How to Preserve Vintage Clothing & Textile Products

Box Method

• 1

  Let the item air out to get rid of any musty odor or moisture. Remove dust by running a vacuum hose an inch above the garment.

• 2

  Lay acid-free tissue paper at the bottom of an acid-free cardboard box. Set the garment on top, ideally laying it flat without folding it. If you must fold a portion of the item, use the acid-free tissue paper between folds to prevent creasing. Lay another layer of the acid-free paper on top of the garment and don̵7;t lay anything else over that. Shut the box without sealing it, as sealing can trap moisture.

• 3

  Store your box in a dark, dry area with good air circulation, a constant temperature of around 70 F and protected from insects and other vermin. Attics are often poor choices, as temperatures and humidity can fluctuate dramatically.

• 4

  Take item out of the box at least once a year to check for mold and mildew and let it air out.

Bag Method

• 5

  Let the item air out to get rid of any musty odor or moisture. Remove dust by running a vacuum hose an inch above the garment.

• 6

  Wrap acid-free tissue paper around a cushioned hanger and slip the garment onto it. Zip the garment and hanger in an acid-free garment bag.

• 7

  Lay your bag flat if possible, as hanging will stress the fabric in the shoulders and could stretch the fabric over time. The area should be dark and dry with good air circulation, a constant temperature of around 70 F and protected from insects and other vermin. Attics are often poor choices, as temperatures and humidity can fluctuate dramatically.

• 8

  Take item out of the bag at least once a year to check for mold or mildew and let it air out.