Even though I worked for what seems like a million years in the world of retail, there are a few things I gleaned from my days and nights spent wearing the "May I help you?" uniform. I can hang a ridiculous amount of shirts in a very short period of time and there isn't a towel on earth I can't make appear more fluffy than it really is!
What You Need
Materials
1 towel, any size, shape, color or thickness
Instructions
1. Find The Corners: This isn't a tricky step and you can certainly fold a towel on a table, floor or bed that's nearby, but most folks will be able to do this in your arms without any problem. Find the two corners that run along the length of the towel.
2. Fold In Half: Fold your towel in half horizontally and bring the two corners together.
3. Fold In Half Again (Almost): Repeat the same action in the same direction. Don't make a perfect fold so the hemmed edges sit just slightly behind the fluffy folded edge. (if you'd like to see the edge, check out the red towel photos above, and check out the blue/grey photos if you don't.)
4. Fold In Thirds: Now fold your towel in thirds as the photo shows above, the opposite direction you have been folding it. Make sure any embroidery or detailing is facing out when this step is done so it shows when all the towels are stacked up in your linen closet or on your bathroom shelf.
5. Fluff It Up!: The fold that faces out might need to be pulled a little at the sides, but by placing a finger or two in between the creases, you can fluff that towel a little more. Make a whole stack of towels and then fluff them up. You can make the tops and bottoms of each towel touch and although that seems silly to say out loud, it really makes a big difference visually!
6. Repeat Until Finished: Repeat with all your towels, fluffing as you go or waiting until the end to tackle the stack, but either way you'll impress your guests and make it appear as though you spent far too much time folding when in all reality it takes less 10 seconds!
Additional Notes: You can use the same method with hand towels for an extra fluffy look, but be warned that when folded in this manner, only 3 or 4 can really sit out without toppling over.
Related: Warm Up Your Bath Towels...Without a Towel Warmer!
Want more smart tutorials for getting things done around the home?
See more How To posts
We're looking for great examples of your own household intelligence too!
Submit your own tutorials or ideas here!
(Images: Sarah Rae Trover)











White Enamel Four-P...
I have a sumptuous book called 'The Book of Fine Linen' which states that the correct traditional way to fold linens is in thirds - just like you did! Isn't it heartwarming to know you are following in a venerable tradition?
Exactly how I fold my towels. I'm so picky about towels!
Except, you folded them inside out. Maybe you did that on purpose but I like my seams and tags on the inside, not the outside. Also, I hate having tags stick out the bottom so I always tuck them in or snip them off. haha!
Thanks for the tutorial. You've reminded me that I'm not crazy for wanting my towels all folded nicely and matching.
~Allison @ House of Hepworths
Is it weird that I roll mine?
I always fold this way! I will shamefully admit that I didn't think there was a different way to fold them until I got into college and wondered why my roommate was rolling hers. haha
I felt a little silly for clicking on this post, but it delighted me! I'm in a small apt with a very slim closet in the bathroom and now my bath towels, though taller, have about an inch buffer on the sides and aren't crammed in. #easilyamused.