If you've spent any time watching Netflix in 2019, you've probably binged organization guru Marie Kondo's hit show, Tidying Up, by now. Unlike most series that people watch in one go, however, Marie's show has had a remarkably energizing effect on viewers: With just eight episodes, the Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up author has inspired viewers to get up off the couch and binge-tidy — totally transforming their homes, from their bookshelves to their closets.
ICYMI, Marie's strategy for maintaining a tidier home is two-fold: First, you must take stock of which of your possessions truly "spark joy" for you and get rid of those that don't. Then, you must store the things you do keep as efficiently as possible.
When it comes to T-shirts that means no more flopping the sleeves back and piling them high in your drawers — instead, Marie's KonMari folding method aims to store clothes vertically to maximize storage space and ensure every shirt you own is clearly visible.
How to Fold a Long-Sleeved T-Shirt
Bulky long-sleeve T-shirts can be especially tricky to store — but Marie's method will free up space in your dresser in a flash.
Step 1: Set up your folding workspace.
Lay your long-sleeved T-shirt facedown on a completely flat surface, with the sleeves fully spread out to the sides.
Step 2: Fold the sleeves.
Take one side of the shirt and fold it in toward the center. Fold the sleeve back away from the center of the shirt, and then fold it again: this time, down toward the shirt's bottom hem. (When you're done with this step, the sleeve should form an upside-down L shape.) Repeat on the other side of the shirt, meeting the first side.
Step 3: Create a rectangle shape.
Fold the collar of the shirt all the way back to the bottom hem, so that the garment looks like a rectangle.
Step 4: Make the shirt more compact.
Carefully fold the shirt in half again.
Step 5: Opt for smarter storage.
Stand the folded T-shirt upright in a storage container or drawer, so that you'll better be able to identify it when you're looking for something to wear in the morning.
How to Fold a Short-Sleeved T-Shirt
The good news: If you're hoping to apply Marie's folding method to your regular T-shirts, as well, that folding process is actually easier. Drop the extra sleeve folds this time around and follow these five steps:
- Lay your T-shirt facedown on a flat surface.
- Fold one side of the shirt in toward the center, then fold the short sleeve back the other direction. Repeat on the other side.
- Fold the collar of the shirt back to the bottom hem to form a rectangle.
- Fold the shirt in half again. (You might need to fold it into thirds, if the shirt is long enough.)
- Store the folded T-shirt upright.
Heather Finn is the content strategy editor at Good Housekeeping, where she heads up the brand's social media strategy and covers entertainment news on everything from ABC's 'The Good Doctor' to Netflix's latest true crime documentaries.
