Space Saving Folding Techniques for Clothes

Dress Shirts

• If you prefer to fold your dress shirts rather than hang them, make sure they are flat and wrinkle-free. Button up the shirt completely, flip it over, and fold the sleeves in horizontally across the shoulders. Fold each side of the shirt in toward the center vertically so that they meet in the center. Fold the shirt in half lengthwise and turn it over before storing.

Sweaters

• Hanging heavy sweaters will take up too much closet space, so fold and store them on shelves instead. Place the sweater face down on a flat surface. Bring the arms across the back horizontally and fold the left side of the sweater in toward the center vertically. Fold the right side in toward the center so that the sleeves meet in the middle. Fold the sweater in half once or twice horizontally, depending the garment's length, and turn it over prior to placing it on the closet shelf. If you have more than one sweater to store, neatly stack them.

Pants and Jeans

• Fold pants and jeans that you don't wear often to maximize closet hanging space. Smooth down bulky pockets by placing your hands in them to flatten any wrinkled material. Hold the pants by their waistband and fold them back so that their back pockets meet. Place the pants on a flat surface and smooth out any wrinkles with your hands. Fold long pants in thirds, beginning with the bottom, or shorter pants in half.

Jackets

• Fold seasonal jackets that you don't currently use and tuck them onto a closet shelf or in a drawer so they're out of the way. Button or zipper the jacket up completely to minimize space. Set the jacket on a flat surface face up and diagonally fold each arm across the chest, so that they cross in the middle. If the jacket has a hood, fold it down over the arms. Fold the jacket in half by bringing the bottom up toward the top.