How to Fold Tank Tops

Co-authored by Kathi Burns, CPO® and Sophia Latorre

There are several easy ways to fold a tank top. You can do a basic fold, create a quarter fold, make a square fold, or even roll your tank top up. Whichever method you choose will result in a neat and wrinkle-free garment that is ready to store.

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Basic Fold

1
Spread the tank out facedown and fold both sides lengthwise into the center. Bring the left edge in so that it aligns with an imaginary line running vertically through the center of the tank. Bring the right edge in so that it aligns with the center line as well. The shirt should look like one long rectangle with the edges of the shirt meeting in the middle.
2
Fold the tank in half widthwise. Bring the bottom of the tank up across an imaginary line running horizontally through the center of the shirt. Align the bottom edge of the tank with the top so that you have a neat square.

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3
Fold thin straps behind the tank. If thin straps are sticking out above the neck of the tank, fold them back behind the rest of the fabric. Thicker straps can stay as is.

Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Quarter Fold

1
Lay the tank top facedown. Spread out your tank on a flat, level surface, like a bed or counter. Smooth out the straps as well as any wrinkles.^{[1]
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2
Fold the tank in half lengthwise. Imagine a line going through the center of the tank from top to bottom, and fold one half over directly on that line.^{[2]
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3
Fold the tank in half widthwise. Imagine a line running through the center of the tank from left to right, and fold the bottom of the tank underneath the top of the tank on that line.^{[3]
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4
Tuck thin straps in. Small straps that stick out above the neckline should be folded under so they lay flat behind the shirt. If you are folding a tank with wide straps (1 inch (2.5 cm) or wider), you can omit this step.^{[4]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Square Fold

1
Spread the tank top out faceup. Choose a flat, level surface, like a table or bed. Spread your tank top out so that it lays flat on the surface, and smooth out any wrinkles.^{[5]
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2
Fold the top over. Pinch the shirt at the bottom of the arm holes on both sides and pick it up so the top folds in a straight line where you are holding it. Lay the shirt down flat so that the neck and arm holes are folded on top of the rest of the shirt.^{[6]
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3
Fold in half lengthwise. Pinch one of the bottom corners and the bottom of the arm hole on the same side. Fold the fabric in half lengthwise down the middle so that the shirt is in a rectangle shape.^{[7]
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4
Fold the shirt in half widthwise. Fold the bottom of the shirt in half underneath the top of the shirt. Make sure the bottom edges and the top edges align to make a neat square.^{[8]
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Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Rolled Up

1
Lay the tank out facedown. Select a flat, level surface such as a table or countertop. Spread the tank out so that it is flat and smooth.^{[9]
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2
Fold the tank in half lengthwise. Pretend there is a straight line running through the center of shirt from the top to the bottom. Fold one half over directly on that line so the tank is folded in half.^{[10]
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3
Roll it from the top to the bottom. This keeps the straps or shoulders tucked in so it is nice and neat.^{[11]
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