What’s the Best Way to Fold T-Shirts Fast, Yet Neatly?

Although the chore of folding your T-shirts and putting them away can be quite a daunting task for many, it doesn't have to be! The key here is to make the process easier and faster, so that you're putting in less effort, but getting more done. If this sounds easier said than done, we beg to differ!

Not only can this be made easier, but by using a basic fold method, you can also save space when putting your T-shirts into a dresser, for instance. On the other hand, the two-point pinch method is perfect for quickly powering through folding your T-shirts if you're in a rush to get the job done.

So, with that, let’s get right to the instructions on how to fold T-shirts quickly and neatly!

Basic Fold Method

If you store your T-shirts in a dresser, or stack them up on shelves, this space-saving folding method is just what you need. 

Step-by-Step Instructions

Find a Smooth Surface

Before you begin folding, make sure you have a clean, flat surface to fold the T-shirts on. Either a table, bed, or even a clean floor works. A smooth surface is important as it makes folding T-shirts that much easier and faster. 

When you have a surface to work on, begin by placing the T-shirt face-down on the surface. The point of putting it face-down, is to ensure any graphic on the T-shirt is visible once it is folded.

Flatten Out Creases

From there, smooth out the T-shirt with your hand as it lays flat. If running your hand over the T-shirt doesn't help, consider using a clothing iron to get rid of excess wrinkles on the fabric before you begin. 

If you fold the T-shirts without getting rid of the creases, you'll end up worsening the wrinkles in the fabric which, in turn, makes it harder to remove later on.

Begin Folding Horizontally

The next step is to fold the T-shirt in half, using the vertical middle of the shirt as the center point of the fold. Take one sleeve, bring it to the other sleeve, and allow them to lay flat against each other. Ensure that the sleeves are lined up with each other when you do this. From there, check that all other edges match up to each other so the fold is even. Once again, flatten out any creases or folds as you do this.

Fold the Sleeves

Now, taking the sleeves, fold them over, but inwards. You want to fold both of the sleeves over the top of the T-shirt, moving them towards the vertical center line from the previous fold. Make sure to fold at the seam of the sleeves, and to flatten out any wrinkles here again. 

Fold Vertically

Now, you need to fold the entire T-shirt in half again. Take the top of the T-shirt (where the collar is), and bring it to the hemline of the T-shirt at the bottom, thereby creating a fold. Again, as before, make sure all edges line up well, and eliminate any folds or wrinkles that you find. 

Two-Point Pinch Method

Now, in the event that you are in a hurry and can't spare much time to fold your clothes, there is another method that can help speed things along. This one takes some practise before you can master the technique, however, once you do, you’ll be folding your T-shirts in seconds! 

Step-by-Step instructions

Lay the T-shirt Out Sideways

Place the shirt flat out on its back, but sideways (the collar should be to your right side). Before you begin, ensure that no creases or wrinkles are left in the fabric as this will make it difficult to fold quickly. 

Find the Pinch Points on the T-shirt

Begin by imagining two straight lines on the T-shirt: one that runs down the middle of the T-shirt as you look at it sideways, and the other that starts from between the right shoulder and collar, all the way down to the hem line on the bottom of the T-shirt. These lines should look like a T-shape as well, as you look at the T-shirt sideways.

Once these lines are established, you'll need to identify 3 points using those lines as reference. The two lines that intersect in the middle will be referred to as point 'A'; the point that is between the collar and shoulder will be our point 'B'; and finally, point 'C' will be at the other end of the line at the hem line on the bottom of the T-shirt.

Pinch Points B & C to Begin Folding

Pinching the points B, and C, lift the T-shirt up a little bit at those points. Ensure you've grabbed both layers of the T-shirt as you pinch those points. Along with this, lift the T-shirt enough to fold the entire right side of the T-shirt under, using the line between points B & C as the fold line. 

Fold the T-shirt

From there, you need to bring points B and C together using point A as the center point for the fold. Since you've lifted points B & C, bring them to each other, while letting point A fall towards you. Once they are together, grab them both in one hand and, using your other hand, grab point A, and line up the fold well. Be sure to adjust the material to remove any folds or creases. 

At this point, the left side and sleeve of the shirt will fall loose. While still holding point A in one hand, and points B & C in the other, fold the T-shirt over that left sleeve/side so that it is under the T-shirt as you finish folding. The end result should see the collar facing upward while the rest of the T-shirt is folded neatly underneath.

With this, you have learned the two best methods to fold T-shirts into neat, compact shapes! This allows you to stack your T-shirts into a vertical pile and save on plenty of drawer or shelf space. That’s not all; both of these folding methods are designed to allow clothing to be put away with ease, all while still being able to see the design of the T-shirt so you can easily identify it in a dresser or wardrobe!