How to Fold Clothes Online: A Practical Guide

What You’ll Need

A flat, clean surface (table, bed, or countertop)
The clothes you want to fold (shirts, pants, towels, etc.)
Optional: a folding board (cardboard, plastic, or a store-bought one)
Optional: access to a video tutorial on your phone or laptop

Step-by-Step

Choose your method. Decide whether you’ll follow a video tutorial or use a folding board. For videos, search for a specific fold (e.g., “t-shirt fold”) on a platform like YouTube. For boards, have it ready on your surface.
Prepare your clothes. Ensure each item is clean, dry, and free of wrinkles. Button up shirts and zip pants to keep their shape during folding.
Lay the garment flat. Place the item on your surface, front side down for shirts (so the back faces you), and smooth out any wrinkles with your hands.
Follow the video or board instructions. If using a video, pause after each step and mimic the movements. If using a board, align the garment according to the board’s guides—typically, you fold the sleeves inward, then fold the bottom up to the shoulders.
Fold in thirds or halves. For shirts, fold the sleeves inward so they form a rectangle. Then fold the shirt in half or thirds, depending on your preference or the method you’re following.
For pants, fold at the crotch. Lay pants flat, fold one leg over the other, then fold in half or thirds from the bottom up.
Stack and store. Place folded items in a drawer or on a shelf, stacking them vertically (file folding) to see everything at a glance.

Common Mistakes

Skipping the smoothing step, which leads to wrinkles and uneven folds.
Not buttoning shirts or zipping pants, causing the garment to lose its shape.
Folding too quickly, resulting in misaligned edges.
Using a video that’s too fast or unclear—pause and rewind as needed.
Overloading the folding board, making it hard to align the garment.

Tips

Use a folding board for consistent results, especially if you fold many items at once.
Watch the video once fully before starting, so you know what to expect.
Fold clothes right after they dry to minimize wrinkles.
For delicate fabrics, fold them loosely to avoid creases.
Practice on old t-shirts first to get the hang of it.

Troubleshooting

Folds are uneven: Unfold and start again, making sure the edges align before each fold.
Clothes still wrinkled: Lightly iron or steam the item before folding, or fold while slightly damp (for fabrics that allow it).
Video won’t play: Check your internet connection or download the video beforehand.
Folding board is too small or large: Adjust the garment to fit the board, or use a board that matches the size of your clothes.
Items don’t stay folded: Use a heavier fold (e.g., fold in thirds instead of halves) or store items in a drawer with dividers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fold clothes online without a board?

Yes, you can follow a video tutorial that shows hand-folding techniques. Many videos demonstrate folds without any tools.

What is the best way to fold a t-shirt?

The most popular method is the “file fold”: lay the shirt face down, fold one side in, fold the sleeve back, repeat on the other side, then fold the bottom up to the top. This creates a neat rectangle that stands upright in a drawer.

How do I fold pants to save space?

Fold pants in half lengthwise, then fold them into thirds from the bottom up. This creates a compact bundle that fits well in drawers.

Why do my clothes get wrinkled when I fold them?

Wrinkles happen when clothes are folded while damp or when they’re packed too tightly. Ensure clothes are completely dry and avoid overstuffing drawers.

Can I fold clothes online using an app?

Yes, there are apps that provide folding guides and even augmented reality (AR) instructions. Search your app store for “clothes folding guide” to find options.

How long does it take to learn to fold clothes online?

Most people pick up the basics in a few minutes. With practice, you’ll be able to fold a shirt in under 30 seconds.

Sources: Good Housekeeping. Menus and buttons can differ slightly by version. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.