Chloe Zhang
Suits are an investment, and proper suit storage is essential to protect this investment. While plastic wrappers or garment bags can be a quick and easy solution to protect suits from dust and dirt, they are only suitable for short-term storage. Plastic wrappers can trap moisture, causing discolouration, mould, mildew, and fading. In hot and humid conditions, the trapped moisture can be absorbed into the suit, causing irreparable damage. Therefore, breathable suit covers made from natural cotton or canvas are recommended for long-term storage. Proper wooden hangers are also crucial to maintaining the natural contour of the suit jacket and preventing damage to the outfit.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Suit storage | Hang suits on appropriate hangers designed for suits |
| Suit hangers | Use wooden hangers, never wire or plastic hangers |
| Suit bags | Use cotton bags, avoid plastic bags |
| Suit cleaning | Brush suits to remove dirt, dust, hair, food particles, and dead skin |
| Suit protection | Protect suits from dust, moths, mould, mildew, discolouration, and fading |
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What You'll Learn
Suits should be cleaned before storage
Suits should be cleaned before being stored, as dirt and contaminants can shorten the life of a garment. The process of cleaning a suit begins when you come home from work or a formal event. Before placing a suit in your wardrobe, it should be cleaned using a suit brush to gently brush the fabric to remove dirt, dust, hair, food particles, and dead skin. Brushing a suit after each wear will also help to rejuvenate the wool and prevent early signs of ageing and wear.
If you are storing a suit for a long period, it is recommended to get it dry-cleaned first. Dry cleaning is a chemical cleaning process that should only be attempted by a professional. The potent chemicals used in dry cleaning can be harsh, and over time, they can cause fabrics to wear and tear, lose colour, and lose strength. Therefore, dry cleaning should be done sparingly and only when necessary.
The frequency with which you should have your suits dry-cleaned depends on how often you wear it. If you only wear your suit for special occasions, you should only need to get it dry-cleaned once a year, if that. On the other hand, if you wear the same suit at least once a week, you will want to get it dry-cleaned more regularly, say 1-3 times per year, unless it has a stain or an unpleasant odour.
If you are unsure whether your suit needs to be dry-cleaned, you can always consult your tailor or a dry cleaner. They will be able to provide suit care tips and advice on how often to clean your suit.
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Plastic bags are not breathable
When storing suits, it is essential to consider breathability, protection against moths and dust, and size. While plastic bags can provide protection against moths and dust, they lack breathability and can cause the suit to wrinkle or crush.
There are alternative options available that offer breathability while still protecting the suit. One option is to use natural cotton or canvas bags, which allow the suit to breathe while providing protection. Another option is to use a hybrid bag, such as a cotton bag with a plastic front, which offers visibility and breathability.
Proper suit storage also involves other considerations, such as the use of appropriate hangers and suit covers. It is recommended to use hangers with broad, rounded shoulder supports, such as beechwood hangers, which help maintain the natural contour of the suit jacket and prevent damage. Wire hangers, for example, can cause permanent shoulder puckering.
Additionally, suits should be cleaned and brushed before being stored to remove dirt, dust, hair, food particles, and dead skin. This regular maintenance helps to prolong the life of the suit and maintain its appearance.
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Plastic bags can cause discolouration and mildew
Plastic bags are not ideal for storing suits. They trap moisture, which can lead to discolouration, mildew, staining, and weakening of the fabric fibres. This is especially true if the plastic bags are stored in hot and humid conditions or near a bathroom, shower, or other wet areas. The risk of mildew is higher if there is moisture in the container.
Mildew can cause an unpleasant odour that is difficult to remove from clothing. It can also cause fading and discolouration, compromising the structural integrity of the fabric. Mould exposure can cause allergic reactions such as watery eyes, a runny nose, sneezing, itching, coughing, and difficulty breathing.
To prevent mildew and mould growth, suits should be stored in a cool, dry place with adequate ventilation. Breathable suit covers made from natural cotton or canvas are recommended. These materials allow air circulation while protecting the suit from dust and light. Some suit covers have a plastic front for visibility, but pure cotton or canvas is preferable for long-term storage.
When storing suits, it is also important to consider protection against moths. Mothballs can be used, but they have an unpleasant smell and are toxic. Cedar rings, discs, or sachets can be used instead to repel moths. Lavender sachets can also be placed in suit bags for added protection.
Proper suit storage also involves regular cleaning and maintenance. Before placing a suit in storage, it should be brushed gently to remove dirt, dust, hair, food particles, and dead skin. For long-term storage, it is recommended to have the suit dry-cleaned first.
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Wooden hangers are preferable to wire hangers
When it comes to suit care and storage, the type of hanger you use is crucial. While wire hangers are readily available and inexpensive, they are not ideal for storing suits. On the other hand, wooden hangers offer numerous benefits that make them a superior choice.
Firstly, wooden hangers are sturdy and durable. They are crafted from high-quality logs, enabling them to withstand the weight of heavy coats and pants without bending or sagging. This durability ensures that your suits retain their original shape and design over time. Unlike wire hangers, wooden hangers provide strong support that prevents shoulder puckering and maintains the natural contour of your suit jacket.
Secondly, wooden hangers offer a sleek and elegant design. They come in a variety of exquisite finishes, adding a touch of luxury to your wardrobe. You can even choose colours that match or complement your closet. While wire hangers are functional, they often have a simple design and may not enhance the overall aesthetic of your wardrobe.
Another advantage of wooden hangers is their longevity. While they may be more expensive upfront, wooden hangers are a long-term investment. You won't need to replace them frequently, saving you time and money in the long run. Wire hangers, due to their thin and pliable nature, are more prone to bending and twisting, which can damage your suits and require frequent replacements.
Additionally, wooden hangers are versatile and suitable for a range of clothing items. The notched shoulders on some wooden hangers prevent strappy garments from sliding off, ensuring your suits and other delicate items remain securely on the hangers. Wire hangers, while space-efficient, may not provide the same level of security, and you might find yourself constantly picking up garments from the floor.
In conclusion, wooden hangers are the preferable choice for storing suits. They offer durability, elegance, and reliability, ensuring that your suits remain in pristine condition while also enhancing the overall presentation of your wardrobe. While wire hangers may be more economical, they fall short in terms of functionality and longevity, making wooden hangers a wiser investment for suit storage.
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Garment bags can protect against moths
Moths can wreak havoc on your closet by creating holes in your clothes. To keep them at bay, garment bags offer a safe and reliable alternative to smelly mothballs, which are made of insecticides and are potentially dangerous to keep around children or pets.
When selecting a garment bag, it is important to look for designs without significant gaps. Bags that are open at the bottom or have large spaces around the zipper, gusset, or elsewhere will not protect your clothing from moths effectively. While almost all garment bags will have a small opening at the top for the hanger, this can be taped closed for added security.
The material of the garment bag is also an important consideration. Plastic bags are often recommended to keep moths away, and they have the added benefit of being cheap and see-through. However, they are not breathable and can trap moisture, leading to discolouration and mildew. As such, PEVA vinyl and non-woven fabrics are popular alternatives as they are breathable and durable while still providing protection from moths.
There are also a number of garment bags on the market that are specifically designed to be moth-resistant. These bags have been created through a collaboration between entomologists and engineers, resulting in a unique zipper mechanism that becomes completely sealed when closed, preventing moths from entering. Some examples of these bags include the GreenWay Moth-Resistant Garment Bag and the Univivi garment bag, which is made of a breathable polyester material.
In addition to using garment bags, there are other measures you can take to protect your suits from moths. One option is to use mothballs or moth packets, which can come in cedar or other scents to mask the unpleasant smell of traditional mothballs. You can also try cedar disks, lavender or cedar-shaving sachets, or a cedar ring on your hanger. However, be careful that the cedar does not touch your clothes, as it can sometimes stain them.
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Frequently asked questions
No, plastic wrappers are not suitable for long-term storage. They can cause mould, mildew, discolouration and fading. Plastic wrappers can trap moisture, which can be absorbed by the suit, causing damage.
Breathable suit covers made from natural cotton or canvas are a good alternative. Old sheets and pillowcases can also be cut up to make storage bags.
It is important to use the right hanger. A well-made wooden hanger will support the weight and shape of the suit. The hanger should mimic your shoulders.
Suits should be cleaned once every six months or if there are difficult stains or odours. Before storing suits for an extended period, it is recommended to have them dry-cleaned to deodorize the garments and remove stains.
