Omar Khalid
A suit is a significant investment, and proper suit storage is essential to guarantee that it continues to look and feel amazing. The debate about whether to store suits in plastic revolves around the fact that plastic traps moisture, causing discolouration and mildew. However, some sources suggest that certain types of plastic, such as polyester, polypropylene, and polyethylene, do not off-gas and are used in archival preservation. Cotton is widely recommended as a natural, breathable fabric that is safe for suit storage. Additionally, considerations such as suit brushing, hanging, and storage location also play a crucial role in maintaining the longevity and quality of suits.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Suit storage | Avoid plastic bags, use fabric bags that allow air circulation |
| Suit hangers | Avoid wire hangers, use wood or beechwood hangers |
| Suit brushing | Brush suits with a clothes brush to remove dirt, dust, hair, food particles, and dead skin |
| Suit folding | Avoid folding suits for long periods of time, hang them on a rack instead |
| Suit protection | Protect suits from moths, mildew, and discolouration |
| Suit storage location | Avoid attics or basements, store suits in a cool, well-ventilated area with little light |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic bags can cause discolouration, mould and mildew
Plastic bags can trap moisture, leading to discolouration and the growth of mould and mildew. This is due to the non-breathable fabric of plastic bags, which can cause the fabric of suits to deteriorate over time. This is especially true in humid climates. Therefore, it is recommended to store suits in natural fabrics such as cotton, which is breathable and acid-free. Cotton bags are also inexpensive and can be found at stores like The Container Store and The Hanger Project.
Some plastic bags, such as those made of vinyl compounds, can also off-gas, which means they release chemicals that can come into contact with the suit. This can be detrimental to the fabric of the suit.
To prevent mould and mildew, it is also important to store suits in a well-ventilated area with consistent temperatures and little light. Additionally, suits should be cleaned and brushed before being placed in storage to remove any dirt, dust, or other particles that could contribute to discolouration or fabric breakdown.
While plastic bags can protect suits from moths and dust in the short term, they are not suitable for long-term storage due to the risk of discolouration, mould, and mildew.
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Cotton is a preferred alternative to plastic
Suits are an investment, and proper suit storage is essential to guarantee that your suit will continue to look and feel amazing. It is important to note that plastic suit bags can be detrimental to the fabric's integrity, especially in humid climates. Plastic bags can trap moisture, causing discolouration, mould, mildew, and yellow spots. Therefore, it is recommended to use breathable suit bags made from natural fabrics like cotton or canvas. Cotton is a preferred alternative to plastic for suit storage due to several reasons:
Firstly, cotton is a natural, breathable fabric. It allows air circulation, preventing moisture build-up and maintaining a constant flow of fresh air, which helps keep the suit in good condition. Cotton's breathability also ensures that the suit remains odour-free, as it allows for the dissipation of any odours that may develop over time.
Secondly, cotton is acid-free, which means it will not react with the fabric of the suit and cause discolouration or deterioration. This is especially important for long-term storage, as any acids in the storage material could break down the suit's fabric over an extended period.
Thirdly, cotton is a biodegradable material. Cotton garment bags can biodegrade in around five to six months, making them an environmentally friendly choice. This is a significant advantage over plastic, which can take hundreds of years to decompose and contributes to environmental pollution.
Additionally, cotton garment bags are often designed with suit protection in mind. They can be constructed from high-quality, heavy cotton twill fabric, providing structure and support to the suit while in storage. Some cotton bags also have a see-through window, allowing for easy identification of the suit without having to open the bag, reducing the risk of dust and insect infestation.
Finally, cotton suit bags are washable, ensuring that the bag itself remains clean and odour-free. This is particularly beneficial if the bag has been in long-term storage or has been exposed to dust or insects. By washing the bag, you can maintain a clean and safe environment for your suit.
In conclusion, cotton suit bags offer breathability, acid-free protection, biodegradability, structure, and washability, making cotton a preferred alternative to plastic for suit storage.
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Plastic bags can be used for short-term storage
While plastic bags are not ideal for long-term suit storage, they can be used for short-term storage. For example, the heavy, all-vinyl bags that some suit retailers give out are suitable for short-term tasks such as protecting suits during transportation to and from the tailor.
Plastic bags can also be used for storing suits during off-season periods. One user on Reddit mentioned using plastic bags for storing off-season suits and good clothes that are infrequently worn. Another user on a men's clothing forum noted that they keep their suits in the thick plastic bags they came in from the retailer, but only in the short term, to keep their shape and prevent moths from attacking them.
However, it is important to note that some plastic bags can off-gas, which could be detrimental to the suit fabric over time. One user on a style forum noted that they have used hybrid cotton-plastic bags for over a decade without any issues, but they have since switched to pure cotton bags due to warnings about the dangers of plastic.
Therefore, while plastic bags can be used for short-term suit storage, it is recommended to use natural fabric bags, such as cotton, for long-term storage to maintain the suit's fabric integrity and prevent issues such as mould, discolouration, and mildew.
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Breathable plastic bags are preferable
Suits are a significant investment, and proper suit storage methods guarantee that they will continue to look and feel amazing. Breathable plastic bags are preferable to non-breathable plastic bags, which can cause suits to mould, discolour, and develop mildew and yellow spots. Suits need to breathe during storage, and plastic bags can trap moisture, causing discolouration and mildew.
Breathable plastic bags, on the other hand, can help protect suits from insects, dust, and moths. They are also useful for short-term storage, such as protecting suits during trips to and from the tailor. When choosing a breathable plastic bag, look for one with mesh or perforation to allow air circulation.
Some suit owners recommend breathable vinyl/mesh zipper bags, which can be found at stores like Whitmor. These bags are designed to keep insects away and protect suits from moths. To further protect against moths, cedar disks can be threaded onto the hanger hooks, and cedar oil spray can be applied to the disks. Lavender or cedar-shaving sachets can also be tossed into the bags.
For those who prefer a blend of natural and synthetic materials, hybrid plastic/cotton bags are an option. These bags, made of PEVA (polyethylene vinyl acetate), are described as a less-toxic alternative to PVC. They are also more affordable and have been used by some suit owners for over a decade without any issues.
When storing suits, it is important to avoid folding them for long periods, as this can cause wrinkles and fabric damage. Hanging suits on a rack in a well-ventilated area is preferable. Additionally, suits should be cleaned and brushed before being placed in storage to remove dirt, dust, hair, food particles, and dead skin.
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Plastic bags can be used for suit travel
While plastic bags are not ideal for long-term suit storage, they can be used for suit travel.
Plastic bags can protect your suits from rain and other environmental factors during travel. They are also convenient if you need to carry multiple suits, as you can transport them together in one bag.
However, it is important to note that plastic bags can trap moisture, leading to discolouration and mildew. To mitigate this, ensure the plastic bag is not completely airtight. Leaving the bag open or punching some holes in it can help prevent moisture buildup. Additionally, avoid using plastic bags in humid climates, as this can further increase the risk of moisture-related issues.
If you plan to store your suits for an extended period, it is recommended to use a natural fabric bag, such as cotton, rather than plastic. Cotton bags are breathable and help prevent discolouration and mildew. They are also less likely to trap moisture and cause damage to your suits.
Overall, while plastic bags can be used for suit travel, they may not be the best option for long-term storage due to the potential issues with moisture. Consider the duration of storage and the climate conditions when deciding whether to use plastic bags for your suits.
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Frequently asked questions
No, you should not store your suits in plastic bags. Plastic bags can trap moisture, causing discolouration and mildew. Plastic bags are also non-breathable, which can cause mould and discolouration.
Cotton garment bags are a good alternative to plastic bags. Cotton is a natural fabric that is breathable and acid-free, and it biodegrades in five to six months. You can also use canvas suit bags, or a hybrid cotton-plastic bag.
Suits should be stored in a cool, dark place with good ventilation, such as the back of a wardrobe or closet. Avoid attics and basements, as these tend to encourage suit deterioration.
Before placing a suit in storage, it should be cleaned and brushed to remove dirt, dust, hair, food particles, and dead skin. You should also air out your suit after wearing it and wait a day or two before storing it.
It is important to use the right kind of hanger when storing suits. Proper wooden hangers will contour and fit the shape of your suit. Wire hangers can disfigure the suit and tarnish the fabric.
