How to Fold Long-Sleeved Shirts: Fast and Small (Video + Pictures)

Folding long-sleeved shirts is very similar to folding your other shirts with the exception that we need to take care of the long sleeves as well.

There are generally 3 ways to fold these shirts: The file-fold which is fast and can help organize and save some pace, then there is the roll which is very wrinkle-resistant and also fast to do, lastly there is the ranger-roll which will save a lot of space, but it is a little bit more tricky.

Today you’re going to learn all three ways.

File-Folding Long-Sleeved Shirts Neatly

The file-fold is generally considered one of the neatest ways to fold your clothes. It is not a coincidence that it is the same one that organizing master Marie Kondo uses in her KonMari method.

Clever Ways to Fold Long Sleeve Shirts (and Save Space)

Essentially this folds aim is to fold the shirt down neatly and allow it to stand with the tall side facing up instead of laying down.

I have added step-by-step illustrations on how to perform this fold below, but you can also check out the video embedded above if you prefer.

1. Lay the shirt down flat with the front facing up and button/zip it up.
2. Fold in both arms over to the oposite side so that the second one folded entirely overlaps the first.
3. From the left side, fold the shirt in 1/3 of it’s total width
4. Fold the right side in 1/3 of the total width of the shirt so it completely overlaps the folded left side.
5. From the top, fold the shirt down 1/3 of its total length twice.
6. Place the shirt vertically with the tall side (with a single fold) facing upwards.
7. Stack multiple shirts next to each other so they can support each other in your drawer.

Folding Long-Sleeved Shirts to Save Space

The ranger roll is by far the most effective way to fold your long-sleeved shirts if the main goal is to save space.

We are in essence going to compress the shirt down into a roll then use the end of the shirt to create a pocket to wrap over the roll.

This roll also works fantastic for travel since it takes up the least amount of space, and holds together really well.

I have a huge guide on how to fold all your clothes like this that you can check out next if you like this style.

Below you can find the illustrated step-by-step guide on how to perform this fold. You can also see the video above at timestamp 1:52 for a video demonstration of this fold.

1. Lay the long-sleeved shirt down flat with the front facing up.
2. Fold in both arms to the oposite end so that the second one you fold overlap the first.
3. Flip the bottom of your shirt inside out and pull it up 3-5 inches (amount depend on the size and thickness)
4. From both sides, fold the shirt in 1/4 of the shirts total width so that they meet in the middle.
5. From the top of the shirt, roll it down all the way to the bottom.
6. Lift up the shirt and wrap the inside-out part over the roll you have created to secure it in place.

Tip: Stick your thumbs inside the edes of the roll to adjust the roll to make it look neat.

I would avoid this roll for formal shirts and collared shirts, then you can check out how to fold collared shirts instead.

Folding Long-Sleeved Shirts to Avoid Wrinkles

The best way to fold long-sleeved shirts to avoid wrinkles is to do a simple roll. When clothes are rolled instead of being folded, there are less points where wrinkles can form.

This fold is both very fast and very gentle. It will work for all shirts, and can even be used folding tank tops if you don’t want them to wrinkle. But keep in mind that it will unravel a lot quicker than the ranger roll for example.

I have added step-by-step illustrations on how to do this fold below, but you can also see the video mentioned above at timestamp 1:52. Obviously you will skip flipping the bottom inside out to create a pouch, but other than that it will be very similar.

1. Place your long-sleeved shirt on a flat surface with the front facing up.
2. Fold both arms in to the oposite side of the shirt. The second folded arm should overlap the first one.
3. From both sides, fold the shirt in 1/4 of it’s total width so that the fabric meets in the middle.
4. From the top, gently roll the shirt down all the way to the bottom.
5. Let the shirt rest on the end of the roll so it doesn’t unravel.

If you enjoyed this guide, I recommend that you check out my guide on how to fold clothes fast next.

Over there you will learn how to fold all your other clothes like a pro as well.

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