt & Laundry Folder, which comes in adult and junior sizes. This tool promises to cut your laundry folding time in half and increase productivity, giving you a uniform fold every time. It is made from polypropylene plastic and is proudly made in the USA. The FlipFold has rubber-cushioned feet/bumpers for easy handling and non-skid performance on any surface. It also features holes to reduce static and allow air to pass through the board, eliminating the pullback effect. The adult version retails for $39.99, while the junior version is ideal for packing for travel as it folds garments to a slightly smaller dimension.

Another option is the BoxLegend Shirt Folding Board, which comes in various colours and versions. This tool is made from durable plastic and promises easy and fast folding for both adults and children. It features a hook for hanging and is available on Amazon, with prices starting at $9.99.

If you're looking for a more affordable option, you could try a simple plastic cutting board from the dollar store, as suggested by one person online. Alternatively, you could use a piece of cardboard cut to the width of a t-shirt's neck hole to ensure all your folded shirts are a uniform size.

Frequently asked questions