Fold or Hang: What’s the Best Way to Store T-Shirts, Sweatshirts and Hoodies?
How You Store Your T-Shirts Can Depend on a Few Things, So Which Way is Best?
When organizing your casual clothes at home, deciding whether to fold or hang can make a big difference in maximizing space and keeping your clothes in good condition. T-shirts, sweatshirts and hoodies each have different storage needs due to their fabric type and structure. So, what’s the best way to store them…and why?
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Here are the best ways to store your sweatshirts, hoodies and t-shirts, along with some tips and considerations to keep in mind to keep your favorite clothes looking their best.
T-Shirts: Fold or Hang Based on Material
For most t-shirts, folding is the best option.
Hanging t-shirts can cause the fabric to stretch over time – especially around the neckline and shoulders – which will leave you with an unflattering shape that’s hard (if not impossible) to get back to normal.
However, if your t-shirts are made of 100% cotton or made from another high-quality, structured fabric, then hanging can be a good option to prevent wrinkles. So bear these points in mind when deciding which way is best.
Classic Fold: Lay the t-shirt flat, fold in the sleeves, and fold it in half or thirds for easy stacking.
KonMari Fold: This one is a bit more complex where you fold the shirt into a compact rectangle that can stand upright, allowing you to store them vertically in drawers for easy visibility and access. You’ll probably want to watch a video for directions.
Hanging Option: Want to hang your t-shirts? If so, it’s important to choose the right hangars. Use velvet or padded hangers to prevent stretching. Plastic hangars are better than wire hangers, which can create those dreaded shoulder dimples.
Storage Tip: If drawer space is limited, use shelf dividers or storage bins to keep stacks organized and prevent them from follow over.
Sweatshirts: Fold to Save Space (But Hanging Can Work Too)
Sweatshirts are much bulkier than t-shirts and should generally be folded rather than hung to prevent stretching the shoulders out of shape. The thicker material of sweatshirts makes them ideal for stacking. However, in some cases, hanging can be a practical option as well. Here’s what to consider:
Flat Fold: Lay the sweatshirt flat, fold the arms inward, and then fold the body in half or thirds for a neat pile.
Hanging Option: If you wear a sweatshirt frequently and prefer easy access, hanging the sweatshirt on a sturdy, wide-shouldered hanger can help to maintain its shape without causing stress on the fabric. Cheap plastic hangars may bend and crack under the weight, so be sure to use good quality hangars.
Storage Tip: Stack sweatshirts on shelves or in storage bins to avoid overcrowding your drawers. If space allows, roll them to prevent creases and make them easier to grab (more on this option below).
Hoodies: Fold to Preserve Shape (But Hanging is an Option)
Hoodies should generally be folded rather than hung. Their heavy fabric and the added weight of the hood can stretch the shoulder seams and distort the fit if left on a hanger for too long. Some people like to hang hoodies because it makes them easier to see. So, under certain conditions, hanging might be a good option (but there are a few things to know):
Hood-Tuck Fold: Lay the hoodie flat, fold the sleeves inward, tuck the hood into the body, and fold into a compact square.
Drawer-Friendly Fold: If storing in a drawer, roll the hoodie after folding to save space and minimize wrinkles.
Hanging Option: If you prefer to hang hoodies, use thick, padded hangers to support the weight and prevent stretching. Cheap plastic hangars will likely bend and crack under the weight of a hoodie, so avoid them. Lightweight hoodies made of thinner materials or performance fabrics are less likely to deform and may hang better than a traditional hoodie.
Storage Tip: If hanging a hoodie, zip-up any zippers to help the hoodie maintain its shape. Avoid thin hangers, which can create dents in the shoulders and can crack under the weight of the hoodie over time.
Rolling: A Space-Saving Alternative
Have you ever rolled your clothes when packing?
Rolling can also be an excellent alternative to folding t-shirts, sweatshirts and hoodies at home – especially if you have limited drawer or shelf space. This method works particularly well for t-shirts and sweatshirts but can also be used for hoodies. Hoodies will create a bigger roll because of the hood, pouch etc.
For T-Shirts: Rolling t-shirts allows for easy visibility in a drawer, prevents deep creases, and makes the most of your storage space.
For Sweatshirts: Rolling can be helpful for thinner sweatshirts in particular, keeping them compact while reducing folds and wrinkles.
For Hoodies: If drawer storage is preferred, roll hoodies tightly after tucking in the hood to minimize bulk.
Storage Tip: Store rolled items in a bin or drawer organizer to keep them neatly arranged and prevent them from unraveling.
Final Thoughts
For most casual wear, including t-shirts, sweatshirts and hoodies, folding is the best way to store them to preserve their shape, prevent stretching and optimize storage space. However, high-quality cotton t-shirts may be hung if the right type of hanger is used.
Be careful with wet items.
If you are hanging a t-shirt, sweatshirt or hoodie while it is still wet (straight out of the washer), be very careful as the added weight will likely stretch them out of shape. It is better to dry the shirts on a drying rack and don’t hang them until they are dry or near dry.
Lightweight hoodies and frequently worn sweatshirts can be also hung to make them more accessible without causing damage. Rolling is another efficient storage method that saves space, reduces wrinkles and improves organization. Consider your available space, how often you wear an item (is it a seasonal Christmas t-shirt?), and your preferred organizational style when choosing your storage method.
With a little planning, you can keep your cherished t-shirts, sweatshirts and hoodies in great condition and easily accessible in your room or closet.
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