How to Properly Preserve and Fold Football Shirts: A Step-by-Step Guide

Football shirts are more than just apparel; they hold memories, represent passion, and in many cases, become valuable collectibles. Whether you're a fan, a collector, or a seller, preserving football shirts in their best condition is crucial. At Walkouts.com, we've created a reliable method for folding football shirts to ensure their longevity. Below, we take you through every step in detail, so you can master the art of football shirt preservation.

Step 1: Lay the Football Shirt Flat on Its Back

The first step to properly preserving a football shirt is to lay it flat on its back. This might seem straightforward, but it's vital to start with a smooth surface. Place the shirt on a flat and clean table, ensuring no creases or folds are present. This step allows you to work with the shirt evenly, avoiding uneven folds that could permanently crease the fabric.

Laying the shirt flat is also essential for examining the design, especially when dealing with player names and numbers, badges, and sponsor logos. A well-laid-out shirt makes it easier to align all elements and avoid damage. Whether you're handling a classic piece from the past or a new release, this step sets the foundation for perfect preservation.

Step 2: Fold External and Internal Labels Neatly

Next, focus on the labels. Most football shirts have external tags, such as brand labels or special edition tags, and internal care labels. These labels need to be carefully folded and tucked in to avoid damage or wear during storage. For external labels, try to fold them as close to the collar as possible, ensuring they lie flat and don’t cause unevenness in the final folded package.

Internal labels, especially wash care tags, often stick out near the bottom of the shirt. Fold these inward and align them flat against the shirt’s back. Neglecting labels can lead to small but noticeable damage over time, which may reduce the value of rare or collectible shirts. By securing these labels early, you create a clean canvas for the next steps.

Step 3: Fold the Left Side of the Shirt

With the shirt laid out and labels tucked in, it's time to begin the folding process. Start with the left side of the shirt, folding it over toward the center. Be extra cautious to avoid folding over the back name or number. For shirts with long names or larger numbers, such as those worn by players like Lamine Yamal, this step becomes particularly important. Their designs often cover the entire back of the shirt, making precision key to preventing unwanted creases.

As you fold the left side, align it with the centerline of the shirt. This creates a symmetrical fold that forms the base for the subsequent steps. The better aligned this fold is, the easier it will be to fold the rest of the shirt without compromising its design elements.

Step 4: Fold the Left Sleeve Inward

After folding the left side, turn your attention to the left sleeve. Fold the sleeve inward, ensuring it lies flat against the body of the shirt. If the sleeve contains any badges, such as league or club patches, ensure these remain unfolded and fully visible. Badges are often delicate and prone to cracking or peeling if improperly folded, so it’s important to handle them with care.

The goal here is to create a neat and compact fold without distorting any key elements of the shirt’s design. This step might require small adjustments, especially for shirts with additional details on the sleeves, but the effort will pay off in the long-term preservation of the shirt.

Step 5: Repeat for the Right Side and Sleeve

Now, repeat the same process for the right side of the shirt. Fold it toward the centerline, ensuring once again that no part of the back name or number is included in the fold. For the right sleeve, follow the same inward fold as you did with the left, keeping any badges flat and unobstructed.

Some shirts might have subtle design differences between the left and right sleeves, such as sponsor logos or championship patches. Pay close attention to these details and make adjustments as necessary. The symmetry achieved in this step will help create a perfectly balanced fold that’s visually appealing and protective of the shirt’s features.

Step 6: Fold the Bottom of the Shirt Toward the Sleeves

Once the sides and sleeves are folded, it’s time to address the bottom of the shirt. Fold it upward toward the sleeves, creating a compact rectangle. The exact folding point may vary depending on the shirt’s length and design, but the key is to avoid folding over the back number. This ensures that the number remains smooth and free from creases.

For longer shirts, this step might require an extra fold to achieve the desired size. However, take care to maintain the integrity of the shirt’s design elements. This step often determines how well the shirt fits into its storage bag, so a little attention to detail here goes a long way.

Step 7: Perform the Final Fold Carefully

The final fold is where all your efforts come together. At this stage, the shirt should already be compact, but now you need to ensure that the back name, club logo, and sleeve badges remain unfolded and visible. This step often requires some touch and experience, as you’ll need to make small adjustments to achieve the perfect fold.

For shirts with intricate designs, like those featuring prominent player names or large badges, patience is key. If something doesn’t feel right, don’t hesitate to go back a step and readjust. The goal is to create a neat, compact package that protects every detail of the shirt.

Step 8: Place the Shirt in a Plastic Bag

Once folded, it’s time to place the shirt in a plastic bag for storage. At Walkouts.com, we recommend using bags that measure 30 x 40 cm (11.81 x 15.75 inches). These bags are not only the perfect size for most football shirts but also come with zip closures and air holes for added protection.

Before sealing the bag, gently push out any excess air. This creates a flat package that reduces the risk of wrinkles and ensures the shirt remains in place. A properly sealed bag also protects the shirt from dust, moisture, and other environmental factors that could cause damage over time.

Step 9: Create a Flat, Air-Tight Package

The final step in the preservation process is to create a flat, air-tight package. After placing the shirt in the plastic bag, press out as much air as possible before sealing it. This step not only keeps the shirt compact but also ensures that any folded areas, such as sleeve badges, naturally straighten out over time.

An air-tight package is particularly important for long-term storage. It prevents the buildup of humidity, which can lead to mold or fabric deterioration. Additionally, a flat package is easier to store and ship, making it ideal for collectors and sellers alike.

Why Preservation Matters

Preserving football shirts is about more than just maintaining their appearance. These shirts often carry sentimental and financial value, representing moments in football history or cherished memories of a favorite player or team. Proper folding and preservation techniques ensure that these treasures remain in top condition, whether you’re displaying them in a collection or selling them to a new owner.

By following the steps outlined above, you can protect your football shirts from damage, retain their value, and ensure they look as good as the day they were made. At Walkouts.com, we’re passionate about helping collectors and fans care for their memorabilia. Visit us for more tips, or explore our collection of football shirts to find your next piece of history.

Conclusion

Preserving and folding football shirts may seem like a simple task, but it requires attention to detail and patience to do it right. From laying the shirt flat to creating an air-tight package, every step plays a vital role in maintaining the shirt’s quality. At Walkouts.com, we believe that these methods not only protect your investment but also honor the stories and memories each shirt represents.

Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just starting out, these steps will help you keep your football shirts in pristine condition for years to come. For more tips, or to browse our collection of premium shirts, visit Walkouts.com today!