Is It Better to Fold or Hang Your Clothes?

Lisa Rivera • Nov 19, 2021

Your wardrobe is a reflection of your personal style, and most likely represents a not-so-small investment, especially if you have quality business togs or a love of fine sweaters. Some items should always be hung up to keep them wrinkle-free, but some items are best kept folded so they don't lose their shape.

If your custom closets are cluttered and messy, chances are some of your favorite garments could be on their way to ruination at this very moment! But not all hope is lost! Here are some clever ideas for storing your most-loved items and keeping them and yourself looking great:

Develop your own organizational system.
Separate your wardrobe by material, from lightest to heaviest.
Invest in the right hangers for your various needs.
To fold or to roll? It makes a difference!
Invest in organizational accessories like baskets, bins, and racks.

Knowing how to store your wardrobe properly will help you preserve the most valuable resource of all, time! Read on to learn more!

A Smart Storage Solution

One of the first steps for knowing how to store your clothes properly is having the space to display what you need for the current season and safely tuck away those seasonal items you look forward to wearing next year. Crowding your clothes on hanging rods or shoving them all into drawers will only cause unsightly wrinkles and needless wear and tear. Make sure you have plenty of room to let your clothes breathe freely.

Light as a Feather

The next step is to evaluate your wardrobe and separate items by weight. Some super heavy articles should be hung, and some should definitely be folded to help them keep their shape. Here are some heavy items you'll definitely want to hang up:

Winter coats and ski gear
Business suit jackets
Beaded evening gowns
Items with complicated straps

You probably have some delicate items that you adore and you don't want them to fall prey to wrinkles or damage - items such as:

Blouses and dress shirts
Anything made of light or flowy material (tank tops, sundresses, etc..)
Children's clothing (so they can be more easily accessed)
Silky nightwear and robes

It's always smart to have hanging rods at various heights in your closets so you can hang heavier gear a bit lower, and lighter, more delicate clothing at eye level.

Hang 'Em High

There's literally a ton of choices when it comes to buying the proper hangers for your wardrobe.

Real Simple recommends investing in the following types:

Velvet Covered Non-Slip - These are the best all-around for shirts, blouses, tank tops, skirts, and more.
Wooden Suit Hangers - These sturdy soldiers last practically forever, and will support your heaviest winter coats, business suits, ski suits, and other bulky items.
Specialty Pants Hangers are designed to keep your trousers looking sharp without causing unsightly creases.
Padded Hangers are best for delicate pieces made of silk or linen. The padding ensures that snagging and shoulder wrinkles will be a thing of the past!
Clip Hangers - These convenient organizational tools are ideal for hanging skirts, dress pants, camisoles, & other undergarments.

Know When to Fold 'Em

Now, it's time to discuss which of your togs should definitely be folded. Household guru Martha Stewart shares her expertise on which things should be folded for proper storage.

Heavy Sweaters - High-quality sweaters can last for many years if you care for them properly. You may also want to add acid-free paper and a cedar sachet to preserve the weave and repel sweater-loving pests.
Jeans - Your favorite flattering pair of jeans are perfect for rolling or folding, as hanging them can add permanent creases and make those dreaded threadbare spots!
Activewear - Of course, you'll want your workout gear nicely folded and easy to reach so you can get those daily steps in.
T-shirts - The charming Making Lemonade blog will give you the scoop on the ancient Japanese art of folding and "filing" your shirts so you can find the perfect t-shirt whenever you need it.

Rolling clothes is a favorite trick of seasoned travelers, as it cuts down on wrinkles and saves space. This method is called "Ranger Rolling," and the experts at Travel and Leisure have all the details you need to master this ninja world traveler secret.

Bins, Baskets, and Racks, Oh My

Another crucial space-saving investment is the addition of baskets, bins, and racks, as referenced by the experts at Closet Solutions & Organizers in 6 Tips for Organizing Your Custom Closets. These come in a huge variety of materials, from metal to fabric to wood, and can help you keep your less-precious garments and accessories exactly where you need them.

Wire baskets are fabulous for storing flip flops, sunglasses, and hats. Fabric bins are a delightful way to store socks, hosiery, everyday underwear, and other items you've carefully folded. Wood storage boxes, especially those made of cedar, are wonderful for heirloom items, expensive hats, designer shoes, and anything else that needs an extra bit of protection.

Racks are the most versatile items you can have in your closet. They're superb for storing scarves, ties, hats, bags, and shoes. Racks and hooks are especially nice for keeping your kids' closets tidy by placing the things they need daily within easy reach.

Conclusion

If you love fashion, have an extensive business wardrobe, or simply want to look your best on date night, it's vitally important to store your favorite clothes appropriately. Evaluate your closet to see how much space is available, consider folding and hanging certain items, and above all, utilize plenty of helpful organizational tools. By following the smart tricks above, you're sure to look absolutely amazing all year long.