How do you fold shorts for storage?

Folding shorts properly for storage can help keep them looking neat, prevent wrinkles, and maximize closet or drawer space. While there are a few different techniques for folding shorts, the basic process is quick and easy to learn.

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Why Bother Folding Shorts?

Here are some of the key reasons to take the time to fold shorts instead of just tossing them in a drawer:

Keeps shorts looking neat and wrinkle-free – Properly folded shorts are less likely to get messy wrinkles and creases while in storage.

Saves space – Folding compacts the shorts into a smaller form so more can fit into drawers or on closet shelves.
Makes shorts easier to organize – Folded stacks of shorts are simpler to keep ordered and separated by color, style, or person.
Avoids misshaping – Folding helps shorts maintain their original shape instead of getting stretched out or deformed.

Quick access – It’s faster and easier to find a specific pair of shorts when they are neatly folded rather than just thrown in a pile.

So taking a little time to properly fold shorts makes them easier to store, organize, and maintain over time.

Folding Shorts – Basic Technique

The standard technique for folding most shorts is quick and simple:

Start by holding the shorts upright with the waistband at the top and the legs hanging down.
Smooth out any wrinkles or bunching in the fabric so it lays flat.
Fold the shorts in half widthwise, matching up the inseam of both legs.

Fold in half lengthwise so the waistband folds down to the bottom hem.
Fold in thirds widthwise two more times into a rectangular stack.

This folds the shorts into a neat rectangular stack a few inches wide that can stand upright for drawer or shelf storage. Shake them out and refold along the existing creases whenever taking them out for wearing.

Step-By-Step Folding Directions

For a more detailed step-by-step:

Hold shorts upright: Grasp the waistband and hold the shorts vertically with both legs hanging freely and inseams aligned.
Smooth fabric: Use your hands to smooth out the fabric on both legs so there are no wrinkles. Make sure both legs lay flat.

Fold in half (first widthwise fold): Take the bottom hem of both legs and fold the shorts in half widthwise so the inseam of one leg lines up with the inseam of the other.
Fold in half (lengthwise fold): With the inseams still lined up, fold the shorts in half lengthwise so the waistband folds down to the hem.
Fold into thirds (second widthwise fold): Take the folded shorts and fold them in thirds widthwise to create a neat rectangular stack.

Fold into thirds again (final widthwise fold): Finish by folding the shorts in thirds one more time widthwise to condense them into a compact stack.

Once complete, the shorts will be folded into a neat rectangular stack about 3-4 inches wide that can stand upright in a drawer or closet. Simply shake them out and refold along the existing creases next time you wear them.

Folding Variations

While the standard technique works for most shorts, there are a few folding variations to accommodate different shorts styles:

Pleated Shorts

For shorts with pleats or a large waistband, first tuck the waistband inside before folding to create a flatter, more compact stack.

Cargo Shorts

Lay cargo shorts completely flat and fold the side cargo pockets in before folding in half lengthwise. This prevents bulky pockets from causing misshaping.

Boxer Shorts

Instead of folding boxer shorts widthwise, simply fold them in half lengthwise two times into a tall stack. The flexible fabric and extra room of boxer shorts allows lengthwise folding.

Compression/Spandex Shorts

These form-fitting shorts can be folded either widthwise or lengthwise depending on personal preference. Their stretchy fabric is resistant to wrinkling either way.

Shorts Folding Tips

Keep these tips in mind for smooth shorts folding:

Always smooth wrinkles first – This prevents baked-in creases and lines.

Pay attention to seams – Line up inseams and fold along seams for sharper creases.
Be firm – Don’t be afraid to use some pressure when folding for crisper, flatter stacks.
Work on a flat surface – Fold on a bed, table, or floor instead of standing to help get precise folds.

Refold existing creases – When removing shorts from storage, simply refold along existing fold lines.
alternate fold direction – Change up fold direction occasionally to avoid rigid creases embedding in the fabric over time.

Best Practices for Storing Folded Shorts

To get the most out of your shorts folding efforts, utilize storage best practices:

Stand stacks upright – Storing folded shorts vertically makes for neater drawers and easier browsing.
Use dividers – Separate categories of shorts (exercise, casual, boxers, etc) with dividers.
Don’t overpack drawers – Too many items causes wrinkling and makes shorts hard to remove. Leave some space.

Add drawer liner – Line shelves or drawers with a soft liner to avoid imprinting creases onto folded shorts.
Alternate fold direction – Folding the same way every time can cause rigid creases. Occasionally change up fold orientation.
Refill stacks – As shorts get used up, refill dividers and slots to maintain tidiness.

Proper storage habits will keep your folded shorts organized and wrinkle-free over the long run.

Common Shorts Folding Problems and Solutions

While folding shorts is generally straightforward, occasional issues can crop up:

Problem: Shorts Won’t Stay Folded/Unfold in Storage

Solution: Refold along existing creases and apply extra pressure when folding. Make sure stacks are upright and divide drawer space to prevent sliding around.

Problem: Shorts Have Permanent Crease Lines

Solution: Alternate fold direction each time to avoid repeat creasing in the same spots. Or hang shorts instead of prolonged folding.

Problem: Folded Shorts are Wrinkling in Drawers

Solution: Don’t overpack drawers. Leave some empty space for items to move without wrinkling. Add drawer liner or dividers to separate items.

Problem: Cargo or Pleated Shorts Won’t Fold Flat

Solution: Fold bulky pockets in first before folding overall shorts. Tuck waistbands in on pleated shorts to reduce bulk.

Alternatives to Folding Shorts

While folding is ideal for storage, some other options include:

Hanging – Hanging shorts can prevent permanent creases from long-term folding. Use pant hangers to hang shorts upright in closet.
Rolling – Rolling shorts side-to-side instead of folding can save drawer space. Best for travel packing.

Vacuum storage – Use a vacuum storage bag to compress shorts into a small stack for travel or off-season storage.

So folding isn’t the only approach for shorts storage. Hanging, rolling, and compressing can also work well in different situations.

Conclusion

By taking a minute to properly fold shorts using the standard technique, you can keep them neatly organized in drawers while preventing wrinkles and misshaping. Simple consistent folding along with proper storage habits will lead to shorts that are tidy and ready to wear whenever needed. Just remember to refold along existing creases and alternate directions periodically. And utilize variations like tucking or inline folding when needed for pleated or cargo styles. With some practice, folding shorts can become a quick daily habit.