Folding T-shirts Easily with the Marie Kondo Method

T-shirts folded vertically following the Marie Kondo method in a drawer

Is opening your drawers like facing an avalanche of wrinkled and messy t-shirts? Do you waste time looking for that specific garment you know is there but can't find? If you nodded, you're not alone. Organizing clothes, especially t-shirts, can be challenging. Fortunately, there's an elegant and effective solution: the Marie Kondo vertical folding method.

This technique, popularized by the Japanese organizing guru, not only transforms your drawers into spaces of visual serenity but also optimizes space, protects your garments, and helps you connect more consciously with what you own. In this comprehensive guide, we'll teach you step-by-step how to master the art of folding t-shirts Marie Kondo style, so you can enjoy a functional and harmonious wardrobe.

Beyond Folding: The KonMari® Philosophy

Before diving into the folding technique, it's helpful to understand the philosophy behind the KonMari® method. Marie Kondo focuses not only on organizing objects but on cultivating an intentional relationship with our belongings. Her famous criterion is to keep only those items that "spark joy" (tokimeku in Japanese). This conscious selection process helps us value what we have and let go of the superfluous, creating spaces that reflect calm and well-being.

Vertical folding is an extension of this philosophy. By treating each garment with care and giving it a specific place where it can "rest" visibly and accessibly, we are showing respect for our items and simplifying our daily lives.

Why Fold T-shirts Vertically? Key Advantages

Adopting Marie Kondo's vertical folding for your t-shirts offers multiple practical and aesthetic benefits:

Space Maximization: Surprising but true! By placing folded t-shirts vertically, like books on a shelf, you can store many more garments in the same drawer or shelf compared to stacking them horizontally.
Total Visibility: Say goodbye to rummaging through piles of clothes. With vertical folding, you can see all your t-shirts at a glance, making it easier to choose what to wear each morning.
Fewer Wrinkles: Since they aren't crushed under each other, t-shirts tend to wrinkle less. The folded package itself provides some structure that protects the fabric.
Easy Access and Lasting Order: When you take out one t-shirt, the others stay in place, maintaining order. No more domino effect or chaotic drawers after searching for an item.
Garment Care: Folding with intention is a way of caring for your t-shirts, helping them maintain their shape and last longer.

How to Fold T-shirts Step-by-Step with the Marie Kondo Method

It's time to get started! Follow these simple steps to turn your t-shirts into small, tidy packages that stand on their own:

Preparation: Lay the t-shirt flat on a clean surface (a table, the bed...). Smooth it out well with your hands to remove any initial wrinkles. Make sure the front of the t-shirt is facing up.
Before you start folding, ensure your t-shirts are clean and completely dry. A good wash is the first step to keeping them in good condition. Learn how to wash white clothes correctly here.
Fold One Side: Imagine a vertical line down the center of the t-shirt. Fold one of the long sides (left or right) towards that center line.
Fold the Sleeve: If the sleeve extends beyond the edge you just folded, fold it back onto itself so it lines up with the straight edge.
Fold the Other Side: Repeat steps 2 and 3 with the other side of the t-shirt, folding it towards the center. You should now have a long, narrow rectangle. Smooth it out again.
Fold Lengthwise: Take the bottom edge of the t-shirt (the hem) and fold it upwards towards the neckline, stopping a couple of inches/centimeters before reaching it. The goal is to prevent the collar from being too tightly creased.
The Final Fold (The Key!): Now comes the crucial part. Fold the resulting rectangle over itself into two or three equal parts. The number of folds will depend on the size of the t-shirt and the height of your drawer.
- Fold it in half once.
- Then, fold it in half again (if necessary for it to fit in the drawer and stand up). Or, fold it into thirds: bring one end towards the center, then fold the other end over it.
The Litmus Test: Try standing the folded t-shirt up on one of its edges! If it stays upright, you've succeeded! If it falls over, try adjusting the number of folds in step 6 until you find the right firmness.

What About Long-Sleeved T-shirts?

The process is very similar. The only difference is in step 3 (folding the sleeve):

After folding one side towards the center (step 2), the long sleeve will be extended.
Fold it down, diagonally or straight, so it aligns with the long edge of the rectangle you're forming.
If the sleeve is very long, you might need to fold it back on itself once more (upwards) so it doesn't stick out at the bottom.
Repeat with the other sleeve when folding the other side and continue with the remaining steps.

Pro Tips for Perfect Folding

Flat Surface: Always work on a flat surface to make smoothing and precise folding easier.
Gentle Handling: Handle your garments gently. Marie Kondo emphasizes the importance of treating our belongings with respect.
Adjust to the Drawer: Adapt the number of final folds (step 6) to the height of your drawer or storage box. The goal is for the t-shirts to fit comfortably vertically without being too tight or too loose.
Practice Makes Perfect: It might seem slow at first, but with a little practice, you'll be folding your t-shirts this way almost without thinking. Turn it into a relaxing habit after doing laundry!
What if a t-shirt doesn't "spark joy"? Use the folding process to re-evaluate if you truly need and love each garment. It's a good time to decide what stays and what can have a new life elsewhere.

KonMari in Your Suitcase: Vertical Folding for Travel

This folding method isn't just great for home; it's also fantastic for packing! By folding your t-shirts (and other items like pants or thin sweaters) vertically and placing them in your suitcase the same way, you will:

Optimize space and be able to pack more (or leave room for souvenirs!).
Easily see everything you've packed without having to unpack the entire suitcase.
Keep clothes more organized during your trip.

Frequently Asked Questions about Marie Kondo Folding

How do you fold clothes to take up less space?

The Marie Kondo vertical folding method is one of the most efficient techniques. By compacting the garment into a self-supporting rectangle and placing it vertically, it utilizes drawer and shelf space much better than traditional stacking.

How do you fold t-shirts so they take up little space?

Follow the steps described above: smooth, fold sides to center, fold sleeves, fold lengthwise, and finally fold into thirds or halves to achieve a compact, firm package that stands vertically.

Does this method work for shirts?

Yes, the principle of vertical folding can be adapted for shirts, although they usually require a bit more care to avoid wrinkles on collars and cuffs. The goal remains to create a rectangular package that can be stored vertically.

Does folding this way really prevent wrinkles?

It significantly reduces wrinkles caused by the pressure of stacking. However, no folding technique completely eliminates wrinkles, especially in certain fabrics. Light ironing might still be necessary. Ensure clothes are completely dry before folding.

Transforming your t-shirt drawers from chaotic to calm is possible and rewarding with the Marie Kondo method. You'll not only gain space and order but also develop a deeper appreciation for your clothes. Dedicate some time to learning this technique and enjoy the serenity that a well-organized wardrobe brings.

Clean Clothes, Easy Organization!

An impeccable load of laundry is the first step to perfect organization. At LaColada Self-Service Laundry Ponferrada, we offer professional washers and dryers so your t-shirts and all your clothes come out perfect, ready to be folded and organized using your preferred method. Visit us and do your laundry quickly and efficiently!

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