The Secret To A Sustainable Wardrobe? Here Are The Golden Rules Nobody Talked About

As the season changed, packing up last season’s clothes to make way for new ones can be a daunting task. And let’s face it, no one wants to discover their favourite shirt or dress is ruined beyond repair when it’s time to wear it again. That’s why it is important to know how to store your clothes properly for long-form preservation.

From moth-proofing your wardrobe to using your space wisely, tips will help you keep your favourite items in impeccable shape for years to come.

But preserving your clothes isn’t just about protecting the fabric. It’s also about preserving the memories and stories that are attached to them. As Shonagh explains, our most treasured items of clothing are often imbued with memories that we want to hold onto. And by following these tips, you’ll be able to enjoy your clothes for longer, while also preserving the stories that make them special.

Create the optimum environment

Museum-grade storage conditions require the temperature to stay between 18 and 23 degrees Celsius, with the relative humidity as close to 50 per cent as possible. Lower temperatures are not a problem for textiles, and may even help to slow down the rate of deterioration; high heat on the other hand will embrittle textiles; high humidity will promote biological activity; and very dry conditions will lead to a crispness in the fabric that is detrimental. One other easily controllable factor is to make sure your clothes are kept in the dark—light damage is a big concern for precious fabrics.

Take note from Joan Crawford: No wire hangers, ever!

The last, but one of the most important, golden rule is to never use wire hangers, ever! They will eventually ruin the neckline and shoulders of the garment. A strong-shouldered hanger will work to maintain and support the shape of your clothes.

Moth-proof your wardrobe

Once all your clothes are clean, make sure they are at minimal risk from every wardrobe’s greatest threat—tineola bisselliella, more commonly known as the clothes moth. If the musty scent of mothballs isn’t your favourite, fear not, they’re not the only nor the most effective way to keep the fabric pests at bay. Don’t use insecticides, as the chemicals will corrode your garments, instead use a water-based, odourless, biodegradable spray, which you can apply regularly inside wardrobes and dressing rooms—“Though I would never advise spraying directly onto clothes.