Roll or fold in the drawer

Short answer: Rolling fits the most pieces in the drawer and leaves the fewest sharp creases. Folding gives a neater pile and is quicker. For soft knits rolling is the best choice, while thick and stiff pieces are better folded.

Rolling takes up the least space

A rolled T-shirt takes up around a third less space than a folded one. The roll is pressed lightly by its neighbours and uses the height of the drawer better than a flat pile. In a shallow drawer, lay the rolls side by side so you can see each one. This works well for bamboo T-shirts for men in soft knit.

How to roll a T-shirt

Lay the T-shirt flat with the front facing down and fold the sleeves in over the back. Then fold it lengthwise so it is about a third as wide. Start at the hem and roll calmly up towards the neck without pulling the fabric. The roll should be firm enough to hold together, but not so tight that it stretches.

Rolling leaves no sharp crease

A roll has soft curves instead of an edge that stays. When you take out a rolled shirt, give it one shake and it is ready to wear. A folded shirt can have a clear line across the chest, especially if it sat at the bottom of a pile. For soft knits, that is a real advantage of rolling.

Underwear rolls easily

Boxers and socks are small and soft, and they roll easily. A rolled pair of boxers takes up very little space and can stand in a row in the drawer. Just avoid pulling the waistband over the roll to hold it together, because that stretches the elastic. The same applies to a bamboo boxer.

Folding is quicker

If the drawer is emptied and filled every week, folding wins on time. A few quick folds and onto the pile is faster than carefully rolling every piece. Folding also gives a neater pile on an open shelf, where you want to see straight edges. Thick sweatshirts and hoodies are also better folded.

Thick pieces should be folded

A thick sweatshirt becomes a large, bulky roll that takes more space than a neat fold. Thick fabric does not wrinkle as easily as thin knit either, so a fold rarely leaves visible marks. Fold it back side up, fold the sleeves in and fold once across. It then lies low and calm on the shelf.

Combine the two methods

Most people get the best drawer by using both methods. Roll the soft and thin items, such as T-shirts, underwear and socks, and fold the thick and stiff ones, such as sweatshirts and hoodies. Put the rolls in the drawer and the folded pieces on the shelf. You use the space well, and everything is stored the way it keeps best.

A system that works every day

The best method is the one you actually use every week. Choose a fixed way for each type of clothing and stick to it, so it becomes a habit that needs no thought. Once the laundry is dry, you know exactly where it goes. That also applies to a soft men's bamboo sweatshirt, which is best kept folded.

Frequently asked questions

Is it better to roll or fold

Roll soft knits and fold thick and stiff fabrics. Rolling takes up the least space and leaves no sharp crease, while folding is quicker.

How much space does rolling save

Around a third on a soft knit. The roll is pressed together by its neighbours and uses the height of the drawer better than a flat pile.

Does rolled clothing wrinkle

Less than folded. A roll has soft curves, while a fold makes a sharp edge that stays in the fabric for a while.