As someone wise once said, “Style is always in style.” But, even though something is trending big at a certain moment in time, it goes away after a while. But the great part about that in terms of fashion is that trends are always being recycled. Simple Tricks For Storing Clothes Until They Come Back In Fashion is a topic that needs exploring.
Just take the example of bold retro prints and bell-bottoms that are on top of the design charts these days – both are retro concepts that were originally popular in the 80s and 90s the most. (just like scrunchies)
However, like everything else, fashion trends have a specific life-span. You cannot call these trends
‘stylish’ after a certain amount of time until they are recycled again. So, what does that say about all the clothes that you bought to stay on top of the trends? Do you simply give them away? Throw them out?
We have a better solution: why not figure out tips to storing clothes until you need them again? Below, we’ll be sharing clothes storing tips that are smart, long-term, and help you keep up with fashion
trends when they make a comeback again. Let’s take a look:
1. Tailored Suits
High-end, upscale, and timeless, a tailored suit is the kind of formal wear that you only get to wear at special occasions. Therefore, it’s very important how you store it long-term because repairing a tailored suit can be quite challenging.
The best way to do so is to properly brush it down for any dirt or lint, pack it up in a garment bag to protect from dust/moths/mildew, and hang it somewhere that is cool, dry, and away from any sunlight. It’s also best if you hang it on a large hanger with rounded edges so that the shape isn’t deformed. Pro tip: never fold it up!
Suede clothes
If you’re a person who’s always looking for the latest and easiest trends to incorporate in your wardrobe, you’ll know what a classic suede is. Suede may be cheaper than leather, but it’s also softer, and therefore less durable. You need to invest in proper care when deciding to store it long-term.
Always avoid plastic and other un-breathable wrapping materials when putting away suede as they can cause heavy damage like mold. Instead, use a pillowcase, garment bag, or even tissues to keep the texture of your suede fresh. Afterwards, you can put it at the back of your closet to avoid sunlight, dampness, and humidity. Don’t store in attics (too hot) or basements (too humid). Find a cool and dark space in between these areas.
Fur clothes
Fur clothes are definitely a decadent fashion choice. It’s also an acquired taste in fashion that only comes out on top once in a while. But more importantly: fur clothes are expensive. It’s irresponsible and un-affordable to keep buying them again and again just because you gave away the old ones. So, here’s how you can store fur items long-term.
Since fur is susceptible to the natural glare of direct sunlight, make sure that your storage space is dark and dry. Also choose a space that is cool as fur gets damaged in heat and humidity – which means basements are out.
You can go for first floor air-conditioned rooms. You can also keep a dehumidifier handy (regular maintenance is required for such delicate clothing, so don’t be put off by that). Avoid cedar closets as they increase humidity.
Lastly, pack it up in a garment bag on a wide-rimmed hanger, and avoid an overcrowded wardrobe because it can make the fur matt.
Woolen clothes
Forever classics and constantly making fashion comebacks, your woolen clothes are a requisite accessory. Keeping them safe and undamaged is totally imperative, so here are a few tips for long-term storage.
You’ll have to carry out a thorough cleaning-drying-brushing process before airing these clothes and storing them in breathable garments. Cotton coat bags are an ideal choice for putting them away as they keep moths from getting in during the summer.
As always, you must also find an appropriately wide-rimmed hanger and a cool, dark space for hanging that is neither too hot nor humid.
Leather clothes
If we’re talking about timeless and always recurring fashion statements, then there’s no leaving out leather. Storing leather garments for long periods of time requires a lot of care.
You’ll have brush them off to get rid of any dust or lint. Then hang them up on padded leathers to maintain their shape without any underlying damage. You can cover them up with a plain bed sheet or simply put them in a breathable cloth garment bag.
Then it’s time to put them in a cool, dark, space that is void of any sunlight, humidity, or hotness.
Tips and Tricks
All of these clothes types are recurring fashion icons. They’re also pretty expensive, so it doesn’t make sense to throw them away just because a trend has passed. We hope these small tips and tricks help you get a better handle on how to store them long-term so you’ll be able to break them out once they make a comeback.
Tony Kantzavelos is the owner of Love Your Tailor Toronto. Specializing in clothing alterations and tailoring since 1986. He loves customizing his relatives’ clothes and enjoys sharing his knowledge with anyone interested.
