Although neglecting to fold our shirts and sweaters might be a bigger problem than folding them badly, it's proper folding techniques that help to keep these garments neatly organized and give them a better look and a longer life.
"The best way to fold [clothing] will be determined by the space you are placing them," says Mindi Blythe, owner of Get Organized in Alma. "The ideal fold would be one with less wrinkle imprints as possible."
The best way to fold T-shirts, she says, is the way they're folded in retail stores. The Real Simple website (realsimple.com) gives instructions for this method, using a sweater: Place the item face down. Fold the sleeves, if any, straight across. Fold over one side vertically toward the middle. Fold in the other side so that the sleeve edges meet, then fold the item once or twice horizontally. "This allows you to quickly see what you're looking for, and get it," Blythe says.
But, she adds, rolling is an acceptable alternative to folding.
"If you have a lot of T-shirts, especially if they are for work, rolling them up in your drawer is the best way to maximize space," Blythe says.
Blythe says she believes the best way to fold sweaters is in the traditional way: Fold them in half lengthwise, fold both sleeves over, fold the bottom half up to cover the sleeves, then fold again if desired. Sweaters should be stacked no more than five high, she says.
Sweaters can also be rolled. Place the sweater face down; pull the arms in so that the sweater is no more than 12 inches wide; then roll it and put it away. This way, you'll be able to quickly see your sweaters in the drawer -- plus they'll stay smooth, Blythe says.
-- Helaine R. Williams
HomeStyle on 03/21/2015