How to Fold Hoodies: Neat, Wrinkle-Free in Minutes

What You’ll Need

A flat, clean surface (table, bed, or floor)
A hoodie (clean and dry)
Optional: a hanger if you prefer hanging

Step-by-Step

Lay the hoodie flat – Place the hoodie face down on your surface with the front zipper or opening facing down. Smooth out any wrinkles with your hands.
Fold the sleeves in – Take the right sleeve and fold it across the back so the cuff meets the side seam at the bottom. Repeat with the left sleeve, so both sleeves lie flat on the back.
Tuck the hood – Fold the hood down over the back of the hoodie, aligning it with the collar. This keeps the hood from bunching up.
Fold the bottom up – Grab the bottom hem and fold it up about one-third of the way toward the collar.
Fold in half – Fold the hoodie in half, bringing the bottom edge up to meet the collar. Smooth out any air pockets.
Flip and store – Turn the folded hoodie over so the front is facing up. Place it in a drawer or on a shelf, or hang it if you prefer.

Common Mistakes

Leaving the hood out – If you don’t tuck the hood, it creates a lump and makes the fold uneven.
Folding too thick – Trying to fold a thick hoodie into a small rectangle can cause creases. Use a looser fold or roll it instead.
Not smoothing wrinkles – Skipping the smoothing step means you’ll end up with creases that are hard to remove.

Tips

For a drawer, use the KonMari vertical fold: after step 5, fold the hoodie in half again to make a small rectangle that stands upright. This lets you see all your hoodies at once.
For travel, roll the hoodie instead of folding: lay it flat, tuck the sleeves, then roll from the bottom up. This saves space and reduces wrinkles.
If your hoodie has a drawstring, tie it loosely before folding to prevent it from getting tangled.
Store hoodies on a shelf rather than hanging them if you want to avoid shoulder bumps. If you must hang, use a padded hanger and fold the hoodie over the hanger’s bar instead of putting the sleeves on the hanger arms.

Troubleshooting

Hoodie still has wrinkles after folding? Lightly steam or iron it before folding. For stubborn creases, use a garment steamer or a damp cloth with an iron on low heat.

Fold doesn’t stay in place? The hoodie may be too thick or slippery. Try a slightly looser fold, or use a rubber band or fabric tie to hold it if you’re storing it for a long time.

Hoodie is too bulky for a drawer? Use the rolling method instead. It compresses the fabric and takes up less space.

Drawstring keeps slipping out? Tie it in a loose bow before folding, or tuck the ends into the hood.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I fold or hang hoodies?

Folding is better for most hoodies because hanging can stretch the shoulders and create bumps. If you have limited drawer space, hanging with a padded hanger is okay, but fold the hoodie over the hanger bar instead of using the arms.

How do I fold a hoodie without creases?

Use a flat surface and smooth out all wrinkles before folding. Avoid pressing down hard on the fabric. For a crease-free option, roll the hoodie instead of folding.

Can I fold a hoodie with a thick fleece lining?

Yes, but use a looser fold and don’t try to make it too compact. Rolling is often better for thick hoodies to avoid bulk and creases.

How do I fold a hoodie for a suitcase?

Use the rolling method: lay flat, tuck sleeves, roll from the bottom. This saves space and minimizes wrinkles.

Why does my hoodie always have a bump at the hood when folded?

Because you didn’t tuck the hood in. Always fold the hood down over the back before folding the bottom up.

Can I use a folding board for hoodies?

Yes, a folding board can help you get a uniform size, but it may not work well for thick hoodies. If you use one, make sure it’s large enough to accommodate the hoodie.

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