How to Military Fold Shirts: A Step-by-Step Guide
The military fold, also known as the "burrito fold" or "poncho fold," is a technique used by military personnel to fold their shirts in a compact and organized manner. This method allows for efficient storage and easy retrieval of clothing, making it a valuable skill to learn for anyone who spends time outdoors or in situations where space is limited.
Why Military Fold Shirts?
Before we dive into the steps, let’s discuss why military folding is important. The military fold is more than just a way to fold a shirt; it’s a way to respect your gear and your space. When you learn to military fold your shirts, you’ll be able to:
- Conserve space: Military folding allows you to store your shirts in a compact and organized manner, making it easier to fit more items in a smaller space.
- Stay organized: By folding your shirts in a consistent and predictable way, you’ll be able to quickly find the shirt you need and avoid rummaging through your pack.
- Save time: Military folding is a quick and efficient way to fold your shirts, making it a great skill to learn for anyone who needs to pack and unpack regularly.
The Basic Technique
To military fold a shirt, you’ll need to follow these basic steps:
Step 1: Lay the Shirt Flat
Begin by laying the shirt flat on a surface, with the front side facing up.
Step 2: Fold the Sleeves
Fold both sleeves towards the body of the shirt, making sure they are even and symmetrical.
Step 3: Fold the Body of the Shirt
Fold the body of the shirt in half, from top to bottom, making sure the edges are aligned.
Step 4: Fold the Bottom of the Shirt
Fold the bottom of the shirt up towards the top, making sure it is even with the folded edge of the body.
Step 5: Fold the Sides
Fold both sides of the shirt towards the middle, making sure they are even and symmetrical.
Step 6: Roll the Shirt
Roll the folded shirt into a compact cylinder, making sure it is secure and won’t come undone.
Tips and Variations
Here are some tips and variations to help you master the military fold:
- Use a flat surface: Make sure you’re folding on a flat surface to ensure that your shirt folds evenly.
- Use a ruler or other straightedge: If you’re having trouble getting your folds to align, try using a ruler or other straightedge to help guide your folds.
- Fold in half again: If you find that your shirt is still a bit bulky, try folding it in half again along the center crease.
- Use different folds for different shirts: The military fold works best for cotton or cotton-blend shirts. If you have a shirt made from a different material, you may need to adjust the fold accordingly.
Conclusion
Military folding is a valuable skill that can save you time and space when packing and unpacking your gear. By following these basic steps and tips, you’ll be able to master the military fold and keep your shirts organized and compact. Remember to always use a flat surface, a ruler or straightedge, and to fold in half again if necessary.
Military Fold vs. Other Folding Methods
| Folding Method | Description | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Military Fold | Compact and organized fold | Saves space, easy to find shirt, quick to fold | Requires some practice to master, can be bulky if not folded correctly |
| KonMari Fold | Folded into a compact square | Easy to store, takes up less space | Can be difficult to fold, may not be as organized as military fold |
| Bundle Fold | Folded into a compact bundle | Quick to fold, takes up less space | Can be bulky if not folded correctly, may not be as organized as military fold |
Conclusion
Military folding is a valuable skill that can save you time and space when packing and unpacking your gear. By following these basic steps and tips, you’ll be able to master the military fold and keep your shirts organized and compact. Remember to always use a flat surface, a ruler or straightedge, and to fold in half again if necessary.
