Sometimes referred to as an Extendaline, Slimline or Retractaway, the retractable style clotheslines has a minimum extension of 2 metres and a maximum of 6.5 to 10 metres depending on the model.

The polycord lines are housed in a cabinet mounted on either a wall or post, and can be retracted and stored out of sight when not in use. This style of clothesline can hold several loads of washing when fully extended, and is a popular solution for narrow drying areas.