It stands up straight with or without the clothes, it's very sturdy. Be careful with picking it up by the straps on the side it might break.  Ordered two and my husband asked me to order two more. Very good for college children or if you have to go to the laundry mat a lot this helps tremendously! Now when my husband and I go to the laundry mat together we will have one carrying by the arm and our back.  I really like this because you can barely see the clothes and it closes at the top so no clothes should fall out. Laundry days are easier with this!