After you have selected your preferred method for storing jeans, you can organise them further by sorting them by style, colour, thickness, brand, and more. Depending on how many pairs of jeans you own, and how frequently you wear them, there are endless storage options that can work for you. If you find it hard to choose only one, pick out a couple of your favourite methods and experiment with each to see what works best for your lifestyle.
Jeans have been a staple in a woman’s wardrobe since the 60s because of their versatility, durability, and comfort. While the popularity of jeans can’t be denied, what is up for debate is how to properly care for them, including how to store them.
Fortunately, because denim is very durable, you can be creative in storing jeans. The best way generally depends on the type of storage space you have.
The 5 Best Ways to Store Jeans
As you read these options for storing your jeans, consider the available storage space you have and choose the method that will work best for you.
1. Hang Up Jeans
One method for storing jeans is to hang them as you would dress pants. Jeans can be hung by the waistband or folded over a hanger. However, do not hang jeans by the belt loops. While denim is sturdy, the stitching keeping the loops attached to pants is not as strong. Heavier pairs of jeans will pull against the loops, weakening them until they rip free.
Instead, hang jeans for ease and convenience. You can use a variety of hanger types including:
- Standard, triangle-shaped hanger
- L-shaped hanger with one open side
- Clipped or clamped hanger
- Tiered hangers that allow you to hang multiple pairs on one hanger
Another alternative is to install pull-out pant racks in your closet. Simply slide out the rack, select a pair of jeans, and then slide the rack back into place. Pant racks are incredibly convenient, because they keep jeans tucked away out of sight, and they free up space in the closet. Additionally, you can see every pair at eye-level.
2. Fold and File Jeans in a Drawer
If you opt not to fold jeans because they take up too much space in a drawer, perhaps the filing method would work better. To fold jeans in this way, follow these instructions:
- Lay jeans on a flat surface, with the front facing up. Smooth out the denim to prevent creasing.
- Fold the pair in half vertically.
- You can either fold the jeans with the back pockets facing out or in. If there are embellishments on the back pockets, it may be best to face the pockets outward to prevent wear and tear. This will also allow you to quickly identify the pair.
- Fold the jeans in half horizontally by bringing the hem towards the waistband. Smooth out any wrinkles.
- Fold one to two more times until your jeans are in the shape of a rectangle.
- Then place jeans in a drawer as if they were files.
Filing jeans allows you to quickly locate the pair you are looking for, and the folded edges look tidy. You can fold and file your jeans into drawers, or you can arrange them by style and colour and put each group into separate baskets, bins, or boxes.
3. Roll Jeans
While you may already roll clothing to save space in your suitcase, this method is also effective for storing jeans. Because jeans are resilient to wrinkling, they can be rolled into neat bundles without worry.
To roll a pair of jeans, simply lay them out on a flat surface. Smooth out any wrinkles, and fold them in half vertically. Beginning at the hem of the pants, roll upward. Keep the roll as tight as possible as you move toward the waistband. To ensure the jeans stay rolled, you can secure the pair with a rubber band or elastic tie.
Jeans can be rolled and placed in storage bins, drawers, wardrobes, or on shelves.
This method is best for jeggings, skinny and straight leg jeans. Wider leg or relaxed fit pairs may become uneven when rolling.
4. Stack Folded Jeans on a Shelf
If your closet has more shelves than hanging space, storing folded jeans in stacks may be the best option for you.
Two things to keep in mind. One, do not place the stacks tightly side-by-side. Make sure you leave enough space on each side to be able to select one pair without disturbing the other stacks. Using shelf dividers can make separating the stacks easier.
Secondly, avoid stacking your jeans too high. To keep jeans from falling over, limit stacks to about 5 pairs of pants.
5. Hang Jeans from S-Hooks
Another option for hanging jeans is to use S-hooks. However, as mentioned earlier, hanging jeans from S-hooks can tear the belt loops. If you want to hang jeans in this way, keep an eye on belt loops, and repair any fraying as soon as you notice it.
On the upside, S-hooks hang your jeans at an angle, are sturdy, and make your closet look like a display. To hang jeans from an S-hook correctly, fold the pair in half so that the back pockets are facing out. Once folded, place two belt loops (the ones towards the front) on a hook. This keeps the jeans neatly folded but also easy to sift through in your closet.
If you like the look of the S-hook, but don’t want to damage your jeans’ belt loops, consider using boot hanger clips. Still fold your jeans in half, but use the boot hangers to clip the waistband instead. It will look a little neater and also keep your belt loops in good condition.
FAQs
1. What is the best way to store jeans?
There is no one best way to store jeans—choose what works for you. Jeans are durable, so you can hang them by the waistband or from an S-hook, fold and stack them on shelves, file them in a drawer, or roll them up. Consider the storage space you have, and then decide which method fits your needs.
2. Is it better to fold or hang jeans?
Folding and hanging are both fine methods for storing jeans, as the material does not stretch or crease easily. If you prefer hanging your jeans, you can fold them over the hanger or hang them by the waistband. Folding jeans can take up space in drawers, so try filing them on their sides instead of stacking them, unless you have room to stack them on a closet shelf.
3. How do I keep my jeans in the closet?
Hang your jeans with S-hooks or from hangers. You can also fold jeans and stack them onto shelves if you have the space. Avoid stacking your jeans too high in the closet, as that can make them difficult to manage.
4. How do you organise folded jeans?
Folded jeans can be organised two different ways. You can fold your jeans and file them into drawers, bins, or boxes. The other method is to simply stack your folded jeans on a shelf about 5 pairs high. Use shelf dividers to keep the stacks separated.
After you have selected your preferred method for storing jeans, you can organise them further by sorting them by style, colour, thickness, brand, and more. Depending on how many pairs of jeans you own, and how frequently you wear them, there are endless storage options that can work for you. If you find it hard to choose only one, pick out a couple of your favourite methods and experiment with each to see what works best for your lifestyle.
