Knowing how to fold a button-up shirt ensures that it remains crisp wherever you store it. Use this guide for various hassle-free folding techniques.
Having different shirts for various occasions will soon fill up your cabinets. Whether they’re button-ups or button-downs, hanging them seems like a more convenient option, but folding will definitely free up room.
It’s not easy, however, as improperly tucking them will cause more damage than is worth its space-saving benefit. Button-up shirts are prone to wrinkles; if stored recklessly, you’ll waste time ironing them.
Even if you have a reliable dryer with wrinkle-free steam features, knowing how to fold a button-up shirt will help you in the long run. You won’t have to worry about bringing an iron when you’re away abroad, and you’ll also prolong your shirt’s lifespan.
Now, you might be wondering how you can do it. Well, that’s what this guide is for.
You’ll learn how to properly fold your garments without the risk of wrinkles while also reducing ironing time. Gain knowledge on different folding methods fit for various occasions, from freeing up storage to packing them in a suitcase.
The Popularity of Button-up Shirts
A staple in any gentleman’s wardrobe, button-up shirts are easily identifiable through a full-length button placket with a collar. The term was coined from the act of fastening the buttons on the shirt.
What separates them from their button-down counterparts is the lack of buttons securing the collar points. Button-ups are also preferred for formal occasions due to their clean, uninterrupted appearance.
It’s important to note that although all dress shirts are button-ups, there are also relaxed options fit for casual settings. Simply put, these types of shirts can be worn for almost any occasion, depending on their design and fabric.
Button-up shirts have a timeless appeal, making them easy to fit with different bottoms, from jeans and chinos to dress pants. You can even layer them under sweaters, blazers, or jackets to showcase a more sophisticated figure.
Those are the reasons why they’re popular choices for men looking to elevate their outfits both professionally and casually. It’s not puzzling to see why it’s paramount to make the most out of your clothing investments by folding them properly.
How To Fold Button-up Shirts for Travel
One of the trickiest predicaments for the traveling man is packing clothes. Whether you’re out for a vacation or a business trip, you need shirts you can wear when the need arises.
Of course, you can’t fit everything, no matter how big your bags are, so the key lies in folding them properly. So, to solve one of your problems, here’s a step-by-step procedure on how to fold button-up shirts for travel.
1. Fasten all the buttons on the shirt and flip it over so it’s button-side down.
2. Fold the sleeves across the back. If you’re packing long sleeves, then fold them up until the cuffs reach the collar.
3. Then, fold the sides across the middle in thirds. This will tighten the shirt more while avoiding wrinkles.
4. Finally, gently bend the shirt up from the bottom in thirds. Once done, gently pack them in your bag or suitcase.
Make sure you follow the instructions with your apparel lying on a table so you can spread it out.
Try to keep them on top of other garbs as well, and don’t squish them with heavy equipment. You might end up wrinkling the entire thing, which is counterproductive to the results you want.
How To Fold a Long-Sleeve Button-up Shirt
Long-sleeved shirts are one of the snappiest outfits to wear at corporate events but are also the trickiest to fold. It’s equally frustrating as one wrong move means you’ll have to start from step one.
They also take up a lot of space when hung and are quite bulky when folded using normal means. So, to maximize storage, you’ll learn how to fold a long-sleeve button-up shirt that makes it completely compact. Here are the instructions:
1. Lay the shirt flat and spread out on a flat surface. Ensure that it’s face down, and try to smooth out any creases or wrinkles.
2. Vertically fold the shirt in half so the sleeves overlap. Then, fold the sleeves over the body. If they extend past the shirt, gently bend a quarter of them back.
3. Finish it off by slowly folding from the bottom of the shirt to the top. Try to make a six-inch fold until you reach the collar. You can adjust as many times as you can until you make a rectangular brick shape.
Another popular method is the “KonMari” fold, popularized by tidying expert Mari Kondo. It involves crossing the sleeves over the back and folding the shirt into thirds. It’s less compact than the previous procedure but much simpler to achieve.
How To Fold a Button-up Short-Sleeve Shirt
Short-sleeved button-up shirts are great for smart casual events, and more lenient offices prefer these types of clothes. They’re also easier to store.
You can use the department store method to neatly tuck them away in any storage, from suitcases to small closets. Simply follow these steps so you’ll know how to fold a button-up short-sleeve shirt:
1. Fasten all the buttons and lay the shirt out flat, but it’s best to face it horizontally this time. Then, fold the side closest to you to the shirt’s center. Make sure to firmly crease the edge so it forms a perfect vertical line.
2. Bring the other side to the center to meet the first edge right at the back’s middle portion. Ensure that both edges run parallel without overlapping each other.
3. Then, fold up the bottom edge of the shirt to the top of its shoulders. Let the edge rest below the collar and smoothen any creases or wrinkles before flipping it over.
The fold must be symmetrical across the shirt’s width. Try to smoothen any wrinkles in the fabric before storing it.
Dealing With Wrinkles Without an Iron
You’ll end up with a couple of mistakes when folding clothes for the first time, ultimately leading to wrinkles. Even the most neatly packed dress shirt won’t remain smooth while in transit.
In the event of unwanted creases and a lack of ironing tools, you can apply the following methods:
- Hang your shirt inside the bathroom and make sure the doors and windows are locked. Treat yourself to a nice, warm shower, and come back to a wrinkle-free button-up top.
- You can also try zapping the creases away with a blow dryer. Set it on its highest setting and hold the exhaust about two inches away from the cloth.
- If you’re out with the misses, try borrowing her hair straightener and use that to smoothen the shirt’s collar. Be as gentle as possible, as you don’t want to scorch the fabric.
Of course, these handy tips are just alternatives in case you don’t have a flatbed iron handy. That equipment is still the best way to keep your shirts crisp.
FAQs
How Do You Fold a Button-up Shirt To Avoid Wrinkles?
Fasten all the buttons first and lay the shirt face down on a flat surface. Spread it evenly and smoothen any wrinkles and creases with your hands.
Then apply the folding method appropriate for the shirt. Make sure you try to deal with as many wrinkles as possible as you go through each step.
Keeping Your Shirts in Top Condition
Like other pieces of clothing, button-up shirts are prone to wear and tear. The last thing you want is for them to look old, weary, or tear in a short period.
Following the manufacturers’ cleaning instructions will help you preserve their condition. So if it says it’s not machine washable, then don’t even try it. Ironing the shirts will get rid of wrinkles and keep them crisp, but frequent application will fade the colors away.
Instead of popping our shirts in the dryer, let them hang dry. Dryers cause clothing to wear much more quickly than they would otherwise.
If you want your polos and other tops to last longer than they should, then master how to fold a button-up shirt. You’ll have more space for other articles of clothing while also keeping them in pristine condition.
Do you want more tips on how to take care of your precious garments? Then subscribe to our monthly newsletter, where you can get exclusive access to style guides, fashion tips, and product recommendations.
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