Asked on Jul 05, 2017

Organize clothes: by color or sleeve length or patterns or function?

Fow624147
by Fow624147
  18 answers
  • Bill Turner Bill Turner on Jul 05, 2017

    First, separate by season. Then by function (dresses, blouses, skirts, slacks), then by color. That works for me.

  • Fiddledd224 Fiddledd224 on Jul 05, 2017

    First, separate by season. Then by function (dresses, blouses, skirts, slacks), then by color. That works for me. Please note--- the above answer was mine but for some reason my husband's name came up. :/

  • 13526476 13526476 on Jul 05, 2017

    Everyone has their own preference. First, I separate my clothing based on business (work) or casual. Then, each group is hung by sleeve length, Dresses, skirts and pants are hung by color; jeans separately. Sweaters are folded, and ordered by long sleeve or short. Like I said, everyone has their own preference; this is the way my mother taught me, and how I have taught my children. Works for me. (By the way, some of my clothing are changed out based on summer vs winter, but not all.)

  • I separate my clothes by needed for work, dress up and then "play" clothes (casual) then by season.

  • RF RF on Jul 05, 2017

    personally I go by kind, color, length. Maria Kondo has you go by length; longest on the left rising up to the shortest. (This is done after "tidying".)

  • Heres how I do it: In a large closet divide each side by season one side fall/winter, the other spring/summer. In a small closet consider putting out of season clothes in another closet or box it all up if you can. Now on each side starting in the back, put any formals or special occasion clothing you may have first as they won't be worn very often. Then put casual dresses, first long ones, then short, then long skirts, then short. On the opposite side, jackets, sweaters, then blouses- long sleeve, then short, then slacks, then jeans.

    Each type of clothing can be divided into color according to the ROY G BIV spectrum, so its easy to find the right color quickly and looks visually pleasing. Also, by putting the shortest things in the middle you end up with a space under your pants and skirts where you can put a shoe rack to maximize space.

    You can probably tell I have more than a bit of OCD, but believe it or not I'm much better on my meds than I used to be!

  • What makes sense to you? I have my closet in sections - dresses, suits, skirts and blouses (from short sleeve to long sleeve) in one closet. Another has all my jeans and casual tops along with garment bag items for special occasion dresses, formal wear. Another for all my jackets and coats.

  • CeeJay CeeJay on Jul 05, 2017

    I do tops by season, then color. Out of season items are moved to another, still accessible closet for use on unexpected weather days. I am usually searching for a top to wear with a particular bottom so color groups work best for me. My clothes are all casual to "eat out" variety so I'm not needing a dress-up section. My closet does have a rainbow effect with the colors flowing one to another. Bottoms are organized by type: knee length, pants, jeans, skirts, etc. My bottom items all seem to be neutral, basic colors.

    I think I'm kind of a neutral, basic gal.

    My closet is divided into two levels. Tops hang on the top bar. Bottoms go on the bottom bar. Logic pleases me. My dresser is the same... bras and camisoles in the top drawer; panties in the second drawer down; yoga pants in the third down; and socks in the bottom drawer.

  • Gracie Gracie on Jul 06, 2017

    color and winter/summer

  • Zest it Up Zest it Up on Jul 06, 2017

    Such a great question! We like to separate our long sleeves and short sleeves then color coordinate them! You will find exactly what you're looking for every time you go to your closet!

  • Barb Barb on Jul 08, 2017

    I organize by seasons, then I put all the hangers the wrong way because after that season and I didn't use that item it's goes to thrift store and every new item I buy I get rid of 2- things.

  • Barb Barb on Jul 08, 2017

    The items still facing the wrong way are the tossables

  • Bonbon Bonbon on Oct 24, 2017

    current season

  • Ginny Ginny on Oct 24, 2017

    Look in Hometalk section called Organizing. You will find some great suggestions.

    Personally, I do my function: shorts, slacks, tops, etc. and also by season.

  • Emily Emily on Oct 24, 2017

    I have two closets but this is an old house so they both are small. Short sleeved or sleeveless tops are folded and in their own small bureau. Anything formal is kept stored in attic. Coats and jackets for outside are in a coat closet down stairs. Main closet has two short front to back poles and one longer shelf hung rod that goes across the front of space. This holds blouses, lightweight coat type sweaters, jackets and blouses, by color, not type. Right short rod holds slacks on pants hangers & dresses. Left rod holds robes and less frequently worn things. Other closet holds pillows and extra bedding for bedroom which also has a door into that space. Also handbags, some shoes, some folded sweaters etc. I need to weed out!

  • Sharon Sharon on Oct 25, 2017

    By color for me

  • Redcatcec Redcatcec on Feb 17, 2023

    By season. Then short sleeve shirts and shorts in the drawer by color. Winter season hang the long sleeves together by color, same with pants, coats and jackets at the far end. Swim suits are all together in the middle of the closet.