How to Fold a Shirt 5 Ways—Including Martha's Favorite Method

Master the art of folding shirts to save drawer space and reduce wrinkles. A perfectly folded shirt optimizes dresser space and minimizes wrinkling, freeing up more room in your closet. Learn from our expert and Martha as they provide valuable insights into keeping your clothes fresh and organized.

How to Fold a Shirt the Martha Way

For the neatest fold possible, turn to Martha's foolproof method (which you can also watch in the video above).

1. Lay the shirt horizontally and face up in front of you with the neck on the right-hand side.
2. Using both hands, pinch the shirt on the side opposite of you at two points—with one hand at the shoulder, midway between the sleeve and the neck, and the other halfway down the shirt, parallel to your other hand.
3. While holding the two points, cross your right hand over your left, bring the shoulder down to meet the shirt's bottom hem, and grab the hem.
4. Lift the shirt so it hangs in front of you.
5. Uncross your arms without letting go of the shirt and pull the fold taut as you do so.
6. Place the hanging sleeve on the work surface, and neatly drape the folded portion over to finish.

How to Fold a T-Shirt for Packing

If you're traveling and want to conserve space in your bag, try this method. "You’ll want to fold your clothes into thin compact folds so you save room and avoid wrinkles," says Anna Bauer, organizing expert and owner of Sorted & Co. Here's how:

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

How to File Fold a T-Shirt

File folding your shirts allows you to stack them vertically in drawers rather than piling them on top of one another. For this method, start with the back of the shirt facing you, says Bauer. This method works best for tees.

1. Spread the shirt out on a flat surface with the back facing you.
2. Fold the right side of the shirt into the middle horizontally.
3. Fold the left side of the shirt into the middle horizontally so it meets the other side of the shirt.
4. Fold the shirt in half horizontally so the two ends are kissing. 
5. Fold the shirt into thirds horizontally.

How to Square Fold a T-Shirt

Different from folding your shirts for packing, this method from Bauer produces a larger square, allowing you to see any logos when you tuck your shirts into drawers. Take these steps:

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

How to Roll a T-Shirt

Rolling your shirts is one of the most effective ways to prevent your clothes from getting wrinkled. Here's how:

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

When to Hang Your Shirts

It's your preference whether you want to hang or fold your shirts. "If you are more inclined to hang things versus fold them, then lean into that preference," says Bauer. "If a shirt will wrinkle easily or has a stiff neckline, hanging will ensure it stays wrinkle-free and intact."