Is it Permissible to Fold Laundry on Shabbat?

Greetings,

It is prohibited to fold laundry on Shabbat because this is considered an act of mending the garment, and if the folding is done for the purpose of use during the week, there is an additional prohibition of preparing from Shabbat for weekdays.

However, if you are not particular about the folding style and your intent is only to make it easier to arrange the garment in its place (and there is no intention at all to smooth out the creases of the garment), then it is permissible to fold laundry on Shabbat, provided it is done for the purpose of Shabbat. If it bothers you to see the disarray of the laundry lying unfolded, then folding it is considered for the sake of Shabbat, and it will be permitted as long as you are not particular about the folding style as mentioned above.

Sources: Refer to Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim (Siman 307, Seif 3), Mishnah Berurah (there), Shmirat Shabbat Kehilchatah, Part 1 (Chapter 15, Seif 49), and Aruchot Shabbat, Part 1 (Chapter 13, Note 134).

Best regards,

Hillel Meirs