How to Fold Sweaters—And Why You Should Never Hang Them Up

The key to keeping your favorite sweaters looking like new is proper storage. Sure, you can—and should—use a fabric shaver when needed, handwash delicate materials, and stick a few cedar blocks in your closet to prevent pests. But doing all of those things will prove unproductive if you habitually shove your sweaters into drawers, or worse, put them on hangers.

Hanging knitwear is a major faux pas. Not only can hangers cause damage to your sweaters, but bulky items can also eat up valuable hanging space in your closet. Ideally, folding sweaters the right way is your best bet for maintaining their condition. If you struggle to keep your sweater drawer tidy, follow this step-by-step guide to simplify the process and protect your most worn pieces.

Why You Should Never Hang Sweaters

If you have to hang a sweater temporarily, it won’t necessarily ruin the garment overnight. However, there are some negative consequences to be aware of if you’re regularly in the habit of putting your sweaters on hangers.

It Can Cause Shoulder Bumps

Probably one of the most immediate and obvious repercussions you’ll notice after you take a sweater off a hanger is the bumps that form in its shoulders, particularly if it’s a thinner material, like cashmere. They’ll eventually dissolve and you can speed up the process by using a steamer or an iron. But, if you’re already in a hurry, seeing these bumps protruding from your shoulders is an inconvenience you can avoid by folding the sweater in the future.

It Will Cause the Fabric to Stretch

Just like shoulder bumps are formed because a sweater is suspended and, therefore, the sides of the hanger dig into the shoulders, the entire item can also become misshapen. Over time, the weight of the sweater will pull down and cause it to stretch out. The neckline will eventually become wonky and the body will elongate. Note that the heavier the garment is, the easier it will lose its shape.

It Will Take Up Too Much Room

Lastly, even if you’re okay with shoulder bumps and stretched-out material, the fact is that hanging up all of your sweaters means taking up a lot of prime real estate in the closet. If you’re short on hanging space to begin with, this will make your closet all the more crowded and cluttered. So save yourself from squeezing things onto the rod and stick to storing your folded sweaters on shelves and into drawers instead.

How to Fold a Sweater

There’s no single, definitive right or wrong way to fold any of your clothes or other linens, like towels and sheets. But there is always an easy, straightforward way. When it comes to sweaters, try this technique to quickly and effortlessly fold them so they stay neat and wrinkle-free.

Step 1: Lay Sweater on a Flat Surface

Use a clean surface such as a made bed, dresser top, or counter space in the laundry room to place the sweaters you wish to fold. Lay them one by one facing down so that the back of the sweater is facing you. Smooth the material with your hands to get out any creases or wrinkles.

Step 2: Fold Sweater Sides Vertically

Starting with one side of a sweater, fold it along with the sleeve toward the center. Once you reach the outside of the collar, smooth the whole part down so that the sleeve is parallel to the side. In other words, the wrist should be in line with the bottom of the sweater. Repeat this step with the other side so that the sweater is now half of its original width.

Step 3: Fold the Entire Sweater Horizontally

From here, fold the bottom half of the sweater away from you and towards the top. Depending on its size and where you plan to store it, you may have to fold it in thirds instead of in half. Flip the sweater over and place it upright onto a shelf or, if you’re using the file folding method, downward into a drawer.

An Alternative Sweater Folding Technique

This method is only slightly different but it may be easier to accomplish if you’re trying to fold bulky knits. After following the first step and smoothing a sweater onto a flat surface, bring both arms across each other so that they lay horizontally. From here, follow the third step and fold the sweater upwards in half before storing it away.

Have some sweaters with collars, such as a turtleneck? Simply fold it down onto the back of the item before using either folding technique so that it stays tucked in when you go to store it.

How to Safely Hang Sweaters

Folding sweaters is our recommended method for storage, but we know all closet layouts are different. If you have ample rod space and want to use it, there is a sweater hanging method that will keep them in pristine condition.

Step 1: Lay Sweater on a Flat Surface

Follow the first step exactly as if you’re going to fold a sweater, but start with it facing upward. Run the palms of your hands over the item to reduce wrinkles.

Step 2: Fold the Sweater in Half

Starting with either side, pinch the top at the shoulder with one hand and the very bottom of the same side with the other. Fold the whole side towards the middle and smooth the top arm onto the other arm.

Step 3: Place the Sweater over a Hanger

Lay a hanger on top of the sweater. Turn it upside down and onto an angle so that the base of the hook is aligned with the armpits. From here, fold both arms upward over the rest of the hanger and repeat this with the bottom of the sweater over the other side. Then, carefully pick up the hook away from the surface that it’s on and the sweater will stay looped over the hanger. Now you can hang the sweater without worrying about bumps or stretching.