Updated July 17, 2025.
Have you ever wished you could fold shirts efficiently enough to maximize drawer space, achieve a visually appealing layout, and maintain a sense of satisfaction? The KonMari method by Marie Kondo offers a thoughtful approach to folding and organizing, transforming cluttered drawers into orderly, aesthetically pleasing spaces. Let’s walk through how to fold t-shirts, sweaters, and long sleeves the KonMari way – step-by-step, no stress, no wrinkles.
How to Fold Shirts and Tees (Short-Sleeve)
Whether your collection includes graphic tees, summer tanks, or everyday basics, this folding method is designed to help you organize them effectively.
On page 68 of Spark Joy, Marie says: “Folding works best if you approach it like origami.” This means that after each fold, be sure to smooth your palm over your shirt before going on to the next fold. As a result, your shirt will keep its shape longer and you can store it upright to save space.
Steps:
- Lay it flat – Face down on a table or bed. Smooth it out like you’re prepping it for a photoshoot.
- Fold one side inward – Bring the right edge toward the center and fold the sleeve back.
- Repeat on the other side – You should now have a long rectangle.
- Fold in half – Fold it lengthwise to reinforce the shape.
- Then fold in thirds (or quarters) – Depending on the length of the tee—the goal: a compact shape that can stand on its own.
- Stand it upright – If the shirt stands upright, the fold has been executed correctly.
Pro Tip: Arranging folded t-shirts vertically in drawers significantly improves accessibility and organization, eliminating the need to rummage through layers to locate specific items.
How to Fold Sweaters and Shirts (Long-Sleeve)
If you frequently wear flannels, crewneck sweaters, or hoodies, this method can help you fold them neatly while preserving their shape. Here’s how to fold a T-shirt (or long-sleeve) KonMari-style so it saves space and holds its shape.
Steps:
- Lay the shirt flat – Face down, and smooth it out.
- Fold the edges inward – Just like a short-sleeve tee. You’re creating that sleek rectangle again.
- Fold the sleeves diagonally – Fold the long sleeve all the way over to the opposite edge, and then fold it down toward the bottom while following the line of the shirt.
- Fold from the bottom up in thirds – or more, depending on the length.
- Stand the shirt upright – If the garment remains upright on its own, it indicates you’ve achieved the optimal fold, commonly referred to by Marie Kondo as the “golden point of folding.”
Pro Tip: Avoid compressing bulky knits too tightly, as this can distort their shape over time. A relaxed fold helps preserve the garment’s structure and longevity.
Storage Tips That Actually Spark Joy
Once you’ve mastered folding shirts and tees, it’s time to put them away just as carefully. The way you store your clothes can really affect how much space you’ll save and how quickly you’ll find what you need in a hurry.
1. Drawer Life
Store folded shirts vertically, not stacked. When you file shirts upright, you can see everything at a glance. This method prevents disorganization and allows for easy identification of specific garments.
2. Use Drawer Dividers
Simple drawer dividers help keep your folded T-shirts in place and prevent them from toppling over every time you open the drawer. You can organize by type like, tees, tanks, long sleeves, or even by occasion, like workwear vs. weekend clothes.
3. Store by Season
Rotating your closet on a seasonal basis frees up space and prevents your drawers from becoming too cluttered. Store winter clothing when it’s warm outside, and pack away your tanks and tees when it gets cold. If you don’t have storage room at home, Clutter can store your off-season stuff until you’re ready to switch it back in.
4. Organize by Color or Style
Group your folded shirts or tees by color or sleeve length so that getting dressed in the morning takes less time and effort. It also makes your drawers look cleaner and more put-together.
5. Don’t Overpack Drawers
Even if you know how to fold t-shirts perfectly, stuffing too many into one drawer will undo all your hard work. Ensuring adequate space between folded items helps them retain their shape and minimizes wrinkles and disarray.
6. Overflowing Closet?
Clutter offers full-service storage that’s perfect for pieces you don’t wear often but can’t part with, like sentimental shirts, event tees, or off-season layers. We’ll pick up your items, store them in a secure facility, and bring them back whenever you need them. It’s like having an extra closet without giving up any square footage.
Store Smart, Live Clutter-Free—Reserve Your Storage Unit Now!
Conclusion
Whether you’re trying to figure out how to fold a t-shirt, folding t-shirts in bulk, or just done living with a messy dresser, the KonMari method is your go-to. Folding your clothes this way won’t just make your space look better, it’ll feel better too.
A well-organized drawer may seem like a small achievement, but it contributes meaningfully to maintaining a tidy and stress-free living space.
FAQs for How to Fold a Shirt the KonMari Way
1. What is the KonMari way of folding shirts, and why is everyone talking about it?
The KonMari method, as popularized by Marie Kondo, is not folding a shirt; it’s a whole vibe. Instead of jamming shirts in a drawer, you fold them up into tiny, neat rectangles that can stand upright. Not only does this use less space, but you can see all your shirts at a glance. Less mess, less anxiety, and yes, it really does bring joy.
2. Why is folding shirts the KonMari way superior to folding them the regular way?
Stacking shirts the way we used to always results in cluttered drawers and shirts that you’ve entirely forgotten you possessed. The KonMari approach avoids that. Folding t-shirts and other tops upright, side by side, as files, that’s the whole idea. It saves room, is neater, and gets you what you need without totally destroying the whole drawer.
3. Can you apply the KonMari approach to every kind of shirt – dress shirts, t-shirts, and long sleeves?
Yes, you absolutely can. Whether it’s your favorite old tee, a button-down, or a chunky sweater, the KonMari fold is applicable to all. You might have to adjust your folds slightly based on the fabric and fit, but the principle remains the same that is fold it small, flatten it out, and stand it up.
4. How can I ensure my folded shirts stand up like they do in Marie Kondo’s videos?
Achieving that ideal “stand-up fold” is a matter of practice. With every fold, press your palm down to smooth out the shirt and keep it in shape. The secret is folding the shirt into a dense, neat rectangle that isn’t too tall or too wide. If your shirt collapses over, tweak your folds a bit—once you get the balance right, it’ll stand up like a pro.
5. What’s the best way to prevent wrinkles when folding shirts the KonMari way?
No one desires a shirt that appears to have been crammed into a gym bag. In order to prevent wrinkles, always begin with a flat surface and iron out your shirt prior to folding. Throughout the process, continue to press out wrinkles using your hands. Don’t overfill your drawers—leave enough space for each shirt to breathe. A clean drawer translates into smoother shirts and less unexpected wrinkles when you’re getting dressed.
