How to Safely Pack & Keep Vintage Clothing

Collecting and wearing vintage clothing is a very rewarding and absorbing hobby. Valuable and well-loved textiles require special care if they are going to last for years to come. Correct storage of clothing will pay dividends, ensuring your collection is preserved in optimal conditions. Different textiles require varying methods of packing, so make sure you have sufficient supplies of storage materials and plenty of space available.

• 1

  Determine where you will store your clothes. It is important to keep them in a dark place and have plenty of space so air can circulate. Some garments require hanging, others need flat packing. Never store vintage clothing in damp conditions.

• 2

  Ensure clothing is as clean as possible. Use caution before washing certain fabrics; if the fabric is unable to be washed, gently shake and air them. Do not hang garments in direct sunlight, as it will fade textiles and damage stitching. Remove dust by using a hair dryer on a cool setting. Repair tears and loose seams, making sure you match the original thread. If the garment seams are sewn with cotton, don't use polyester for repairs.

• 3

  Store wool garments flat and wrapped in white tissue. Pack loosely in cardboard boxes. Prevent moth infestation by adding mothballs to the storage area.

• 4

  Roll cotton and linen garments; cover with white muslin before packing in boxes. Sturdy cotton and man-made fiber garments can be hung on padded hangers and covered with muslin. Rayon should be folded flat and wrapped in tissue.

• 5

  Fold silk clothing, store flat, padded with tissue and wrapped in muslin. Heavily beaded items should be stored flat with layers of tissue paper protecting the fabric. Push tissue paper into sleeves and wrap in muslin.

• 6

  Hang leather and suede on padded hangers and cover with muslin. Store fur in a cool dark place covered with muslin. However, valuable furs should be stored professionally. Wrap long scarves around cardboard tubes and cover with tissue paper. Several scarves can be stored on one tube.

• 7

  Unpack and inspect vintage clothing once a year. Remove any garments which show signs of moth damage, mustiness or general deterioration. Shake clothing gently and repack.