How to Store Old Uniforms

Find a space that is dark, cool and dry. This environment will protect the uniform's cloth the most effectively from mildew, fading and dust.

Store the uniform vertically on a hanger. If a uniform is lightweight, place the garment on a padded hanger so that the top of the shoulder hits the top of the hanger. There should be no strain on the rest of the garment once the uniform has been placed on the hanger.

Drape a freshly washed cotton sheet over the entire garment, covering the whole uniform evenly. Cotton will not interact adversely with the uniform material.

Store delicate uniforms in a horizontal acid-free storage box. If the garment is too heavy to place on a padded hanger, this technique will be ideal. Place a 100 percent cotton sheet into the storage box, covering the entire inside of the box. Layer some acid-free tissue paper on top of the cotton sheet to ensure the garment will be protected from contaminants.

Place the uniform, unfolded, into the box so that it lies flat. Avoid any sharp creases or folds. If there are multiple pieces in the uniform, place a piece of acid-free tissue paper between each layer of the uniform placed inside of the box.

Do not seal the box tightly. The uniform will need to air out once a year. Take the uniform out of the box or off the hanger and let it air-dry for a few minutes. Check for moth damage before placing the uniform back in the storage container.