How to Fold Clothes in the Army

Learning how to fold is important in the Army.

When you think of a soldier's duties, you probably wouldn't list laundry chores as a common task, but the Army has developed a strategy for folding clothes that saves space and instills discipline in the troops. Logically, it makes sense that a soldier would want to pack his bag in the most efficient way possible because this allows the maximum amount of useful gear to fit into his pack. A strict protocol for folding shirts, pants and undergarments proves effective for saving space when packing.

Things You'll Need

• Pants
• Buttoned long sleeve shirt
• Undershirt
• Boxers or briefs
• Socks

Instructions

1. 

   Start with your pants.

   Turn your pants inside out and lay them down on flat uncluttered surface with the waist facing toward you.

2. 

   It isn't that hard after you do it a few times.

   Fold the left leg on top of the right leg evenly and tuck in the crotch so you have a straight line along the length of the pants.

3. 

   Keep everything neat and tidy.

   Fold the waist and cuffs to the center and then fold the pants in half once. You'll end up with a neat square bundle.

4. 

   Fasten all buttons.

   Fasten all buttons on your long-sleeved shirt and lay it out flat with the collar facing away from you. Fold the shirt sleeves inwards so that the ends of the sleeves lie parallel to the bottom of the shirt and fold the sleeves diagonally at the shoulders so they lay flat.

5. 

   Fold edges inward.

   Fold the edges of the shirt inward to ensure the width matches the folded pants. Fold the top and bottom of the shirt toward the middle but leave a 4-inch gap in between.

6. 

   Make the top and bottom edges even.

   Lay the undershirt down with the front side facing up and the top at your left. Make a straight line on the left side by folding the right half on top of the left half. Make the top and bottom edges even by folding the sleeves toward the center.

7. 

   You are almost done.

   Fold the shirt in thirds starting at the left side and then fold once in the center horizontally.

8. Lay the boxers out flat, face up and with the waist facing you. Fold them in half vertically starting at the right side. Square up the edges by folding the left side toward the right.

9. Fold the boxers vertically once and then horizontally once while ensuring straight edges all around.

10. 

    Fod the socks correctly.

    Lay a pair of socks out flat with one on top of the other and fold the heels inward so that you have even edges.

11. Fold the toes of the socks upward and over the heel fold. Roll the socks toward the top but leave the top elastic portion unrolled.

12. Fold back the unrolled portion of the socks around the rolled portion, leaving you with a neat bundle.

Tips & Warnings

• Iron all articles of clothing before attempting to fold them--the clothes will fold easier and more neatly if they do not have wrinkles in them. Clearing a good flat workspace to fold on will save you frustration.

• Always use proper precautions when operating an iron. Do not leave a hot iron unattended or with the hot side facing down.

References

• Navy Manuscript: How to Fold your Uniform
• Real Simple: How to Fold a Dress Shirt