KonMari Folding Series: Shirts
Kicking off the folding series, we will be starting with shirts! I’ll be showing both the classic KonMari method along with my own variant for when you have mastered the muscle memory. Most shirts are folded the same way - though shirts with long sleeves require additional sleeve folds. Our goal is to make the shirt into a compact rectangle that can stand up vertically on its own. Here is a video showing both methods - with a detailed picture guide below.
Traditional Method
1. So first, lay the shirt face down. This is ideal for graphic tees so that the design can be seen when stored. Also good for shirts with folded collars.
2. Fold one side of the shirt in about 1/3, smoothing any wrinkles. This starts the shape of the rectangle. A good marker is folding close to the collar’s edge (2a).
3. Fold the sleeve back towards the other side of the shirt to keep it in the rectangle we’ve started to form. Larger sleeves can be folded multiple times to fit within the space.
4. Then we repeat the process on the other side. Folding in to the other line of the rectangle
5. Folding in that other sleeve into the rectangle.
6. Fold the shirt in half length-wise, bringing the bottom towards the top. Leave about a 1 or 2-inch gap at the top.
7. We are going to fold the shirt 2 more times to make the final shape. So fold a little under 1/3 toward the brim.
8. Take the folded section and fold once more towards the collar. This should get the shirt to its final shape - the collar flush with the fold. Getting the folds right in steps 7 and 8 takes the most practice, so don’t worry if it takes a few tries!
9. With the shirt folded, do the “stand test” to see if it can remain vertical on its own. Bear in mind - flimsy materials like synthetics often struggle to hold shape unsupported, but materials like cotton can easily stand strong.
Alternate Method
1. Hold the shirt up to your chest, using your chin to hold the top as needed. Fold with the front “down” against the chest.
2. Fold the shirt over about a third, making sure the bottom of the shirt is even. You can use the neck brim as a guide for that 1/3 mark.
3. Fold the sleeve over to fit within the rectangle.
4. Repeat the process with the other shirt side to complete the long triangle.
5. Fold the shirt in half towards the collar, leaving about a 1 or 2-inch gap.
6. Using your chin to hold the last fold, take the bottom and fold up about 1/3.
7. Make one last fold towards the collar, creating the final shape. This fold can take practice to master, so it’s ok if it takes a few tries.
