How to Fold a Formal Shirt Step-by-Step (Beginner-Friendly Guide)
Organising your clothes for travel is important. So you must learn how to fold your formal shirts to take it to travel and prevent wrinkles and keep it in good condition. We all know that messy shirts do not look good.
So you must organize your clothing pieces by properly folding them in your suitcase while going anywhere. Even if you want to organize it in your wardrobe, then you should learn how to fold a formal shirt.
For this, read this complete blog and learn step by step guide to fold your formal shirts and prevent wrinkles.
How to Fold Your Shirts: An Easy Guide
Folding the formal shirts is not tough. The given step-by-step guide teaches you how to fold a formal shirt and store it without wrinkles and creases.
Step 1: Lay the Shirt Face Down on a Flat Surface
First, you should choose a plain surface like a folding table, and then lay down your shirt on it. Flip the shirt so the front side is down. Start spreading the shirt as much as you can. Pull both of the sleeves out and tug on the hem and collar and lay them flat against the table.
If your shirt has any designs or images on the front, then keep it face down for now. It will become visible again when you finish folding completely.
Step 2: Eliminate Puckers or Wrinkles in the Shirt
Now, flatten out the fabric by pressing down on it with your hands. You can also iron your shirt before folding it and eliminate wrinkles ( if any). It works well with freshly washed shirts.
Step 3: Fold the Right Side of the Shirt Inward by About One-third
Imagine a straight vertical line from the shoulder to the bottom. Hold the shoulder and hem, then fold the shirt inward to match that line. Lay the sleeve horizontally across the shirt. Stretch the sleeve out so it lines up with the other sleeve. When you're finished, about a third of the shirt's front side should be visible.
Step 4: Fold the Sleeve Down Diagonally Toward the Right Side
Hold the sleeve at both ends and fold it back toward the shirt’s edge. Line it up neatly with the edge, pull it close to the hem, and press it flat.
Long sleeves often reach the hem after this fold. If your shirt has shorter sleeves, use the same method, but don't worry about the sleeve reaching the hem. Another option is to fold the sleeve sideways to create a stack of fabric on top of the shirt. Fold the sleeve in half to the right, then fold it again to the left. The edge of the second fold should match the left edge of the shirt.
Step 5: Repeat the Folds on the Left Side of Your Shirt
Shift the sleeve to the right. Fold the left side inward by one-third, then tuck the sleeve in diagonally and line it up with the shirt’s left edge. When you’re done, double-check that the sides look even.
The left sleeve will slightly overlap the right sleeve. This is normal and necessary for tucking the sleeves out of the way while you fold the rest of the shirt.
Step 6: Make a Small Fold to Tuck in the Shirt Tails, if There Are Any
If your dress shirt has extra fabric at the hemline, fold that extra length over the sleeves. Create the folds right at the hemline so they are even all the way around. These folds are small, but they make your shirt look neater and help prevent wrinkles while it’s folded.
If your shirt doesn’t have tails, skip this fold. Start folding it in half so it’s small enough to fit easily on a shelf or in a suitcase.
Step 7: Lift the Bottom Fold Up Until It Reaches the Collar
Fold the shirt in half so it becomes smaller. Bring the hem just below the collar and press it flat to remove any wrinkles. This will leave you with a rectangle of fabric that is easy to store on a shelf or in a bin. Make sure the shirt looks compact and wrinkle-free before putting it away.
Carefully move the bottom part up so the sleeves don’t come out of place. When you’re finished, they will be tucked inside the fabric instead of hanging out. Lastly, hang dress shirts if you don't want them to get wrinkled.
Why Trust The Formal Club for Expert Shirt-Care Guides?
At The Formal Club, we simplify men’s fashion with easy tips that are designed for everyday use. Our guides, like this beginner-friendly tutorial on folding a formal shirt, help you keep a polished wardrobe effortlessly.
From care routines to styling advice, we provide trustworthy insights so your formalwear always looks sharp and ready. Whether you’re organizing your closet or getting ready to travel, The Formal Club makes sure your shirts stay in good shape every time.
Conclusion
Learning how to fold a formal shirt is easier with the above guide. Now, you can easily fold your shirts for travel and keep the same sharp look during travel. By following the steps above, like buttoning the shirt, placing it face down, folding the sleeves inward, neatly folding the sides, and creating a compact final fold, you will get a wrinkle-free, professional-looking shirt every time. With the above tips, you'll fold like an expert and enjoy a cleaner, more organized wardrobe.
Read Also: Tencel vs Cotton: Which Is Better for Formal Shirts?
FAQs
Q1. Is It Better to Fold or Roll Formal Shirts for Travel?
Folding shirts is much better than rolling shirts to keep the shape of your shirts. But if you want to save space in your luggage and prevent wrinkles, then you should roll your shirts.
Q2. How Long Does It Take to Fold Shirts Properly?
A proper folding of formal shirts takes around 30-60 seconds once you learn the steps. Beginners may take a long time, but with practice, you can become quicker at it.
Q3. Should I Iron My Shirt Before Folding?
Yes, ironing is good before folding your shirt because it gives a crisp look to your shirt and prevents creases and wrinkles. Folding ironed shirts also keeps your wardrobe presentable and organized.
Q4. What is the Best Way to Fold Formal Shirts?
The best way to fold formal shirts for travel is to use a single upward fold rather than a double fold, and keep tissue paper inside the shirt to reduce wrinkles. Make sure to pack your formal shirts at the top of the suitcase and avoid the pressure of other clothes.
Q5. Can I Hang Formal Shirts Rather Than Folding Them?
Yes, you can hang your shirts rather than fold them, and prevent wrinkles. Folding is better when you need to pack for travel, save space, or organize your wardrobe.
