How to Fold Clothes in the Military

How to Fold Clothes in the Military
Written By
Victor Fonseca
Victor Fonseca
Published: Apr 30, 2009
Updated: May 25, 2021
2 minute read
...
Image from Wikimedia Commons.

Military precision extends beyond tactical and strategic elements to incorporate such minutia as how a solider or sailor folds his clothing. Though it may seem trite, there is a great deal of time and money involved with regards to clothing military personnel. It seems to follow that they should be shown how to fold, store, and care for their uniforms and various sundries. Most military personnel only get a footlocker to house all their belongings.

Starting with your dungarees or slacks, turn them inside out, then fold them vertically, one leg over the other. Make sure the crotch is tucked in, making a solid leg line. Then fold the waist and cuffs to the center of the pant leg and fold in half, once. This should provide a perfectly square bundle.

Button-down shirts should be laid out, with all the buttons fastened. Fold the sleeves in so the cuffs are parallel to the hem of the shirt. Fold the collar and hem towards each other, leaving 4 inches between them. Fold at the center of the 4-inch space.

Lay your t-shirt flat and smooth out all wrinkles. Fold so the hem covers the collar, then fold the sleeves in. Fold in thirds, then fold in half. Finish off by folding the top and bottom towards one another.

Pair up your socks and lay them flat. Fold the heels in, then fold the toes up towards the elastic. Roll what is left up towards the elastic, then fold over to hold the ball in place.

Lay your boxers flat, with the waistband facing you. Fold the boxers in half, one leg covering the other. Fold the crotch in, then fold vertically. Fold the hem to the waistband. It should be the same width as your folded t-shirt.

Photo Credits

Image from Wikimedia Commons.

Victor Fonseca

Victor Fonseca started writing professionally in 1998. His specialties are history, popular culture, and information technology. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in political science from Southern Methodist University and spent a year studying…

Sponsored
Our Everyday Life Logo

Explore our everyday life, the best source for food and drink tips, health and general wellness, healthy relationships and much more.

Property of TechnologyAdvice. © 2026 TechnologyAdvice. All Rights Reserved

Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the products that appear on this site are from companies from which TechnologyAdvice receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site including, for example, the order in which they appear. TechnologyAdvice does not include all companies or all types of products available in the marketplace.