How To · Fashion · Weekend Essentials
How to Fold a Sweater Without the Wrinkles
Hanging sweaters stretches the shoulders. Cramming them into drawers creates stubborn wrinkles. The flat-fold method—used by department stores and careful dressers—keeps your knits pristine and ready to wear.
5 min read · IrisMost men fold sweaters wrong. They hang them (shoulders stretch), roll them (wrinkles set in), or stuff them into drawers (both problems). The flat-fold method—essentially how luxury retailers store premium knitwear—takes under two minutes and keeps your sweaters looking shop-ready for years.
This technique works for all weights: lightweight merino, chunky cable knits, and delicate cashmere. The key is working on a clean, flat surface and respecting the garment's natural shape. No special tools required.
The flat fold respects the sweater's structure instead of fighting it.
What you'll need.
- 01Flat surface (bed, table, or folding board)
- 02Clean hands
- 03Optional: cedar blocks or lavender sachets
- 04Optional: garment steamer or access to a steamy bathroom
- 05Optional: acid-free tissue paper (for cashmere or travel)
Step one · 1 minute
Lay it flat, front-facing up
Find a clean, flat surface—a bed, table, or folding board works perfectly. Lay your sweater front-side down with the sleeves extended outward at roughly 90 degrees. Smooth out any wrinkles with your hands, working from the center outward. Make sure the hem is straight and the neckline sits naturally.
Use a lint roller on the surface first if you're worried about dust transferring to your sweater.
Step two · 2 minutes
Fold one sleeve across the body
Take the right sleeve and fold it diagonally across the back of the sweater, so the sleeve cuff points toward the left side. The fold should create a clean diagonal line from the shoulder seam down to the opposite hip. Press gently to set the fold. Repeat on the left side, folding that sleeve across so both sleeves now lie flat against the back.
Imagine you're creating a triangle with each sleeve. The point should aim toward the opposite hip, not bunch up at the neckline.
Step three · 1 minute
Fold the sides inward
Now fold the right side of the sweater inward so the armpit seam aligns roughly with the center of the garment. Do the same on the left. You should now have a rough rectangle shape. The sleeves should be tucked neatly inside, and the overall width should be about one-third of the original.
Don't fold too aggressively—sweaters need breathing room. A gentle fold prevents permanent creasing.
Step four · 1 minute
Fold in half horizontally
Fold the sweater in half horizontally, bringing the hem up to meet the neckline. You now have a compact rectangle. Smooth out any air pockets or wrinkles. This final fold should feel gentle and deliberate, not rushed.
If your sweater is particularly thick or long, you can fold it into thirds instead—fold the hem up one-third, then fold the neckline down to meet it.
Step five · 2 minutes
Stack and store vertically or flat
Place the folded sweater in your drawer or shelf. If stacking multiple sweaters, place them vertically (spine-out style) rather than flat on top of each other. This prevents the bottom sweater from getting crushed and makes it easier to grab one without disturbing the others. Leave a finger's width of space between each sweater for air circulation.
Cedar blocks or lavender sachets keep moths away without the chemical smell of mothballs. Place them beside—never directly on—your sweaters.
Step six · 3 minutes
Refresh before wearing
When you're ready to wear the sweater, lay it flat for a few minutes to let any fold lines relax naturally. If creases persist, hang it in a steamy bathroom for 10 minutes—the moisture helps fibers release tension without the damage of ironing. Never iron a knit directly; the heat can melt fibers and create shine.
A garment steamer held 6 inches away is safer than an iron if you need quick wrinkle removal.
How to know it works
A properly folded sweater should emerge from storage looking nearly identical to when you stored it. Shoulders retain their shape, the hem lies flat, and there are no permanent creases along the folds. The sweater should feel soft and ready to wear immediately.
Questions at the mirror.
My sweater still has creases after folding. What went wrong?
Creases usually mean the fold was too sharp or the sweater sat compressed for too long. Try the steam method before wearing. Next time, fold more gently and ensure adequate spacing in your drawer. Cashmere and merino are more prone to permanent creasing than wool blends.
Can I fold cashmere the same way as cotton sweaters?
Yes, but with even more care. Cashmere is delicate and prone to pilling, so use the gentlest touch possible. Consider storing cashmere in acid-free tissue paper for extra protection, and fold less frequently—cashmere benefits from hanging in a cool closet when not in storage.
How long can I leave a sweater folded before it develops permanent creases?
Most quality sweaters can stay folded for months without issues if stored in a cool, dry place with proper spacing. The real enemy is compression—if a heavy sweater is stacked under other items, creases set in faster. Rotate your sweaters seasonally to prevent any single fold from becoming permanent.
Should I fold sweaters differently if I'm traveling?
For travel, use the same flat-fold method but add an extra step: roll the folded sweater gently in acid-free tissue paper. This prevents wrinkles from luggage pressure and protects against hotel drawer dust. Unroll and lay flat in your hotel room immediately upon arrival.