Spring Is Here! How to Protect and Store Your Winter Items

Space is prime property in any wardrobe, closet or drawer. Right? With spring just around the corner, now is a great time to get organised and swap out your winter items and blankets and make room for spring wardrobe necessities.

Here we share a detailed guide to help you with winter clothes storage and choosing the right type of garment bags and storage bags to best protect and preserve your winter and seasonal items.

Plastic and Non Woven Garment Bags are a No-Go!

 

When storing your winter tops, cashmere, dresses, suits, coats, jackets, boots and other seasonal items for long periods of time, we sometimes go for the quick and easy option - just to get it done! 

Your garments and winter items should NEVER be stored in plastic and non-woven garment bags, plastic storage boxes and even plastic vacuum bags. These common types of bags and boxes simply cannot breathe. Meaning, they do not allow sufficient air to flow through and nourish the fabric and fibres of your stored items. 

Instead, these bags have the opposite effect. These unfavourable and suffocating materials and fabrics trap moisture, encourage mould build-up, cause discolouration, fading and yellow spots can develop if your wardrobe or storage space is not properly ventilated or in direct sunlight.

These elements can cause irreparable damage and gradual deterioration of your winter items and garments as well, particularly when stored long term (six months or more) and the damage is accelerated in hot and humid conditions.  

100% Cotton Garment Bags are a better, safer option. More on this below.  

Dry Cleaning Plastic Bags

If you are storing your freshly pressed garments in these plastic dry cleaning bags, they, too, have the same effect as plastic, non-woven, nylon and polyester garment bags - trap moisture, mould, fading - as natural airflow is blocked and your garments cannot breathe, especially when exposed to excessive sunlight and hot and humid conditions. 

 

 

The only purpose of plastic dry cleaning is to transport your dry cleaned clothes from the shop to your home safely. They should NEVER be used to store your wears long term.

Discolouration can also be caused by BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene), an anti-oxidant found in these plastic bags which can cause irreparable damage to your garments especially to leathers, suede, velvet, wool, and other delicate and natural fabrics.

Instead, by storing your winter garments in a 100% Cotton Garment Bags, it is guaranteed to safeguard your garments against the elements, maintain fabric integrity and preserve garment longevity.

Why Moths Favour Natural Fibres and Clothing

Moths, and mainly their larvae, are attracted to human scents, perfume, deodorant, visible and invisible stains, smoke and food. They will relentlessly find a way to raid that fabulous suede jacket or wool coat or pant when conditions are right.

Any lingering scent will also attract moths, especially in the warmer seasons, when moths are most active. Active moths will always gravitate towards natural fibres such as wool, silk, suede, and fur they can (and will) cause irreparable and costly damage to your winter items and accessories including your wool scarves and cashmere jumpers. So always remember to wash and thoroughly dry out your winter woollies before any long term storage to prevent moth damage.

FACT | When moths lay their eggs (the larvae), it is the larvae that munch through your winter woollies and cause those unsightly holes, as it is the larvae that need to feed - to grow - to eventually develop into moths. Your clothing is their food source and nourishment for the larvae, not always the moths. 

Plastic and non woven garment bags will crumble and deteriorate easily (especially in warm conditions) and this creates an 'all-access pass' for the moths and silverfish to get to your winter woollies quicker and they will cause damage. 

Once they've made their way through the garment cover, I can guarantee they'll bee-line for your favourite wool suit! I know, because this is EXACTLY what happened to the wool pants that I cherished. (See picture).

Has this happened to you?

 

 

 

 

 

QUICK TIP | Every 6-12 months take out your garments; suits, dresses, jackets, coats, pants, scarves etc and simply air them out in the fresh air for 1 to 2 days - especially if you don't wear them all too often. They'll love you for it! And it will prolong the integrity of the material fibres and your winter garments' longevity. 

 

QUICK TIPS TO Air, Wash, Dry & Store your Winter Garments

• Air out your garments once you've worn them.

• Follow the care instructions on the item of clothing and wash accordingly.

• Make sure you thoroughly dry out your tops, dresses, suits, jackets, coats before storing them long term in 100% Cotton Garment Bags.

• Store your winter wears in an area where air can circulate in and around your garments. Make sure you leave a space between your garments so they are not sandwiched like sardines in your wardrobe. 

• Open windows and doors to let the fresh air flow through. If your wardrobe, walk-in-robe or closet is in an enclosed area with no access to window and doors or backs onto an ensuite or bathroom (wet area), then take advantage of ceiling fans, air conditioning or you can use an isolating fan to dry out any excess moisture and generate airflow to avoid mould and moisture build-up. Do this regularly, especially in the summer months.  

100% Cotton Garment Bags | Garment Protection

• Garment bags make wardrobe organisation simple and easy.
• Each cream-coloured garment bag is available in two generous sizes - Regular and Large.
• Our garment bags are equipped with a full-length, side-zipper for quick and easy access.
• A double-stitched, strong cotton loop is sewn in at the bottom for your convenience, so it's simple for you to fold the bag over when travelling. 
• Ideal for home, storage and travel purposes.

They're just perfect even if we do say so ourselves!

A little extra care goes a long way when it comes to protecting and storing your winter items.

Remember to clean, wash and fully dry out your winter garments and accessories to repel moths and insects. Ensure that winter items are stored in breathable 100% Cotton Garment Bags, and not in plastic or non-woven bags.

Cotton has many fabulous attributes. It is a breathable fabric that allows air to comfortably circulate in and around your wardrobe, closet or storage space and at the same time promotes garment longevity - so you can enjoy wearing for winter woollies for years to come. 

Thanks for reading.  

Remember if you ‘Love it, Cover it!®.’  with Kazzi Kovers.

Updated | 7th November 2024.

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Author and Founder | Maria Kazzi

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Kazzi Kovers takes pride in providing safe and natural alternatives to Protect, Organise, Store and Travel with our range of premium covers and accessories.

See Kazzi Kovers for our full suite of products, tips and updates.  _______________________________________________________________

SHOP NOW | Kazzi Kovers 100% Cotton Garment Bags

IDEAL FOR

• Storage and Travel | For all types of fabrics and garments including suits, coats, gowns, dresses, jackets, embellished and delicate pieces.
• Business Travel | For suits, dresses, coats, jackets, ties.
• Bride/Groom | Wedding dress, bridesmaid dress, mother-of-the-bride, men's suits and tuxedos. (After your big day, you can store your dress in the Kazzi Kovers Garment Bag to preserve its longevity/heirloom.) 
• Wedding | Travel with your wedding dress on the big day locally or for your destination wedding. Ideal for bridesmaid dresses, flower girl dress, Mother-of-the-Bride. Grooms and groomsmen. 
• Delicate and Embellished Garments: Dresses, costumes, heirlooms, one-off pieces, kaftans, saris, jabots, bar/barrister gowns and robes, + more.
• Fashion Events | For designers, models, and garment protection during transit.
• Dance | Dance costumes, sequined dresses, leotards, tutus, outfits.
• Vintage Clothing | Protect your priceless vintage pieces; dresses, coats, jackets, fabrics and preserve fabric integrity
• Equestrian and Sporting Attire | For all events. Also, for home and storage purposes.
• Cruises and Black Tie Events - Pack and protect your dresses, gowns or suits etc. when travelling.
• And more.

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REGULAR GARMENT BAGS

SIZE CM: 110 cm (H) x 65cm (L) x 10 cm (W)

SIZE INCHES: 43.3" (H) x 25.5" (L) x 3.9" (Width/Gusset)   

• Suits | Jackets | Coats
• Dresses | Gowns | Cocktail | Formal | Evening Wear
• Blouses | Skirts | Shirts | Pants | Jeans
• All Seasonal and Occasional Clothing
• Embellished and Beaded Garments
• Delicate and Natural Fibres (leather, wool, cotton, silk, velvet, suede, lace + more)
• Christening Gowns
• Jabots | Bar Jackets 
• All Types of Furs
• All Types of Costumes
• All Types of Uniforms
• Dancewear
• Saris | Kaftans
• Equestrian Clothing
• Sporting Attire
• Vintage Clothing | Heirlooms
• And more.

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LARGE (or long) GARMENT BAGS

COMBO GARMENT BAGS

Kazzi Kovers Combo Packs offer great value and include a Regular and or Large Garment Bag combinations.

Perfect for when you need more than just one!

REGULAR SIZE | 110 cm (H) x 65cm (L) x 10 cm (W)

SIZE INCHES | 43.3" (H) x 25.5" (L) x 3.9" (Width/Gusset)  

LARGE SIZE | 165 cm (H) x 65cm (L) x 10 cm (W)

SIZE INCHES | 65" (H) x 25.5" (L) x 3.9" (Width/Gusset)   

 

 

 

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- PACKAGE OFFERS -

If you have a favourite suit or dress or a one-off piece that you wish to protect, or perhaps an heirloom - our Kazzi Kovers all-in-one packages are ideal and offer great value when it comes to garment longevity, and providing garment support.

Each package includes your choice of one 100% Cotton Garment Bag (Regular or Large), and one FSC® 100% Certified European German Beech Wood Hanger.  

Ideal for your occasional, seasonal and one-off pieces such as your suits, dresses, formal and cocktail wear, wedding dress, coats, jackets, costumes, sporting attire, heirlooms and more. 

Wood Hangers are available in Natural Wood Grain or Walnut colours.

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PACKAGE OFFER 1

Includes: 1 x REGULAR Garment Bag + 1 x Wood HANGER

Kazzi Kovers all-in-one packages are ideal for your occasional, seasonal and one-off pieces. Protect and store your suits, dresses, coats, jackets, pants, skirts, formal attire, costumes and vintage pieces, sporting apparel and more. 

Choose your HANGER SIZE | Clothes Hanger, Suit/Dress/Jacket Hanger or Coat Hanger

Choose your HANGER COLOUR | Natural Wood Grain or Walnut

 

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PACKAGE OFFER 2

Includes: 1 x LARGE Garment Bag + 1 x Wood HANGER

Kazzi Kovers all-in-one packages are ideal for your occasional, seasonal and one-off pieces. Protect and store your suits, dresses, coats, jackets, pants, skirts, formal attire, costumes and vintage pieces, sporting apparel and more. 

Choose your HANGER SIZE | Clothes Hanger, Suit/Dress/Jacket Hanger or Coat Hanger

Choose your HANGER COLOUR | Natural Wood Grain or Walnut  

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YOU MAKE LIKE THESE

The Truth About Garment Bags

Wedding Dress Preservation

Pack Your Suitcase – 9 Easy Steps

The Truth About Vacuum Bags

See Kazzi Kovers Blogs 

 

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extra care for your small winter items

Now you've organised your winter jackets and coats, here are some great ideas for storing your smaller winter accessories including scarves, beanies, gloves, hats and fascinators.