Folding your clothes a new way for the first time
Short answer: Folding clothes a new way is about giving each garment a fixed shape so it takes up less space and creases less. Soft fabrics such as bamboo viscose benefit especially from being folded properly.
Why folding matters
Clothes that lie in untidy piles crease more and are hard to find. When every item is folded using the same method, the drawer or shelf becomes easy to read and you can see everything at once. Soft fabrics such as viscose slip easily and lose their shape if they are left loose. That is why a fixed fold is especially useful for this kind of clothing. It takes a couple of weeks to become a habit, and after that it is quick.
The upright fold in the drawer
The best known new method is to fold clothes into small parcels that stand upright in the drawer. Lay the top flat, fold the sides in towards the middle, then fold it in thirds lengthways so that it can stand by itself. When clothes stand upright, you can see each item from above and you do not have to lift a whole pile to reach the bottom one. The method works well for T-shirts, tops and underwear.
Shirts without creases
Shirts in a soft fabric can be folded if you fasten the top and middle buttons first. Lay the shirt face down, fold the sleeves in along the back, then fold the shirt in half or thirds from the hem. Place shirts at the top of the stack so they are not pressed flat. A bamboo shirt for women in viscose creases less than many people expect if it is folded while still slightly damp from the line.
Trousers and soft fabrics
Trousers in a stretchy or soft fabric should not hang on a hanger for long periods, because the weight can pull them out of shape. Fold them lengthways instead so that the legs lie on top of each other, then fold them in thirds. Take a look at the bamboo trousers for women for styles that suit this kind of storage. Avoid squeezing too many pairs into the same drawer.
Time and rhythm
A good habit is to fold clothes as soon as they are dry. If they sit in a basket for several days, the creases set in. Take five minutes after each wash and fold similar items together in one go. That gives you a rhythm in which the drawer is always tidy. Many people find they spend less time searching for clothes in the morning as a result.
Brands and drawer space
Different brands use different fabric weights, and thicker clothing takes up more room. Sort by type and thickness rather than by brand. Basics from a brand such as JBS of Denmark can, for example, sit alongside similar items from other labels. The key point is that each drawer holds one type of clothing, so you always know exactly where things are.
Frequently asked questions
Does bamboo clothing crease a lot
Viscose creases less than linen but more than knitwear with a lot of elastane. Fold it when freshly dry and it stays smooth.
Is it better to hang or fold
Knitwear and soft fabrics are best folded. Shirts and dresses in a firmer fabric can hang on a broad hanger.
How do I avoid fold marks
Fold softly and avoid sharp edges. A little steam, or hanging the garment in the bathroom while you shower, removes small marks.
