The Truth About Garment Bags

 

You have made a significant investment in your wardrobe throughout the years, so it makes sense that you would want to safely protect and store your favourite dresses, suits, leather or wool jackets, right?

Many of us overlook the importance of protecting our garments against environmental elements, and it can cause severe irreparable damage. People are also unaware that the type of garment bag they are using may even be causing the damage, particularly plastic garment bags and cheap non woven bags.

Our clothes need ongoing care and protection against pesky insects (especially moths), dirt, dust, mould, moisture, sunlight and humidity. These are all priority concerns when storing your garments for long periods or until the next season.

What you need to know when choosing the right garment bag.

SAY NO TO PLASTIC BAGS AND NON WOVEN FABRICS

 

We repeat: Say NO to plastic and non-woven bags! These are the most common types of garment bags. They're cheap and usually manufactured from plastic (PEVA - a material that is most commonly used in shower curtains) or non-woven fabrics, similar to the material used to make supermarket bags. 

It is important that you completely avoid these types of garment bags, especially when storing your garments in summer or warm and humid climates. These bags can cause severe and irreversible damage such as mould build-up, particularly to your suede and leather jackets. See picture below. 

Plastic and non-woven bags also cause fading and discolouration (yellowing) in cotton, silk, embellished pieces, wedding gowns and other delicate fabrics, especially when stored long term.

The reason is that clothes need fresh air to rejuvenate and nourish your garments fabric fibres. It's basically like "freshening them up". When using these types of garment bags, NO fresh air can comfortably circulate in and around your garments and wardrobe, particularly in cramped spaces, or spaces that lack fresh airflow. 

 

 

Plastic and non woven garment bags are ineffective and can impair, ruin and deteriorate your garments, particularly if you are storing your garments for twelve months, or extended periods.

 

Furthermore, when plastic and non-woven garment bags are stored long term, you'll find they tend to crumble, fall apart or disintegrate into a million pieces (I know this from experience). The undetected openings and small entry points allow dirt, dust, moths, and other critters to subliminally enter the bag you had 'protected' your garments in and cause further unsuspecting damage. Ouch! 

 

 

PLASTIC DRY CLEANING BAGS ARE ALSO A NO-NO!

Dry cleaning plastic bags should NEVER be used to store you wears! 

It is so easy with our busy lives to place our freshly pressed garments straight into our wardrobe and not think twice about it until next season.

 

These bags are not purposed for storage or for protecting your garments long term.

The only purpose for these bags is to safely transport your freshly dry cleaned clothes from the shop to your home. That is it!  

Using plastic dry cleaning bags to 'protect' your garments, can also cause garment yellowing and fading when stored long term.

 

Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), is a chemical anti-oxidant found in some plastic dry cleaning bags. When BHT comes into contact with impurities in the air and moisture, it forms a yellow pigment that transfers to the fabric, causing those unsightly yellow spots. No one wants that!

(BHT can also be found in food, cosmetics, and jet fuel, as an additive to preserve a product or item, when, in fact, it can be detrimental in more ways than one.) 

Plastic dry cleaning bags are not only bad for the environment, they also don't allow sufficient air to flow in and around your garments. The plastic  bag 'sweats' and traps in the moisture (especially in humid conditions), and, if left for extended periods it can also cause staining, discolouration, mould (mould is a symptom of too much moisture), mildew growth, weakening of the fibres and yellow spots can form, especially on delicate fabrics and when exposed to excessive sunlight. Sometimes you only notice these yellow spots when you get ready to wear the garment only to realise it's too late - the damage has been done! 

PRO TIP | I encourage you to check your wardrobe, walk-in-robes, and storage spaces to see if you have unknowingly stored your items for months on end, or even years, in those harmful plastic dry cleaning bags. Then kindly remove (your choice), and dispose of thoughtfully. 

Instead, storing your garments in a natural fabric, such as 100% cotton garment covers, are guaranteed to safeguard your garments and promote their longevity, particularly for long term storage. More on this below. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

AVOID PESKY INSECTS AND MOTH DAMAGE

Let's talk about moths.

Clothes moths tend to B-line towards warmer climates and dark spaces and wardrobes. 

Did you know that it is the moth larvae that feed off the keratin in your garments? 

 

Keratin is a protein found in natural fibres that we get from animals. Animal based fabrics include, wool, cashmere, angora, leather, silk, furs and human matter like your skin, hair, and fingernails.  

Note, that it is not the actual moth that causes the damage to your garments. It is the larvae that eat through the animal fabrics causing sometimes irreparable damage, and not the moths themselves.

You'll only notice the damage is done when you find the unwanted and unsightly holes the larvae have caused. Too late! 

Moth larvae will also feed off and burrow into other contaminants left on your clothes such as food crumbs, make-up, deodorant, perfumes, hair, dust, dirt and other particles, particularly when these remnants are nestled into the animal-based fabrics. 

To prevent such damage, please ensure you remove and launder these contaminants from all of your garments, including your dresses, suits, jackets, coats, seasonal items etc. before ANY long term storage. This will minimise damage and promote garment longevity. 

Also, remember to thoroughly dry out your garments before popping them back into your wardrobe or storage space to avoid mould and mildew issues derived from trapped excess moisture and dampness.

HAVE YOU EXPERIENCED MOTH DAMAGE TO YOUR GARMENTS?

I sure did. Although my wool jacket survived, this was the damage caused by moth larvae to my favourite matching wool grey pant suit. The suit was stored in a non-woven garment bag, which crumbled after 12 months, giving access to moths and subsequently their larvae. (Remember, moths love natural animal fabrics.) I did not protect this suit in a fully enclosed cotton garment bag and this was the resulting damage. See picture below. 

It was one night I went to wear these pants for dinner only to find that the moth larvae have had a field day. These wool pants were deemed irreparable and never to be worn again. :( Boohoo!

Has this happened to you? If so, isn't it heartbreaking?  

It is when garments are left unprotected in open wardrobes or storage spaces that gives moths, silverfish, carpet beetles, and vermin the opportunity to wreak havoc on your garments.

We have a solution (Yay!). Ensure your garments are well protected and stored in a fully enclosed cotton garment bag to prevent such damage. More information below.

 

Moth larvae can also feed off clean keratin sources, so remember to keep your garments protected and fully enclosed in 100% cotton garment covers to minimise unwanted damage to your dresses, suits, jackets, coats, and heirloom pieces such as your wedding dress and gowns. 

 

PRO TIP | Ensure you follow the care instructions which you'll find on the inside of your garment to provide the best care for your clothing. A wash down, spot wash, dry clean, and thoroughly airing out your garments before long term storage are helpful measures to prevent moth and moisture damage. 

MOTHS DON'T LIKE COTTON

Surprisingly, moths don’t like cotton. Why? Because cotton is a vegetable-based fibre and it is usually safe from insects, particularly moths and their larvae nesting into the cotton fabric. 

 

THIS IS WHAT WORKS 

WHY WE LOVE COTTON GARMENT BAGS - And so will your garments!

Cotton is a sustainable, renewable and biodegradable fabric. It is super positive to know that cotton takes up to 3 - 6 months to breakdown, whereas other materials and fabrics, particularly plastic garment bags, can take up to 20 - 200 years, if at all, to breakdown. 

Here's the scoop! Cotton garment bags actually protect your garments from the elements and preserve their longevity. Isn't that awesome!? We think so :)

Once you seal the zip to the end of the Kazzi Kovers Cotton Garment Bag, nothing can get into the garment bag. So your clothing and delicate pieces (wool, cashmere, cotton etc.) are kept safe and protected throughout the seasons. 

 

CAN WE LOVE COTTON EVEN MORE?

Yes we can. Here's why.

• Cotton is a versatile and natural fabric. It is lightweight, breathable, hygienic, acid-free, plastic-free and super durable and strong. 

• Cotton is incredibly nurturing towards natural fabrics such as wool, leather, suedes, cotton, silk, lace, all types of furs, embellished and other delicate fabrics, while protecting and maintaining the fabric integrity of your garments.

• Cotton is also a low maintenance material, making it easy to wash, and it is reasonably quick to dry. Kazzi Kovers garment bags are washable in cold water. How 'cool' is that!? (Yes, pun intended.)

• Cotton reflects heat in warm climates, and in cooler temperatures it provides insulation, giving your garments the extra care they need for seasonal storage.

Cotton is just PERFECT, even if we do say so ourselves! 

WE'VE THOUGHT OF EVERYTHING!

Garment Bag Features 

 

 

 

Kazzi Kovers 100% Cotton Garment Bags are designed and guaranteed to give your garments the best coverage and care they need, while providing protection from the elements all year round (love that!). 

                                                                                                                       

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

AVAILABLE IN REGULAR AND LARGE SIZES | Kazzi Kovers premium cotton garment bags are purposed and designed to store and safeguard your everyday, occasional, seasonal garments and delicate pieces, including your suits, dresses, jackets, coats, formal attire, wedding dress, kaftans, heirlooms, costumes, sporting gear and more. (See detailed list below.)

FULLY ENCLOSED. FULL LENGTH, EASY-GLIDE ZIP | You'll also find comfort in knowing that each cotton garment bag is fully enclosed and includes a self healing, full length side zip for easy access. That is, once you fully zip up your Kazzi Kovers garment bag, it makes it virtually impossible for dust and dirt to enter, and it also creates a natural barrier for those nasty insects (especially moths) from entering and piercing your garments. 

A self healing zip means if the zipper (or zip teeth) were to come apart or misalign, get stuck, or the zip puller was to dislodge from the tracking, you unzip and rezip the garment from end to end to 'heal' and reseal the zip. We love this added feature, as the garment bag is guaranteed to keep your garments secure, fully enclosed and protected at all times.  

GARMENT BAG HANGER OPENING | The sheer weight of your garments that you are storing will weigh down the cotton garment bag and seal off the slit at the top where your hanger is inserted. The sealed opening will prevent dirt, dust etc, from entering the garment bag and further protects your garments from the elements, including those unwanted crazy critters, dirt and dust etc.

COTTON LOOP AT THE BOTTOM. We've included a 100% strong cotton loop at the bottom of each bag so you can hang, fold, travel, and store your garment bag for the purpose intended and convenience.

PRO TIP | Every 6 - 12 months take out your garments including your dresses, suits, jackets, coats etc. Air them out in the fresh air (away from direct sunlight) for 1 - 2 days, especially if you don't wear them all that often. They will love you for it! 

 

 

STREAMLINE YOUR WARDROBE 

Take the time to streamline and protect your wardrobe. Organise your garments in such a way that they are safeguarded from the elements, and are easily visible, so that you can access them at arm's reach and enjoy basking in their wearability for years to come.

Kazzi Kovers stylish and practical 100% Cotton Garment Bags make wardrobe organisation simple and easy. From storing your favourite, seasonal and occasional pieces to preserving heirlooms, vintage pieces, and embellished garments.

You'll find comfort in knowing that your garments will be well stored and well protected throughout the seasons.

Taking care of your garments is easy. Always read the care instructions for optimal care and laundering. Avoid using plastic, non woven, nylon and polyester garment covers as these types of garment bags can cause considerable and irreparable damage to your wears when stored long term.

When it comes to preserving and taking care of your seasonal and treasured pieces, Kazzi Kovers 100% Cotton Garment Bags are simply the safe, sustainable and eco-friendly option for garment storage and longevity.   

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Thanks for reading.  

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

Kazzi Kovers® | Updated 8th April 2024

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, blogs, tips and updates.  

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SHOP NOW | 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, including 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 | Our garment bags fold easily in your suit case. Pack and protect your dresses, gowns or suits etc. when travelling.
• And more.

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NEW! | BLACK & WHITE GARMENT BAGS | 100% Cotton

Kazzi Kovers Black and White Garment Bags are available in the same packs as our cream coloured garment bags, shown below. 

Our 100% Cotton Garment Bags are available Individually or as a Combo Set. Please choose the package that best suits your requirements. 

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REGULAR GARMENT BAGS

Size Centimetres: 110 cm (H) x 65 cm (L) x 10 cm (Gusset)   

Size Inches: 43.3" (H) x 25.5" (L) x 3.9" (Width/Gusset) 

• Suits | Jackets | Coats | 3/4 Length Coats
• Dresses | Cocktail | Formal Dresses
• Embellished | Beaded Garments
• Delicate and Natural Fibres (leather, wool, silk, lace, suede, fur, velvet)
• Jabots | Bar Jackets 
• Seasonal Garments
• Saris | Kaftans
• All Types of Costumes
• Vintage Clothing | Uniforms
• Heirlooms and More. 

* All savings are applied in Australian Dollars (AUD$)

 

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COMBO GARMENT BAGS

Kazzi Kovers combo packs offer great value and include a Regular and Large Garment Bag combination to suit your requirements. 

Perfect for when you need more than just one, and have different size garments you wish to protect. 

REGULAR Garment Bag

Size Centimetres: 110 cm (H) x 65 cm (L) x 10 cm (Gusset)   

Size Inches: 43.3" (H) x 25.5" (L) x 3.9" (Width/Gusset)   

 

LARGE Garment Bag

Size Centimetres: 165 cm (H) x 65 cm (L) x 10 cm (Width/Gusset)   

Size Inches: 65" (H) x 25.5" (L) x 3.9" (Width/Gusset)   

 

 

 

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PACKAGE OFFERS

GARMENT BAG + EUROPEAN BEECH WOOD HANGER PACKAGE

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

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 | REGULAR GARMENT BAG

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 GARMENT BAG | Regular Size or Large Size

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 | LARGE GARMENT BAG 

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 GARMENT BAG | Regular Size or Large Size

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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