8 Clothing Items You Should Never Fold to Keep Them Looking Their Best

When it comes to closet space, we rarely ever have enough. But there are certain articles of clothing you're going to want to save room for. Folding certain garments can lead to unwanted creases, damage, or misshaped fabric. It's a mistake many of us make—sometimes it's just easier to stash a sweater—but learning what to fold and what to hang can go a long way toward preserving the life and fit of your clothing.

To help you keep your garments in top shape, we turned to a fabric specialist, who shared their insights into the clothing items you should never fold. Below, see the key items to avoid folding and how to care for and store them instead.

Dresses

While you may be able to get away with folding casual cotton dresses, most dresses are more prone to creasing. You'll also want to protect the shape and form of these clothing pieces: Continuously leaving them in a drawer can permanently alter a garment's structure and how it fits. You can also invest in a garment bag to protect fine details from being crushed or tangled.

Outerwear

"Coats and jackets should be hung on padded hangers to preserve fit and prevent dents," says Christina Kahananui, senior seamstress at Elyse's Bespoke Tailoring and Alterations in Newton, PA. Not only are these items often too bulky for drawers, but common outerwear fabrics like leather can become creased or damaged when not cared for properly. "Leather in particular can damage and crack when folded," she warns. Ensure you use sturdy hangers for these pieces to support their additional weight.

Suits and Blazers

A sharp, well-fitted suit should always look polished, but folding it can create unsightly creases that may be difficult to get rid of or change its structure over time. Suits and blazers—particularly those made from wool, tweed, or linen—are best stored on hangers. Hanging your suit properly ensures the fabric retains its natural drape, keeping the shoulders, chest, and sleeves smooth and wrinkle-free. Consider a wide-shouldered hanger to prevent stretching.

Blouses and Button-Downs

While cotton tees may be right at home in your dresser drawer, structured shirts will stay in better shape when hung. "Blouses that feature ruffles, pleats, or fine details should never be folded because the folds can distort these delicate features," adds Kahananui. Always fasten top buttons to preserve collars, hang button-downs straight from the dryer to avoid wrinkles, and opt for padded hangers to prevent impressions from forming.

Sweaters

While it’s common practice to fold sweaters, there are some knit fabrics that do better hanging. Hanging certain heavy wool sweaters, for instance, can stretch them out over time due to the weight of the fabric. However, for more delicate fibers like cashmere, it’s important to avoid folding them as they can develop creases in the material.

Pleated and Formal Pants

For formal trousers, such as pleated dress pants, folding is a surefire way to ruin that crisp line and cause the fabric to become misshapen over time. To keep that professional look intact, it’s best to hang pants on a trouser hanger, which allows the crease to naturally fall into place.

Skirts 

Like pants, skirts with pleats or a structured A-line shape should not be folded. (Doing so can ruin the pleats.) Even skirts made from lighter fabrics can develop permanent creases when folded. Instead, hang them using a skirt hanger with clips or hooks that will securely hold them at the waist without damaging the fabric. (You can DIY your own via a regular hanger and a pair of clothespins.)

Delicate and Easily Wrinkled Fabrics

If you're ever in doubt while putting away your laundry, Kahananui says to consider the fabric of the garment. Fabrics that wrinkle easily include chiffon, delicate silks and satins, as well as linens. "These fabrics should always be hung to protect their integrity and keep them ready for wearing," she says.

Caring for your clothes is about more than just cleaning them—it’s about preserving their shape, fit, and fabric integrity. While folding works for many items, some clothing deserves a little more attention. By hanging suits, dresses, blouses with intricate details, and structured outerwear, you can keep your wardrobe looking fresh, polished, and in great condition for years to come.