Hoodies are one of the indispensable clothing in the closet for many individuals. However, they tend to form a huge pile quickly. The fact that they are so comfortable has its price: they take up a lot of space in drawers and on shelves. It is super easy to learn how to fold a hoodie. This easy way can completely change your storage, save space and help your clothes stay good for a long time. This article provides you with the information on three professional methods, a fast flat fold for shelves, a space-efficient file fold for drawers, and a compact roll for travel.
The Main Ideas to Remember
- Pre-Commands: Begin with a flat, smooth surface always. Remove all the wrinkles by smoothing them out. For the best results, zip up zip-hoodies first.
- The Quick Stack Fold: This is the fastest way. It's perfect for making neat, stable stacks of hoodies on a closet shelf.
- The KonMari File Fold: This upright fold is the best way to save space in drawers. It lets you see all your hoodies at once.
- The Compact Ranger Roll: Use this tight rolling method to get the most space in a suitcase or backpack. It stops your hoodie from unrolling.
- Pick Your Way: The best fold for you depends on the storage space you have. Our guide can help you to choose the right method for your shelves, drawers, or travel bags.
Preparation Stage: There Is a 2-Minute Preparation Step Before You Can Fold Perfectly
Prior to folding your hoodie, a few easy prep steps will make it much easier. Taking a moment now will ensure that your fold is crisp and neat, lasting. This is the secret to a tidy closet.
Surface Level
First, find a horizontal hard surface. A pristine table, a counter, or even the floor can suffice. In line with the experts from Nike, a flat surface is your control for clean and sharp folds. Folds on a mattress will be lumpy and crooked at best.
Elimination of Wrinkles
Put your hoodie down. Use your hands to smooth out the fabric all the way. Don’t skip the body, sleeves, and hood. In case your hoodie has many wrinkles, a brief session with a steamer should work wonders. Alternatively, place it inside a dryer with a damp cloth for a few minutes to soften the fibers.
Zip-it-up! (For Zip-Up Hoodies)
When you fold a zip-up hoodie, always zip it up completely before you start. This singular move turns the two loose front panels into one solid piece. In this way, you will obtain a compliant rectangle, and therefore it will be easier for you to manage it.
Method 1: The Quick Stack Fold (Best for Shelves)
This is a classic method, and it is the most popular folding technique for a good reason. It is the fastest way to fold a storage hoodie. The aim is to create a flat and stable rectangle. These can be stacked neatly on a closet shelf without them deteriorating.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Lay Flat: Put the hoodie face down on your flat surface. Smooth it out one last time.
- Fold In Sides: Take the one side of the hoodie. Fold it about a third of the way in toward the center. Take the sleeve and back it up. Lay it straight down along the edge you just created.
- Repeat: Do the same thing on the other side. You should have a long, neat rectangle now.
- Fold the Hood: Fold down the hood neatly. It should be flat against the top of the rectangle you just made.
- Final Fold: Fold the rectangle bottom part up toward the top of it. You can do it in half or in thirds. The depth of your shelves will help you decide the best choice.
When you finish, you will have a clean, rectangle package. This shape is the best for stacking. The hoodies should each sit firmly on top of the one below it, creating a neat and easy-to-access pile.
Method 2: The KonMari File Fold (Best for Drawers and Saving Space)
If you have drawers overflowing this is the method for you. The file fold is a remarkable technique that Marie Kondo introduced to the world. It is a method of folding the hoodie in such a way that it can stand on its own. By discrete storage, you are saving tons of space.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Lay Flat & Fold In: Start the same way as the stack fold. Then place the hoodie face down. Fold in the sides and sleeves to create a long rectangle.
- Fold the Hood: Sink the hood down and keep it flat against the back of the rectangle.
- Fold in Half: Fold the whole rectangle in half along its length. Bring the bottom hem up to meet the base of the hood.
- Fold into Thirds: Now, fold this smaller rectangle into thirds. Think of it as folding a letter that will go in an envelope. It will form a small, thick package.
- The Stand Test: The final test is to see if it works! The folded hoodie should be able to stand up on its edge by itself. If it flops over, you may need to fold it a little tighter.
This technique is a variation of organizing with neat folds, made by hand. By lining up your hoodies in the drawer using this method, you can see every one of them in a single glance. So, no more searching by digging into the bottom of the pile to find the one you want.
Method 3: The Compact Ranger Roll (Best for Travel and Packing)
Packing a suitcase or a backpack is proving to be a task that takes a very small amount of space. The compact ranger roll is a packing trick that transforms your hoodie from a bulky item to a tight bundle that doesn't open up again. This is the ultimate space-saving technique for the traveler on the go.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Lay Flat & Prepare the Hood: Lay the hoodie face up this time. Fold the bottom few inches of the hood inside-out, over the top of the shoulders. This creates a small pouch.
- Fold Sleeves: Fold the sleeves across the chest, making an 'X' shape. This keeps them contained.
- Roll Tightly: Start from the bottom hem of the hoodie. Begin rolling it up toward the hood. Make the roll as tight and compact as you can.
- Tuck and Secure: When you have rolled the entire hoodie up to the top, you will reach the inside-out hood. Grab the edge of the hood pouch and pull it over the entire roll. Tuck the roll securely inside.
The result is a tight "hoodie burrito." This little bundle is very compact and will stay rolled up, even if it gets tossed around in your bag. It is the best way to fold a hoodie for maximum space efficiency when traveling.
Which Folding Method Is Right for You?
The method of folding a hoodie actually depends on the specific need. A drawer's preferred fold may not be a good fit for a travel bag. The chart below is a simple tool to see which method to use.
| Folding Method | Best For | Speed | Space-Saving |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quick Stack Fold | Shelves, quick tidying | Fastest | Good |
| KonMari File Fold | Drawers, maximizing space | Medium | Excellent |
| Compact Ranger Roll | Travel, backpacks, duffel bags | Medium | Excellent |
Advanced Tips: Folding Different Hoodie Types
Not all hoodies are stylistically equal. Some types and fabrics require some modifications to your folding strategy. This is how to deal with some frequent deviations.
How to Fold a Zip-Up Hoodie
As stated in the preparation steps, the first thing is always to zip it up. There is no other point more important than this. A zipped-up hoodie imitates a pullover. That is, it provides a stable base to any folding method. In that manner, it prevents the two sides from swaying and mess your fold.
How to Fold an Oversized or Thick Hoodie
Very thick or oversized hoodies can be challenging. For these, it is often best to make broader folds. Instead of folding into thirds, try folding the body in half. The Quick Stack Fold is usually easier for very bulky materials than the KonMari method. The quality of a thick hoodie often comes down to the choices made by the hoodie manufacturer. This impacts how well it holds its shape over time.
Preserving a Graphic or Logo
If your hoodie has a large graphic print, you want to avoid creating a hard crease across the design. For the Quick Stack Fold, try to end with the logo facing out on the final folded surface. For rolling or file-folding, the gentle curves are generally safer for prints than sharp folds. The durability of these prints is a key concern for any reputable clothing manufacturer.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are answers to some of the most common questions about storing and folding hoodies.
What is the best way to fold a hoodie to save space?
The KonMari File Fold is the champion for saving space in drawers. For packing a bag, the Compact Ranger Roll is the most efficient method. Both techniques compress the hoodie into its smallest possible form. This frees up significant room.
How do you fold a hoodie without getting wrinkles?
The key to a wrinkle-free fold is preparation. As FastPrintStar notes, smoothing out wrinkles is a crucial first step. Always work on a flat surface. Smooth the fabric with your hands at each step of the fold. For long-term storage, avoid stacking too many heavy items on top of your folded hoodies.
Should you hang or fold hoodies?
It is almost always better to fold hoodies. Hanging a heavy hoodie puts stress on the fabric. This is especially true for ones made of a soft knit material. Over time, the weight can cause the shoulders and neckline to stretch out of shape. This ruins the fit.
How do you do the hoodie fold where you tuck it into the hood?
This popular trick is a great way to secure a fold. You can use it with the file fold or the ranger roll. After you create your folded or rolled bundle, simply flip the opening of the hood over the entire package. This uses the hood as a built-in bag to hold everything together.
Can I use a folding board for a hoodie?
Yes, a t-shirt folding board can work well for hoodies. This is especially true if you are using the Quick Stack Fold method. A board helps you create perfectly uniform rectangles very quickly. This makes for a very neat stack. However, it might struggle with extremely thick or oversized hoodies.
