How to Fold Shorts

Co-authored by Marty Stevens-Heebner, SMM-C, CPO® and Janice Tieperman

Last Updated: March 29, 2022 References

Are you looking to reorganize your spring and summer wardrobe? With all the different folding techniques out there, you might not know the best way to put away your shorts. That’s okay! We’re here to answer your questions and walk you through some of the most popular folding techniques out there, so you can store your shorts in a way that’s easy and convenient for you.

Question 1 of 7:

Should I fold or hang my shorts?

Hang up any garments that tend to wrinkle. Wrinkle-prone fabrics, like linen, will probably fare better on a hanger. However, casual garments, like your khaki and denim shorts, are perfectly safe to fold and store.^{[1]
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Question 2 of 7:

How do you fold shorts like Marie Kondo?

Fold your shorts in half twice. Start by folding the shorts vertically over the central, vertical seam, so both sides of the garment line up. Then, fold your shorts horizontally, lining up the waistband with the bottom of the pant leg.^{[2]
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Expert Source

Marty Stevens-Heebner, SMM-C, CPO®
Certified Professional Organizer & Senior Move Manager
Expert Interview. 14 January 2020.}^{[3]
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Question 3 of 7:

How do you store shorts with the KonMari fold?

Store them upright in a drawer. Instead of stacking your shorts on top of one another, place them side-by-side in your drawer. This way, you’ll have an easier time finding what you need as you’re getting ready in the morning.^{[4]
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Question 4 of 7:

How do you compactly fold shorts?

1
Fold the shorts in half first. Fold vertically along the seam, so both back pockets of your shorts are touching one another. Smooth out the garment with your hands. Then, fold the fly into the middle of your shorts, transforming the garment into a narrow rectangle.^{[5]
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2
Fold your shorts in half again. Line up the waistbands, folding your shorts into a small, compact square. Now, slip your newly-folded shorts into a drawer, where you can stack them on top of other garments!^{[6]
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Question 5 of 7:

How do you roll shorts for packing?

1
Fold the waistband over the front of your shorts. If you can, fold the waistband at least 1 to 2 in (2.5 to 5.1 cm) forward, so the top part of your shorts is inside-out. Then, smooth and straighten out the legs of your shorts, so the garment won’t be too wrinkly once it’s folded.^{[7]
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2
Fold your shorts in half. Fold your shorts vertically across the central seam, lining up both legs. Then, fold in the fly of your shorts, so they’re easier to roll.^{[8]
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3
Roll and tuck your shorts into the folded waistband. Turn your folded shorts so the pant legs are facing you. Starting at the bottom of the legs, pinch and roll the material toward the waistband. Then, pull the folded waistband over the rolled fabric—it’ll act like a pocket for your folded shorts.^{[9]
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- Rolling your shorts helps prevent wrinkles and makes them more compact.^{[10]
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  Expert Source
  
  Marty Stevens-Heebner, SMM-C, CPO®
  Certified Professional Organizer & Senior Move Manager
  Expert Interview. 14 January 2020.}

Question 6 of 7:

How do you fold shorts to save space?

Fold your shorts to store them at home or roll your shorts if you’re packing for a trip. Ultimately, it depends on your personal organization style and what best meets your personal needs. You might prefer the KonMari method if you like to view your clothes by color, or you might like the compact folding style if you prefer to stack your garments.^{[11]
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Research source} However, you might like rolling your clothes more if you travel frequently, since rolled clothes don’t take up as much space.^{[12]
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Question 7 of 7:

How do I prevent my shorts from wrinkling?

Shake them and smooth them out. Before you start folding, grab your shorts along the waistband and shake them out. Then, fold your shorts in half vertically and shake them out again. As you fold your shorts, smooth out the top of the fabric to get rid of any obvious wrinkles.^{[13]
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