What to Fold and What to Hang
When it comes to storing clothes, there are some items that should be folded and others that should be hung. It’s a simple question that you may not have given much thought to, but it makes a big difference in how your clothes are stored. Folding and hanging are a way to keep your wardrobe organised so that you can find your clothes quickly and easily when you need them.
The right method of storing your clothes can also help extend their lifespan, so it’s important to know which items are best suited to folding and which ones should be hung. Knowing the rules for folding and hanging will make it easier to organize your closet, save space in your dresser, and help you get the most use out of your clothing investment.
What to Hang – The Basics
There are certain items that should always be hung, like suits and formal dresses. You should also hang silk and linen pieces and other soft fabrics that wrinkle easily.
For example, if you own a dress made of pure linen, it should be hung so that the fabric can breathe and dry properly. This will help the dress last longer and maintain its shape.
If you have a jacket that is made of leather, suede, or down, hang it on a curved suit hanger to avoid snagging the material. If you hang it on a regular-grip hanger, it may wrinkle or lose its shape when worn often.
Even better, hang your jacket on a hanger with a bar so that you can hang it from both sides without snagging the material. This will allow you to easily access it when you need it and ensure it stays in perfect condition.
What to Fold – The Fine Print
There are some items that should always be folded, including shorts and workout tops. “Shorts can get wonky and stretch out if they’re on a hanger,” says Keyser. “Also, if you have shorts with lots of creases, they’re not going to be the most flattering in your closet.”
Lightweight t-shirts should also be folded. These items are meant to be worn at home, for a casual brunch date, or when doing housework.
Heavy sweaters should also be folded, including wool and cashmere. These garments can stretch out too far when hung, so it’s usually best to give them a good shake out before folding them.
Other heavier fabrics, such as denim skirts and pants, can be hung on a slimline hanger if you don’t have enough shelf space for a full-length sweater. If you have a large number of these garments, however, it’s better to fold them to save space and preserve their shape.
The same is true for slacks, corduroy jeans, and other pants that are thicker than a normal pair of jeans. These items can be hung on a regular-grip hanger, but it’s better to choose a padded hanger if you have a lot of them.