How to Fold Shorts: Easy Steps for a Neat Drawer

What You’ll Need

Lay shorts flat: Place the shorts on a flat surface with the front facing up. Smooth out any wrinkles with your hands, and make sure the legs are aligned and not twisted.
Fold one leg over: Take the left leg and fold it across the crotch area toward the right side, so the outer seam lines up with the center front. The leg should now lie flat over the right leg.
Fold the other leg over: Repeat with the right leg, folding it over the left leg. Now both legs are stacked on top of each other, with the waistband at the top and the hem at the bottom.
Fold in half (or thirds): Depending on the length of the shorts, fold them in half from the hem up to the waistband. For longer shorts (like cargo or bermuda), fold in thirds: first fold the hem up to about the middle, then fold again to the waistband. This keeps the folded size uniform.
Smooth and flatten: Run your hands over the folded shorts to remove air and create a crisp, flat rectangle. This helps them stack neatly.
Store upright or stacked: Place the folded shorts in your drawer. For a Marie Kondo-style upright storage, stand them on their folded edge (the side that is not the waistband) so you can see each pair at a glance. For traditional stacking, lay them flat in a pile.

Folding while damp: Folding slightly damp shorts can cause mildew and wrinkles. Always ensure they are completely dry.
Not aligning seams: If the side seams are not aligned, the fold will be crooked, and the shorts will not stack well.
Folding too thick: For thick fabrics like denim, folding into a small rectangle can create bulky creases. Consider rolling instead.
Forgetting pockets: Bulky pockets (like cargo pockets) can create lumps. Empty them and smooth them flat before folding.

Roll for travel: To save space and prevent wrinkles in a suitcase, roll shorts tightly from the hem up to the waistband, then tuck the waistband over the roll to secure it.
Use a folding board: If you want perfectly uniform folds, use a cardboard or plastic folding board (like those used for t-shirts). Adjust it to the size of your shorts.
Fold by fabric: For delicate fabrics like linen or silk, fold loosely to avoid sharp creases. For cotton or denim, a crisp fold is fine.
Store by color: Arrange folded shorts by color in your drawer to make it easier to find a pair.

Shorts keep unfolding: If your fold doesn’t stay, the fabric may be too slippery (like athletic shorts). Try rolling them instead, or place heavier items on top in the drawer.
Creases in the wrong place: If you see unwanted creases, refold along the existing seams or natural lines of the garment. For linen, embrace the wrinkles or gently steam them out.
Drawer too small: If the folded shorts don’t fit, try folding them into smaller thirds, or roll them and place them upright in a bin.
Shorts are too thick to fold: For thick denim or insulated shorts, rolling is the best option. Lay them flat, roll tightly, and secure with a rubber band or the waistband tuck.

Folding is best for drawers and uniform stacking. Rolling is better for travel, small spaces, or thick fabrics that crease easily.

Fold them the same way, but avoid folding the elastic too tightly. You can fold them in half instead of thirds to reduce pressure on the elastic.

Yes, the basic method is similar, but shorts are shorter, so you may need to fold them in thirds instead of in half to achieve a similar size.

Make sure they are completely dry, smooth them flat before folding, and avoid overstuffing the drawer. For wrinkle-prone fabrics, roll them instead.

Athletic shorts often have slippery fabric and liners. Fold them as usual, but if they slip, roll them and secure with the waistband tuck.

Fold the liner inward first, then follow the standard folding steps. This keeps the liner from bunching up.

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