Sweaters are delicate items that need proper care to maintain their shape, softness, and longevity. Whether it's a lightweight cotton sweater or a thick wool knit, the way you fold and store it matters. In this guide, we'll show you step-by-step instructions on how to fold different types of sweaters, why folding is better than hanging, and how to store them to avoid wrinkles or stretching.
We’ll also introduce you to our range of high-quality sweaters, such as the Cigogne Crewneck Sweatshirt, Cigogne Essentials Hoodie, and more. Proper care extends their life and keeps them looking brand new.
why folding is important for sweaters
The risk of hanging sweaters comes from the natural pull that gravity applies to the fabric when they are hung up, especially for heavier knits like wool or cashmere. Hanging can cause fabric to stretch, particularly around the shoulders, leading to deformations that might not be easily reversible. You may have noticed bumps or puckering on your shoulders after taking a sweater off a hanger.
Folding as a preservation method is a solution that avoids these issues. It keeps your sweaters in shape and prevents stretching or misshaping. The weight of the fabric is distributed evenly when you fold them, which minimizes stress on any particular part of the sweater. This is especially important for delicate knits that might lose their structure easily if stored improperly. Additionally, when sweaters are folded correctly, it’s easier to store them in drawers or on shelves without them taking up too much space.
Avoiding wrinkles is another key reason for folding sweaters. Improper folding techniques can lead to creases and wrinkles that are tough to remove, especially if a sweater has been folded in the wrong way for a long period. It’s not only about how you fold but also how you store them after folding that ensures the sweater retains its original form.
Pro Tip: When folding thicker sweaters, avoid stacking them too high. If sweaters are stacked too tightly, the weight of the ones on top can cause the ones at the bottom to crease or wrinkle under pressure.
basic sweater folding technique
The simplest method for folding sweaters involves a few straightforward steps, and it works for most types of sweaters, including cotton, wool, and cashmere varieties. Start by laying the sweater face down on a flat surface such as a table or a bed. Make sure the sweater is smoothed out, and there are no wrinkles to begin with.
Next, fold each sleeve back and inward, forming a rectangle shape with the body of the sweater. The sleeves should not be hanging over the sides of the sweater but rather neatly folded so that they follow the edges of the body. After folding the sleeves, bring the bottom hem of the sweater up toward the neckline, folding it in half. Now you have a neatly folded sweater that is ready to be stored.
This basic folding technique works wonders for ensuring that your sweater keeps its structure. For example, if you’re storing your Cigogne Crewneck Sweatshirt for a short period, using this fold will keep it looking pristine and easy to retrieve when you need it.
folding hoodies and thick knit sweaters
Folding hoodies or thick-knit sweaters is slightly different because they are bulkier and can be harder to compress into neat folds. The extra fabric from the hood or thick sleeves means you need to take special care to fold these items compactly without creating unwanted bulk or creases. Here’s how to do it:
Start by laying the hoodie or sweater face down, with the hood stretched out so that it lies flat. Smooth out any wrinkles as you go. Next, fold the sleeves across the body, similar to how you would with a regular sweater. This creates a rectangular shape once the sleeves are folded in. Now, instead of folding the sweater in half, fold it in thirds. This extra fold helps to reduce the bulk, especially with hoodies. You’ll want to tuck the hood into the fold so that it doesn't add unnecessary bulk.
This method of folding is ideal for bulkier items like the Cigogne Essentials Hoodie. By folding hoodies and thick sweaters in this way, you make the most of your closet space while keeping your clothes neat and free of creases.
the konmari sweater folding method
For those who are familiar with Marie Kondo’s signature method, the goal is to fold your clothes so that they can stand upright in your drawer. This helps save space and also makes it easier to see each item in your drawer at a glance. Here’s how you can apply the KonMari method to folding sweaters.
Start by laying your sweater flat, face down. Fold each sleeve back and inward, aligning the edges with the sweater’s body. Now, instead of folding the sweater in half as you might with a traditional method, fold it into thirds lengthwise. After that, fold it in half, so the sweater can stand upright. This technique works particularly well for thinner or lightweight sweaters.
Using this method allows you to stack your folded sweaters vertically in a drawer, making them easy to access. This folding style is great for compact spaces, and it works beautifully with lightweight sweaters, including summer knits and fine cashmere.
tips for long-term sweater storage
Storing sweaters for the long term, such as when you're packing them away for the season, requires a bit of extra care to ensure they remain in perfect condition. If you plan to store your sweaters for an extended period, consider the following tips:
Use breathable storage bags instead of plastic bags. Wool and cashmere, in particular, need airflow to avoid mildew. Cotton bags or canvas storage boxes allow the fabric to breathe, preventing the buildup of moisture that can lead to unpleasant odors or mold. Another key is to avoid overcrowding your storage space. When sweaters are packed too tightly, they can become compressed and wrinkled, which might lead to damage or misshaping.
For wool or cashmere sweaters, you’ll also want to invest in cedar balls or lavender sachets. These natural moth repellents help keep your sweaters safe from moths and other insects that are attracted to natural fibers like wool. Plus, they add a pleasant, natural fragrance to your storage space.
For the ultimate care, apply these storage tips to your Cigogne Crewneck Sweatshirt and other valuable sweaters when they’re not in use during warmer seasons.
how to fold sweaters without leaving creases
If you want to avoid creases altogether, especially in delicate sweaters, here are a few extra tips to consider. After washing your sweater, make sure to dry it flat. Never hang a wet sweater to dry, as this can lead to severe stretching and misshaping. Instead, reshape the sweater while it’s damp, laying it flat to dry completely.
Once dry, fold your sweater with care, adding tissue paper between the folds if you want to go the extra mile to prevent creasing. This is especially useful for sweaters you don’t wear often, as they may stay folded for longer periods. Store your folded sweaters loosely in drawers or shelves. Try to avoid packing them too tightly, which could cause the sweaters to press into each other and form creases.
Proper folding and maintenance are essential to keeping your favorite sweaters, like the Cigogne Essentials Hoodie, looking sharp and ready to wear whenever you need them.
FAQs
Can I hang sweaters instead of folding them?
It's generally not recommended to hang sweaters because the weight of the fabric can stretch out the fibers and cause the sweater to lose its shape. Hanging can also create unwanted shoulder bumps.
How do I fold a hoodie without creating wrinkles?
To fold a hoodie without wrinkles, flatten the hoodie face down, fold the sleeves inward, and then fold the body in thirds while tucking the hood into the fold.
How often should I refold my sweaters?
Refolding your sweaters at least once a season helps prevent deep-set wrinkles and ensures the fabric retains its shape. This is particularly important for sweaters stored in drawers for long periods.
What’s the best way to store wool sweaters?
Wool sweaters should be folded and stored in breathable cotton or canvas bags. Avoid using plastic, as it traps moisture, and store them in a dry, cool place with natural moth repellents like cedar balls.
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