Should I hang or fold sweaters?
Why folding is usually best
Sweaters, especially those made of wool, cashmere, or other natural fibers, can stretch out of shape when hung. The weight of the garment pulls on the shoulders, causing bumps and misshaping.
Folding keeps the sweater's shape intact and prevents stress on the fabric. It also saves hanging space, which is often limited in closets.
When hanging works
Lightweight sweaters, such as thin cotton or blends, can be hung without much risk. Use padded hangers or fold the sweater over the bar of a hanger to distribute weight evenly.
For structured sweaters like blazers or cardigans, hanging may be fine if they are not heavy. Always avoid wire hangers, which can leave marks and distort shoulders.
- Use padded hangers for lightweight knits
- Fold heavy sweaters and store on shelves
- Try the 'fold over the hanger bar' method
- Avoid hanging wet or damp sweaters
- Store folded sweaters in stacks or bins
- Use shelf dividers to keep stacks neat
How to fold and store sweaters
Fold sweaters neatly and store them in a drawer or on a shelf. Avoid stacking too many heavy sweaters on top of each other, as this can crush the fibers.
For long-term storage, use breathable cotton bags or bins instead of vacuum-sealed bags, which can trap moisture and damage natural fibers. Cedar blocks or lavender sachets can help deter moths.
Common mistakes
- Hanging heavy sweaters on regular hangers, which causes shoulder bumps and stretching.
- Storing sweaters in vacuum-sealed bags, which can crush fibers and trap moisture.
- Stacking too many sweaters in one pile, leading to wrinkles and difficulty finding what you want.
