How to fold a sweatshirt without hood?

Sweatshirts without hoods are wardrobe essentials for their comfort and versatility. However, properly folding them can be a challenge, especially when trying to maximize space in a drawer or luggage. Folding your sweatshirt the right way not only keeps your wardrobe neat but also preserves the fabric, reducing wrinkles and keeping your clothes looking fresh. In this guide, we’ll walk you through several methods for folding a hoodless sweatshirt, whether you’re looking to store it neatly in a drawer or pack it efficiently for travel.

Why proper folding matters

Folding a sweatshirt correctly has a number of benefits:

1. Saves Space: Neatly folded sweatshirts take up less space, allowing you to maximize drawer or suitcase space.
2. Reduces Wrinkles: Folding the fabric correctly helps to prevent wrinkles, so your sweatshirt stays smooth and ready to wear.
3. Preserves the Fabric: By folding along natural seams and avoiding stress points, you’ll help your sweatshirt maintain its shape and structure over time.
4. Keeps Your Closet Organized: A neatly folded wardrobe makes it easier to find what you’re looking for and maintains an overall organized appearance.

Method 1: The basic flat fold

The basic flat fold is the simplest way to fold a sweatshirt without a hood. This method is perfect for storing sweatshirts in a drawer or on a shelf.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Lay the sweatshirt flat: Begin by laying your sweatshirt face down on a flat surface like a bed, table, or clean floor. Smooth out any wrinkles.
2. Fold the sleeves inward: Take one sleeve and fold it across the back of the sweatshirt toward the opposite side. Then, fold the other sleeve the same way, so both sleeves are lying flat across the sweatshirt’s back.
3. Fold the sides inward: Once the sleeves are in place, fold each side of the sweatshirt inward. You want to fold from the sides toward the middle, creating a long, narrow rectangle.
4. Fold in half or thirds: Depending on your storage space, you can either fold the sweatshirt in half or fold it into thirds for a more compact shape. Folding in thirds is ideal for tighter spaces, while folding in half is perfect for bulkier storage.
5. Store the sweatshirt: Place the folded sweatshirt in your drawer, on a shelf, or in your suitcase, making sure that the fold is facing upward for easy access.

Method 2: The Marie Kondo Vertical Fold

Popularized by organizational expert Marie Kondo, this folding method is designed to store clothes vertically. This technique is perfect for small drawers or shelves because it allows you to stack your sweatshirts upright, like files in a drawer, making it easy to see and access each item.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Lay the sweatshirt flat: Start by laying your sweatshirt face down on a flat surface and smoothing out any wrinkles.
2. Fold the sleeves inward: Fold one sleeve diagonally across the back of the sweatshirt. Repeat the process for the other sleeve, making sure both sleeves are flat and not overlapping too much.
3. Fold the sweatshirt into a rectangle: Fold each side of the sweatshirt inward to create a long rectangle. Be sure the sleeves are tucked neatly inside the folds.
4. Fold into thirds: Instead of folding the sweatshirt in half, fold it into thirds. Start by folding the bottom third up toward the middle, then fold the top third down, so the sweatshirt forms a compact, rectangular shape.
5. Store vertically: Place the sweatshirt upright in your drawer or on a shelf. This method allows you to see all your sweatshirts at once, making it easy to choose one without disrupting the others.

Method 3: The Travel Roll

If you’re packing a sweatshirt for travel, the travel roll method is perfect for maximizing space in your suitcase or backpack. Rolling your sweatshirt also minimizes wrinkles, making it a great option for long trips.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Lay the sweatshirt flat: Start by laying the sweatshirt face down on a flat surface.
2. Fold the sleeves inward: Fold one sleeve across the back of the sweatshirt, followed by the other. Make sure both sleeves are lying flat.
3. Fold in the sides: Fold the sides of the sweatshirt toward the center, creating a long rectangle.
4. Roll from the bottom: Starting from the bottom, tightly roll the sweatshirt upward. Rolling it tightly will help prevent wrinkles and take up less space in your bag.
5. Store the roll: Place the rolled-up sweatshirt in your suitcase or backpack. This method is especially useful for packing multiple items efficiently.

Method 4: The Military Fold

The military fold, often used in the armed forces, is another great space-saving technique. It’s similar to the travel roll but incorporates tighter folds for an even more compact result. This method is ideal for both storage and packing.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Lay the sweatshirt flat: As with the previous methods, lay the sweatshirt face down on a flat surface and smooth out any wrinkles.
2. Fold the sleeves inward: Fold the sleeves toward the center of the sweatshirt, making sure they lie flat.
3. Fold the sweatshirt in thirds: Instead of folding the sides inward, fold the bottom third of the sweatshirt up toward the middle, followed by the top third.
4. Roll tightly: Starting from the bottom, roll the sweatshirt as tightly as possible. This method creates a compact roll that saves space.
5. Secure with a band (optional): To prevent the sweatshirt from unrolling, you can secure it with a rubber band or string. This is particularly useful when packing for travel.

Method 5: The hanging fold for wrinkle-free storage

If you prefer to hang your sweatshirts, you can still fold them neatly to avoid stretching the fabric. Hanging your sweatshirt prevents wrinkles while keeping it easily accessible.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Lay the sweatshirt flat: Start by laying the sweatshirt face down on a flat surface.
2. Fold the sleeves inward: Fold each sleeve across the back of the sweatshirt, smoothing them flat.
3. Fold in the sides: Bring the sides of the sweatshirt inward, creating a long rectangle.
4. Place the folded sweatshirt on a hanger: Instead of folding the sweatshirt further, drape the long rectangle over a hanger. This method keeps the sweatshirt wrinkle-free while preventing it from stretching out of shape.
5. Hang in your closet: Place the hanger in your closet, ensuring that the folded part is centered to prevent imbalance.

Q&A Section

What is the best way to fold a sweatshirt for storage in a drawer?

The best way to fold a sweatshirt for storage in a drawer is the Marie Kondo vertical fold. This method allows you to store the sweatshirt upright, saving space and making it easier to see all of your folded clothes at once. The vertical fold also helps reduce wrinkles and keeps your drawers organized.

How can I prevent wrinkles when folding a sweatshirt?

To prevent wrinkles when folding a sweatshirt, smooth out the fabric before folding and avoid over-compressing the folds. Folding along the natural seams of the sweatshirt helps reduce wrinkles. You can also use the travel roll method, which minimizes creasing by rolling the fabric instead of folding it.

Can I hang a sweatshirt instead of folding it?

Yes, you can hang a sweatshirt to avoid wrinkles, especially if you want to keep it easily accessible in your closet. To avoid stretching the fabric, fold the sweatshirt along the sleeves and body before draping it over the hanger. This method ensures that the sweatshirt keeps its shape and stays wrinkle-free.

Is rolling or folding better for packing a sweatshirt in a suitcase?

Rolling a sweatshirt is generally better for packing it in a suitcase. The travel roll method helps save space while minimizing wrinkles. Rolling also makes it easier to fit more clothing into your suitcase and prevents the sweatshirt from shifting during travel, keeping your luggage organized.

How can I fold a sweatshirt to save the most space?

To save the most space, use the military fold or travel roll method. Both of these techniques create compact, tightly folded garments that take up minimal room in a drawer or suitcase. The military fold is especially useful for maximizing space in tight storage areas while keeping your sweatshirt wrinkle-free.