How to Store Your Dresses Properly: Prevent Damage and Wrinkles

You've invested time and money into building a beautiful dress collection. You wash and care for your dresses properly. But are you storing them correctly? Improper storage is one of the most common causes of garment damage, leading to stretched shoulders, persistent wrinkles, colour fading, fabric deterioration, and pest damage. The good news is that proper storage isn't complicated—it just requires understanding a few key principles and implementing them consistently.

The Fundamental Decision: Hang or Fold?

The first and most important storage decision is whether to hang or fold each dress. This choice depends on the dress's fabric, construction, and weight.

When to Hang

Hanging is appropriate for:

• Structured dresses with tailored bodices or stiff fabrics
• Dresses made from materials that wrinkle badly (like cotton, linen, and rayon)
• Lightweight dresses that won't stretch from their own weight
• Dresses you wear frequently and need easy access to
• Formal dresses with details that would be crushed by folding

When to Fold

Folding is better for:

• Heavy knit or jersey dresses that stretch when hung
• Beaded or heavily embellished dresses (weight can stress fabric)
• Delicate vintage pieces
• Sweater dresses and heavy wool dresses
• Stretchy bodycon dresses that may lose shape from hanging

Choosing the Right Hangers

If you hang your dresses, the hanger type matters significantly. The wrong hanger can cause shoulder bumps, stretching, and fabric damage.

Padded Hangers

Padded hangers are ideal for most dresses. The padding prevents sharp edges from creating shoulder bumps, and the soft surface grips fabric gently without leaving marks. They're particularly good for delicate fabrics like silk and chiffon.

Wide, Curved Wooden Hangers

Quality wooden hangers with a curved shape that mimics shoulders work well for structured dresses and heavier fabrics. The width distributes weight more evenly than narrow hangers. Cedar wood hangers add the benefit of natural moth deterrent properties.

Velvet Hangers

The popular slim velvet hangers are space-efficient and their non-slip surface keeps dresses in place. However, they're best for lighter-weight dresses only—heavy dresses can stretch on these slim profiles.

What to Avoid

Wire hangers are the enemy of nice dresses. They're too narrow, create shoulder dimples, and can rust onto fabric. Thin plastic hangers have similar problems. Invest in proper hangers—your dresses deserve better.

Proper Folding Techniques

When folding is appropriate, proper technique minimises wrinkles and stress on fabric.

Basic Dress Folding

1. Lay the dress flat, front side down, on a clean surface
2. Fold one side toward the centre, including the sleeve
3. Repeat with the other side, overlapping slightly
4. Fold the bottom third up toward the middle
5. Fold the top third down over the bottom fold
6. Store with the fold facing up so you can see it when opening drawers

Using Tissue Paper

For nice dresses or long-term storage, place acid-free tissue paper between folds to prevent creasing. You can also stuff sleeves and bodices with tissue to maintain shape. Regular tissue paper works for short-term storage, but acid-free is essential for long-term preservation.

Rolling vs. Folding

Some fabrics actually fare better rolled than folded. Jersey knits, in particular, often have fewer wrinkles when loosely rolled. Experiment to see what works best for each dress.

Closet Environment

Where you store your dresses matters as much as how you store them. The ideal storage environment is:

Cool and Dry

Heat and humidity accelerate fabric deterioration and encourage mould growth. Australian homes can be humid, particularly in coastal and tropical areas. Use moisture absorbers in closets if needed, and ensure adequate ventilation.

Dark

Light—both sunlight and artificial light—fades fabric over time. Yellow dresses are particularly susceptible to fading. Store dresses in a closet with solid doors, or cover them if storage is exposed to light.

Clean

Dust accumulates on stored clothing and can attract pests. Clean your closet regularly and ensure dresses are clean before storing—body oils, perfume residue, and invisible stains attract insects and can set permanently over time.

Well-Ventilated

Air circulation prevents musty odours and mould. Don't pack clothes so tightly that air can't circulate. If your closet is particularly enclosed, open the doors periodically to let fresh air in.

Protecting Against Pests

Moths and other fabric-eating pests can devastate a wardrobe. Natural fibres like wool, silk, and cotton are most vulnerable.

Prevention Strategies

• Cleanliness: Pests are attracted to body oils and food residues. Always clean dresses before storing long-term.
• Cedar: Cedar naturally repels moths. Cedar hangers, blocks, or rings placed in closets provide protection with a pleasant scent.
• Lavender: Sachets of dried lavender deter moths naturally and leave clothes smelling fresh.
• Regular inspection: Check stored clothes periodically for signs of pest damage—small holes, larvae, or insect casings.

What About Mothballs?

Traditional mothballs contain chemicals that can damage some fabrics and leave unpleasant odours that are difficult to remove. Natural alternatives like cedar and lavender are safer and more pleasant.

Seasonal and Long-Term Storage

When storing dresses for extended periods—off-season clothes or special occasion pieces—extra care is needed.

Preparation

• Clean thoroughly (professional cleaning for delicate items)
• Repair any loose threads, missing buttons, or small tears
• Ensure completely dry—any moisture can cause mould or mildew

Storage Containers

Breathable garment bags: Cotton or muslin garment bags protect from dust while allowing air circulation. These are ideal for hanging special occasion dresses.

Avoid plastic: Plastic bags trap moisture and prevent air circulation. They can cause yellowing and mildew. If you must use plastic (such as dry cleaning bags), remove it before long-term storage.

Archival boxes: For heirloom or very valuable dresses, acid-free archival boxes with acid-free tissue paper provide museum-quality storage.

Location

Avoid attics (temperature extremes), basements (dampness), and areas near exterior walls (temperature fluctuation). A bedroom closet or dedicated wardrobe in a climate-controlled living area is ideal.

Special Situations

Beaded and Embellished Dresses

Heavy beading puts stress on fabric when hung. Fold these dresses with tissue paper protecting the embellishments, and store flat. If hanging is necessary for short periods, use a padded hanger and don't leave long-term.

Vintage and Delicate Dresses

Vintage fabrics are often fragile. Always fold rather than hang, use acid-free tissue liberally, and store away from light. Consider professional archival storage for truly valuable pieces.

Formal and Wedding Guest Dresses

Dresses worn only occasionally need protection from dust and light during long storage periods. Breathable garment bags are essential. Check on them periodically and air them out to prevent musty odours.

Quick Storage Tips

• Button, zip, and tie dresses before hanging to maintain shape
• Hang similar items together—don't mix heavy coats with delicate dresses
• Store off-season items toward the back or in a separate area
• Keep frequently worn items at eye level for easy access
• Rotate garments occasionally—don't let the same dress sit untouched for years
• Address any spills or stains before storing, even temporarily

Signs of Improper Storage

Watch for these warning signs that your storage methods need adjustment:

• Shoulder bumps from narrow hangers
• Persistent wrinkles that don't steam out
• Fabric yellowing (especially on white or light areas)
• Musty or stale odours
• Small holes or worn spots (possible pest damage)
• Stretched necklines or hems from improper hanging

If you notice these issues, reassess your storage methods and make changes promptly.

Investing in Your Wardrobe

Proper storage is an investment in your wardrobe's longevity. Quality hangers cost more than wire alternatives, but they protect garments worth far more than the hanger price. A few minutes spent properly storing a dress after wearing it saves significant time and money in the long run—no last-minute ironing sessions, no discovering a ruined dress when you need it most, no premature replacement of damaged pieces.

Your dresses deserve care not just when you wear them, but when they're resting in your closet. Implement these storage practices, and your dress collection will reward you with years of beautiful wear.