There's a lot of information on how to store your formal dresses , but what about the other beautiful clothes in your life? Your fine clothes deserve just as much attention and care. When it comes to storing clothes for special occasions, the process is similar to storing wedding dresses, the four most important words in closet organization and clothing storage solutions are:
Cleaning: First, have the garment professionally cleaned. Do not store laundry unwashed, or any stains will become permanent.
Cool: Store your special clothing in a cool place to avoid moisture or heat.
Darkness: Sunlight is not your clothes' best friend. Bright light can fade colors and even damage delicate fabrics, so keep your garments out of the light.
Dry: Moisture can breed mold, so be sure to store your special garment in a dry place.
Depending on your closet system and space, choose box or hanger storage. If you have a closet system that can accommodate long hanging clothes, then you can hang long dresses or suits. If you don't have room, opt for box storage, where you can stack several pieces of clothing on top of each other, but make sure you have room for boxes and that you have enough acid-free tissue paper, which helps prevent fabric from turn yellow.
Here are some ways you can store your occasion outfits:
hanger storage
The nice thing about hanging your clothes is that it prevents creases that are difficult to remove. Invest in a quality hanger that can support the weight of the dress—especially if the dress has beads or other embellishments. Line a hanger with tissue paper and hang the skirt with any garment straps for extra support. That's what those annoyingly long straps are for!
walk-in closet
If there is any beading on the skirt, cover or wrap it with tissue paper to protect it. Tuck tissues into the bodice, sleeves, and any deep folds in the fabric to help keep the skirt in shape. Store skirts in pockets made of fabric such as unbleached, undyed muslin to allow for ventilation. Do not use plastic for long term storage.
box storage
Use acid-free, sturdy cardboard storage boxes or sweater bags lined with tissue paper. For dresses, especially those with lots of beading, put the hem in the box first, then fold the dress. If the skirt is very long, fold it in an accordion style, using tissue paper between each pleat. Make sure to wrap each garment like this, then stack them one on top of the other in the box.