How To Fold A Shirt With The Department Store Method: 7 Steps

Home » How To Fold Shirts Like Stores » How To Fold A Shirt With The Department Store Method: 7 Steps

Maybe your like

Skip to ContentQuizzes
  • Home
  • Random
  • Browse Articles
  • Quizzes & Games
  • All QuizzesHot
  • Love Quizzes
  • Personality Quizzes
  • Fun Games
  • Dating Simulator
  • Learn Something New
  • Forums
  • Courses
  • Happiness Hub
  • Explore More
  • Support wikiHow
  • About wikiHow
  • Log in / Sign up
Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Fold a Shirt with the Department Store Method PDF download Download Article Co-authored by Kathi Burns, CPO®

Last Updated: March 10, 2025 References

PDF download Download Article
  • Folding the Sleeves
    • |
  • Folding the Shirt Together
    • |
  • Tips
    • |
  • Things You'll Need
|Show more |Show less X

This article was co-authored by Kathi Burns, CPO®. Kathi Burns is a board certified Professional Organizer (CPO) and Founder of Organized and Energized!, her consulting business with a mission to empower people to master their environment and personal image by assisting them in taking control, making change and organizing their lives. Kathi has over 17 years of organizing experience and her work has been featured on Better Homes and Gardens, NBC News, Good Morning America, and Entrepreneur. She has a BS in Communication from Ohio University. This article has been viewed 327,679 times.

The "department store method" is the industry standard for folding shirts neatly. Perhaps you want to reorganize your dresser. Maybe you want to refold the shirts that you try on at the department store. The process is easy if you know the steps![1]

Steps

Part 1 Part 1 of 2:

Folding the Sleeves

PDF download Download Article
  1. Watermark wikiHow to Fold a Shirt with the Department Store Method 1 Lay out the shirt. Spread the shirt face-down on a flat, clean surface. Smooth out any wrinkles. Let the arms of the shirt lay naturally extended. If the shirt features buttons or a zipper: button all buttons, and zip the zipper shut completely before you begin folding. [2]
    • If the shirt has a hood: fold this bit down first. Lay the hood down flat against the back of the shirt before folding the sleeves inward.
    • Try placing a clean, crisp magazine on the back of the shirt as a guide for a neater fold. Squarely center the magazine right below the collar. Then, make your folds in line with the edges of the magazine.[3]
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Fold a Shirt with the Department Store Method 2 Fold one sleeve of the shirt. First, pinch the top of the shirt on either side of the collar. Hold the fabric tight so that you don't create any unwanted creases. Then, take the sleeve on the same side that you're holding the collar. Fold the sleeve and any extra fabric across the center crease of the shirt. Make a straight line from top to bottom on the folded side. Advertisement
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Fold a Shirt with the Department Store Method 3 Fold the other sleeve. Repeat the fold for the sleeve that you haven't creased yet. For the sake of presentation, try to make the second fold symmetrical with the first. Don't be afraid to adjust the sleeves a bit so that they match one another.[4]
    4. Advertisement
Part 2 Part 2 of 2:

Folding the Shirt Together

PDF download Download Article
  1. Watermark wikiHow to Fold a Shirt with the Department Store Method 1 Fold one side of the shirt to the center. The edge of the shirt should extend almost exactly halfway across the back of the shirt. Firmly crease the edge so that it forms a perfect vertical line down the back of the garment.
    • If the shirt has long sleeves: fold them back in on themselves so that they run lengthwise down the back of the shirt.
    • If the shirt has short sleeves: fold them so that they fit neatly and symmetrically into the back of the shirt.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Fold a Shirt with the Department Store Method 2 Bring the other side to the center. Fold the other edge of the shirt over to meet the first edge in the middle of the back. Make sure that the two edges run parallel, and that they do not overlap.
    • If you are using a magazine to make the fold more precise: fold each side of the shirt until it hits the magazine. Simply fold the shirt to the width of a magazine.
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Fold a Shirt with the Department Store Method 3 Crease the shirt in half. Fold up the bottom edge of the shirt so that it meets the top of the shoulders. Let the edge rest just below the collar. Smooth out any creases, and make sure that the fold is symmetrically all the way across the width of the shirt.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Fold a Shirt with the Department Store Method 4 Flip the shirt over to finish. Make sure that all the edges are straight and crisp. Smooth out any creases or wrinkles in the fabric, and check that the shirt is ready for sale. In department stores, the shirt is always displayed with the front facing up. [5]
    • If you are folding your shirt for convenient home storage, then it is doesn't matter so much which way you display the garment. It may still be convenient to keep your shirts front-side up so that you can easily tell which is which.
    5. Advertisement

Tips

  • It doesn't matter what type of shirt you are folding. Even short-sleeved T-shirts can be folded this way! There may not be much to the sleeve, so just fold it inward slightly. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
  • In the USA, several department stores with standardized folding methods include JCPenney, Old Navy, and Sears. If you want to watch the fold in action, visit a department store and watch a retail assistant fold shirts. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 1
Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement

Things You'll Need

  • Unfolded shirt of any kind
  • flat surface for folding

You Might Also Like

Fold a ShirtHow toFold a Shirt Fold Long Sleeve ShirtsHow toFold Long Sleeve Shirts Fold a T‐Shirt in Two SecondsHow to Fold T-Shirts Quickly (Plus Other Clothing Items!) Fold ClothesHow toFold Clothes How toFold a T Shirt Fold a Shirt for Travel3 Simple Ways to Fold a Button-Down Shirt for Travel Fold Clothes FastHow to Fold Clothes in Seconds: Quick & Easy Guide Make a T Shirt FolderHow toMake a T Shirt Folder Roll Shirts for PackingHow toRoll Shirts for Packing Fold Polo ShirtsHow toFold Polo Shirts Fold a Suit for TravelHow toFold a Suit for Travel Fold a CardiganHow toFold a Cardigan Fold T Shirts for TravelHow toFold T Shirts for Travel Iron a Dress ShirtHow to Iron a Button-up Shirt for a Crisp, Clean Finish Advertisement

References

  1. ↑ http://www.today.com/style/how-fold-shirt-sweater-pants-more-professional-t67541
  2. ↑ https://www.lifestorage.com/blog/storage/storing-winter-clothing-during-the-summer-months/
  3. ↑ http://www.today.com/style/best-way-fold-shirt-try-magazine-hack-t67176
  4. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9wa4g7h4VC4
  5. ↑ http://www.redbookmag.com/life/charity/a39679/shirt-folding-personality-reveal/

About This Article

Kathi Burns, CPO® Co-authored by: Kathi Burns, CPO® Board Certified Professional Organizer This article was co-authored by Kathi Burns, CPO®. Kathi Burns is a board certified Professional Organizer (CPO) and Founder of Organized and Energized!, her consulting business with a mission to empower people to master their environment and personal image by assisting them in taking control, making change and organizing their lives. Kathi has over 17 years of organizing experience and her work has been featured on Better Homes and Gardens, NBC News, Good Morning America, and Entrepreneur. She has a BS in Communication from Ohio University. This article has been viewed 327,679 times. 3 votes - 100% Co-authors: 16 Updated: March 10, 2025 Views: 327,679 Categories: Featured Articles | Shirts and Tops Article SummaryX

If you want to fold a shirt using the department store method, button up and zip your shirt then lay it flat with the back facing up. Next, grasp the collar and fold one sleeve to the middle then repeat for the opposite sleeve. After folding the sleeves, fold each side of the shirt toward the center so that the two edges meet in back. To finish, simply fold the bottom up to the shoulders and flip your shirt over. For help mastering the technique and getting rid of any creases, read on! Did this summary help you?YesNo

In other languages Spanish Italian Russian French German Japanese
  • Print
  • Send fan mail to authors
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 327,679 times.

Reader Success Stories

  • Janani Rajaraman

    Janani Rajaraman

    Jul 22, 2016

    "Being a fashion designing student, this method of folding gives me a confident and professional touch. Love this a..." more
Share your story

Did this article help you?

Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Kathi Burns, CPO® Co-authored by: Kathi Burns, CPO® Board Certified Professional Organizer Co-authors: 16 Updated: March 10, 2025 Views: 327,679 100% of readers found this article helpful. 3 votes - 100% Click a star to add your vote Janani Rajaraman

Janani Rajaraman

Jul 22, 2016

"Being a fashion designing student, this method of folding gives me a confident and professional touch. Love this a..." more Share yours!

Quizzes & Games

What Should I Wear Today QuizWhat Should I Wear Today QuizTake QuizWhat's My Clothing Style Quiz (For Men)What's My Clothing Style Quiz (For Men)Take QuizRight Brain vs Left Brain TestRight Brain vs Left Brain TestTake QuizDo I Smell Bad QuizDo I Smell Bad QuizTake QuizAm I Smart QuizAm I Smart QuizTake Quiz Choose Bed Sheets QuizHow to Choose Bed Sheets QuizTake Quiz

You Might Also Like

Fold a ShirtHow toFold a ShirtFold Long Sleeve ShirtsHow toFold Long Sleeve ShirtsFold a T‐Shirt in Two SecondsHow to Fold T-Shirts Quickly (Plus Other Clothing Items!)Fold ClothesHow toFold Clothes

Featured Articles

Remove Shorts from Search Results on YouTubeHow toRemove Shorts from Search Results on YouTubeWhat Are the Korean Animal Face Types? (And Which Type Do You Have?)What Are the Korean Animal Face Types? (And Which Type Do You Have?)Being the Little Spoon While Cuddling: Is It Better Than the Big Spoon?Being the Little Spoon While Cuddling: Is It Better Than the Big Spoon?115+ Funny “Get Well Soon” Messages to Make Someone Laugh115+ Funny “Get Well Soon” Messages to Make Someone Laugh110+ “Fun Facts” for Interviews, Introductions, & Icebreakers110+ “Fun Facts” for Interviews, Introductions, & IcebreakersHow Long Would You Survive In A Zombie Apocalypse?How Long Would You Survive In A Zombie Apocalypse?

Trending Articles

Am I Chopped QuizAm I Chopped QuizCrush Calculator: Does Your Crush Like You Back?Crush Calculator: Does Your Crush Like You Back?Guess My Age QuizGuess My Age QuizHow Rare Is My Birthday QuizHow Rare Is My Birthday QuizHow Rich Will I Be QuizHow Rich Will I Be QuizWhat Color Is My Name QuizWhat Color Is My Name Quiz

Featured Articles

Roast Someone in a Rap Battle (Plus the Best Bars of All Time)How to Roast Someone in a Rap Battle (Plus the Best Bars of All Time)What Turns a Girl On? 31 Things to Try on Your PartnerWhat Turns a Girl On? 31 Things to Try on Your PartnerLove AnalyzerLove AnalyzerSending Your Sweetie a Love Note? Here are 200+ Romantic IdeasSending Your Sweetie a Love Note? Here are 200+ Romantic IdeasExercise Your BrainHow toExercise Your BrainBe a Fun Person to Hang out WithHow toBe a Fun Person to Hang out With

Featured Articles

What Does Your Morning Routine Say About You?What Does Your Morning Routine Say About You?Develop Productive HabitsHow toDevelop Productive HabitsPractice Self CareHow toPractice Self CareWhat Song Matches Your Life Right Now?What Song Matches Your Life Right Now?Will 2026 Be Your Year? Reveal Your FutureWill 2026 Be Your Year? Reveal Your FutureUnderstanding the Most Attractive Face Shapes (& Determining Your Own)Understanding the Most Attractive Face Shapes (& Determining Your Own)

Watch Articles

Iron PantsHow toIron PantsCut LimesHow toCut Limes Make Your Own Comforting Cinnamon TeaHow to Make Your Own Comforting Cinnamon TeaDraw 3D ShapesHow toDraw 3D ShapesMake a Sugar ScrubHow toMake a Sugar Scrub Wear a Scarf: 19 Different StylesHow to Wear a Scarf: 19 Different Styles

Trending Articles

Rank My Attractiveness QuizRank My Attractiveness QuizChildhood Trauma TestChildhood Trauma TestHypersexuality TestHypersexuality TestWhat's My Personality Based on My Song Choices QuizWhat's My Personality Based on My Song Choices QuizGuess My Deepest Secret QuizGuess My Deepest Secret QuizAm I Neurotypical or Neurodivergent QuizAm I Neurotypical or Neurodivergent Quiz

Quizzes & Games

What Do I Look Like QuizWhat Do I Look Like QuizTake QuizWhat Is My Style QuizWhat Is My Style QuizTake QuizDo I Have Common Sense QuizDo I Have Common Sense QuizTake QuizAm I Annoying QuizAm I Annoying QuizTake QuizWhat Is My Work Style QuizWhat Is My Work Style QuizTake QuizIQ TestIQ TestTake Quiz wikiHow
  • Categories
  • Personal Care and Style
  • Clothing
  • Clothes by Type
  • Shirts and Tops
wikiHow Newsletter You're all set! Helpful how-tos delivered toyour inbox every week! Sign me up! By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy.
  • Home
  • About wikiHow
  • Experts
  • Jobs
  • Contact Us
  • Site Map
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Info
  • Not Selling Info
  • Contribute

Follow Us

×

Get all the best how-tos!

Sign up for wikiHow's weekly email newsletter

Subscribe You're all set! X --652

Tag » How To Fold Shirts Like Stores