Quick Answer
Yes, you can absolutely put jeans in drawers. Drawers provide an efficient storage solution for jeans, keeping them tidy, wrinkle-free, and easy to access. Many people prefer storing jeans folded in drawers rather than hanging them in a closet.
Should You Put Jeans in Drawers?
There are several benefits to storing jeans in drawers:
- Drawers protect jeans from dust and debris that can collect on clothes in a closet.
- Folded jeans are less likely to get wrinkled or creased versus hanging them.
- Jeans stacked neatly in drawers are easier to see and access versus hunting through closet items.
- Drawers provide more space-efficient storage than hanging jeans which require more space between items.
- If drawer space is limited, consider storing less frequently worn jeans in a closet instead.
The main downside to drawers is capacity. Hanging jeans may allow more pairs to be stored in the same footprint of space. However, for most purposes, drawers have ample room for multiple pairs of jeans.
Overall, drawers are an excellent option for storing jeans. The advantages of reduced wrinkling, easier access, and protection from dust outweigh the slightly reduced capacity compared to hanging jeans in a closet.
Best Practices for Storing Jeans in Drawers
To get the most out of storing jeans in drawers, follow these tips:
- Fold jeans correctly – Fold along the seams and creases to minimize wrinkling and help jeans hold their shape. Folding horizontally helps keep stacks neater.
- Arrange by style – Group jeans types together for easy access – skinny jeans with skinny jeans, bootcut with bootcut, etc.
- Stack neatly – Keep stacks vertical and tidy to maximize space and see all your options.
- Use drawer dividers – Add removable dividers to separate jeans types and prevent pairs from getting jumbled together.
- Store by season – Put off-season jeans in less accessible drawers or a closet to open up prime real estate.
Taking these simple steps when storing jeans in drawers will keep them looking their best and easiest to find.
Choosing the Right Drawers for Jeans
Deep drawers with at least 3-4 inches of depth work best for jeans storage. Look for sturdy drawers made of quality wood, metal, or durable polymers able to handle the weight of denim without sagging over time.
Full extension drawer glides allow you to fully open drawers and easily access items in the back. Soft-close glides prevent drawers from violently slamming shut.
In a bedroom, a dedicated lingerie chest or dresser provides plenty of drawer space for jeans and other apparel. For a walk-in closet, drawer towers or a chest of drawers can be incorporated.
Ideally choose wide drawers at least 24 inches wide to accommodate folded jeans. Heights can vary based on space, but tall drawers around 6-9 inches high provide ample stacking room.
For a clean, seamless look, opt for drawer fronts that conceal slides and hardware. More modern, handle-less designs create a sleek, integrated aesthetic.
Best Materials for Jeans Drawers
These materials work well for drawers used to store jeans:
Wood: Oak, maple, and other hardwoods are attractive, strong, and durable. Opt for dovetailed joint construction. Solid wood is prone to seasonal expansion and contraction though.
Plywood: More dimensionally stable than solid wood. Opt for furniture-grade plywood joined with durable glues. Can have laminate or wood veneer finishes.
Metal: Powder-coated steel and aluminum drawers resist corrosion and are very sturdy. Can create more industrial, modern look. May show minor scratches over time.
Polymer: Drawers made from engineered thermoplastics, like polyethylene, are scratch-resistant, sturdy, and budget-friendly. Pose less risk of mold and mildew.
When shopping, open and close drawers to check smoothness and sturdiness. Avoid drawers with excessive side-to-side play when extended. With quality materials and hardware, drawers should function smoothly for years storing heavy jeans.
Drawer Organizers for Jeans
Specialized organizers allow customizing drawers to store jeans effectively. Consider these options:
Dividers: Thick dividers modularly section off drawers and partition jeans stacks from one another. Allows creating compartments for different jeans types.
Trays: Stackable trays give each jeans type its own dedicated space. Trays come in materials like lightweight mesh or sturdier acrylic.
Cubes: Modular cube storage units work like small drawers inside drawers, ideal for socks, underwear, and folded bottoms.
Racks: Rails with notches or slots hold folded jeans vertically, allowing easy perusal of options. Mounted racks help keep stacks from toppling over.
Grippers: Liners or inserts with grippy surfaces or geometric shapes hold folded items firmly in place while browsing. Prevent slides and collapses.
| Organizer | Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|---|
| Dividers | Section off drawer, flexible arrangements | Fixed sections, limited configurations |
| Trays | Dedicated compartment for each jeans type | Vertical space between trays can be wasted |
| Cubes | Modular, great for socks and underwear | Cubes can slide around in drawer |
| Racks | Neat vertical storage, see all options | Fixed rack arrangements |
| Grippers | Holds items firmly in place | Surface can wear out over time |
These drawer organizers allow custom tailoring jeans storage to your needs and preferences. Experiment to find your ideal setup.
Alternative Jeans Storage Options
While drawers are ideal, consider these other storage options:
Shelving: Fold jeans on closet shelves or open bookcase cubes. Provides visibility and access similar to drawers.
Underbed: Use underbed storage bins and containers to store off-season or lesser-worn jeans. Keeps them accessible but out of the way.
Hanging: Use closet rod pants hangers with multiple clips to hang jeans. Allows more visible browsing than stacking.
Over Door: Install an over-the-door hanger unit with slots or hooks for hanging jeans vertically. Keeps them visible and accessible.
Suitcase: A wide, flat suitcase stored under the bed or on a shelf can neatly accommodate folded jeans. Just remove to browse.
These options create more flexibility when drawer space is limited. A combination of drawers and other storage methods allows keeping favorites handy while stashing lesser-worn items.
Laundry Tips for Jeans Stored in Drawers
Proper washing is key to keeping jeans looking their best when stored folded in drawers:
- Wash jeans inside-out to protect dyes and prevent fading, especially dark denim.
- Choose a gentle cycle and cold water to minimize agitation and prevent shrinkage.
- Skip the dryer and air dry jeans flat to avoid heat damage.
- Fold and put away cleaned jeans promptly to avoid permanent creases from prolonged drying.
- Tumble dry briefly on low if jeans need de-wrinkling, removing before completely dry.
- Spot clean stains promptly and air dry to avoid setting in laundry.
With proper laundering, jeans maintain their fit, color, and appearance while neatly folded in drawers.
FAQs About Storing Jeans in Drawers
Is it bad to fold jeans?
Folding itself does not damage jeans. When stacked evenly in drawers, folding minimizes wrinkles versus hanging. Just be sure to fold along seams and creases to avoid stressing the fabric. Fold horizontally when stacking.
Should expensive jeans be folded?
Yes, folding and stacking in drawers is fine even for pricier designer jeans. Just take care to fold correctly along seams and creases. Use dividers or trays to separate designer jeans from regular pairs. Store folded vertically to see all options.
How should women’s jeans be folded in drawers?
Fold women’s jeans across the hips and along the thigh creases for the flattest, neatest horizontal stack. Group jeans cuts together – skinny, bootcut, etc. If space allows, fold and stack jeans so front pockets and waistband are visible to identify pairs quickly.
What are the best drawers for storing jeans?
Look for solid wood, plywood, or heavy-duty polymer drawers at least 24” wide and 4” deep. Full extension glides allow easy access. Include drawer dividers, trays, or grippers to keep stacks neat. Soft-close mechanisms prevent slamming.
How many pairs of jeans can you fit in one drawer?
Depending on the fold method, drawer size, and jeans thickness, you can expect 3-6 pairs per drawer. Slimmer drawers around 24” wide will fit 3-4 pairs. Deep, wider drawers 36”+ wide can potentially fit 5-6 neatly folded pairs per drawer.
Conclusion
Jeans are indeed an item of clothing well-suited for drawer storage. When folded properly along seams and creases, jeans can be neatly stacked and organized in drawers for wrinkle-free storage and easy browsing. Invest in high-quality, durable drawers designed to handle the thick fabric. Incorporate organizational accessories like dividers, trays, and grippers to customize the space. With some simple best practices, drawers provide the ideal home for your jeans collection.
