Housekeeping Storage & Organization Closet Organization How to Fold Sweaters—And Why You Should Never Hang Them Up Keep your knits neat and snag-free with this simple folding technique. By Mary Cornetta Mary Cornetta Mary Cornetta has been in the professional organizing industry for over 5 years. She knew she had a passion for decluttering and organization upon graduating Marist College in 2007, however, pursued it as a hobby instead of a career. All of that changed when Mary founded Sort and Sweet Inc on Long Island in 2017. Since then, she has worked hands-on and virtually with hundreds of clients to clear their clutter and create functional systems in their homes and offices. Mary runs the Sort and Sweet social media accounts, creating content and writing captions with organizing tips and inspiration for more than 12,000 followers. Recently relocated to Savannah, she continues to own and operate the business with the help of a talented team. Mary has been a weekly contributing writer for House Digest and has been interviewed as an expert by Martha Stewart Living, Real Simple, and Health magazines. She is the owner of the blog, Organized Overall, in which she details how she creates organization in her home. Learn about BHG's Editorial Process Published on February 27, 2024 Close Photo: Grace Cary / Getty Images 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. 6 Sweater Storage Ideas for Your Closet, Dresser, and More 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. 13 Ways to Maximize Closet Space for More Storage Marty Baldwin 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. How to Fold a Throw Blanket Like a Stylist 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 Wash Wool Items So You Never Shrink Your Favorite Sweater 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. How to Fold Socks 3 Easy Ways to Save Drawer Space 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. The Best Clothes Hangers Buying Guide Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit