How to Fold Uniform Shirts

Members of the military, law enforcement personnel and anyone who wears a uniform shirt all have to have uniform shirts that are that are smooth and wrinkle-free. Each branch of the military has prescribed methods and steps for maintaining different pieces of the uniform, and the shirt is no exception. As long as you give particular attention to such areas as wrinkles in the fabric, buttoning the buttons and ensuring that side seams are straight, you should be able to fold your uniform shirts with no problems.

Instructions

1. Lay the shirt flat on a table with the front facing up and the collar positioned away from you. Button all the buttons, including the sleeve cuffs. Smooth out all wrinkles.

2. Fold both sleeves over the front of the shirt, aligning the outer edge of the sleeves with the side seams. Fold one sleeve diagonally at the shoulders to make the sleeves lie flat, then repeat with the other sleeve. This process works with both long- and short-sleeved shirts. Folding a short-sleeved shirt is identical to folding a long-sleeved shirt and simpler because there is less fabric to manipulate.

3. Fold one side seam and sleeve toward the middle of the uniform shirt, then do the same with the second side seam and sleeve. The side seams and sleeves should not cover the button placket.

4. Fold the top of the shirt toward the center of the shirt and leave approximately two inches in between the shoulder seam and top edge of the shirt. Fold the bottom of the shirt up toward the center of the shirt, approximately four inches.

5. Fold the lower half of the shirt up over the upper half, making sure all of the edges are even.

Tips & Warnings

• Pat attention to the sleeve seams and make sure they are straight when you lay your shirt out flat.

• Make sure the side seams of the shirt are straight so that, when you fold them over, the shirt will not wrinkle.

References

• Navy Department Library: How to Fold Your Navy Uniform