Vintage can be defined as a piece of clothing or accessory that was made in the 1980s or earlier. Vintage clothing has gained such momentum over the years that it has never been as popular as it is today. 

The pleasure of owning a piece of vintage clothing is reminiscent of old-style classic fashion. From perfect vintage dresses and skirts to vintage suits, shoes, scarves and hats.

We share simple tips about the dos and don'ts for storing vintage clothing, and how to keep your vintage pieces preserved and well maintained, so you can enjoy wearing and admiring them for years to come. 

FOLLOW THE CARE INSTRUCTIONS

Vintage clothing requires a little more TLC (tender, love, care) due to the delicate fibres of the fabric. It is important to carefully read and follow the instructions on the label, as this will help safeguard your delicate and vintage pieces. 

You can have your vintage clothing dry-cleaned, but it is not always necessary. In fact, certain (harsh) chemicals used in the dry-cleaning process can do more harm than good due to the delicate nature of the fabric fibres against the processing techniques. If you are going to use a dry-cleaner make sure they specialise in vintage or delicate clothing practices. There are also 'green' dry cleaners available if you wish to go that one step further to launder and protect your vintage clothing. 

PRO TIP | It is recommended to consult an experienced professional for advice if the label is not visible or present before proceeding with laundering your vintage pieces. 

AVOID DIRECT LIGHT

 

Prolonged artificial and ultraviolet light (sunlight) are the greatest dangers to your vintage pieces. The sun's rays can damage old fabrics and can rot threads. 

 

 

 

Direct and indirect light will cause fabric deterioration and breakdown, including fraying, fading, discolouration and yellow spotting when exposed to light for extended periods. Take the time to check your garments'. Where are they stored? Is your vintage clothing in the direct line to the sun's rays? Are you using a cotton garment bag to protect your pieces? 

If the sun rays are prominent in your wardrobe or storage space, or there's too much light, then use block out blinds to fend the rays or find a more suitable area to store and protect your vintage clothing to prevent fabric fade and deterioration.

Ensure your treasured pieces are safeguarded in 100% Cotton Garment Bags. Our fully enclosed garment bags help store your vintage clothing and protect them from direct sunlight, dust, dirt, mould, mildew and moisture. More on this below.  

LET YOUR VINTAGE GARMENTS BREATHE 

Do not pack your wardrobe like sardines. Garments should not be squashed together. Ideally, when you hang your garments, you want to leave a 2 - 3 cm space so that fresh air can comfortably circulate in between and through your garments. When storing your vintage long term, fresh air helps nourish the fabrics and nurture the longevity of the fabrics.  

 

Fresh air helps keep your vintage pieces supple. Make sure your vintage garments are stored in a dark space, closet, wardrobe or otherwise. Ensure there is sufficient, natural free-flowing air that can circulate in and around your vintage heirlooms to keep them 'refreshed'.

Monitor the humidity and temperature in your storage space. The humidity factor in warm climates can cause mould, mildew, and moisture build-up especially if air cannot enter and circulate through to dry up any moisture beads. If your closet backs onto a bathroom or ensuite, and the moisture is stagnant or trapped - and direct sunlight is also hitting - then that's a double whammy for moisture and humidity build-up.

Store your vintage pieces in a place that is cool and dry. A well-ventilated room, free from moisture, will certainly help preserve your vintage clothing and finer fabrics.

PRO TIP | Every six to twelve months, air out your vintage pieces (out of direct sunlight) particularly if you haven't worn them in a while. Your garments' will love you for it! And it will help promote garment wearability and longevity.  

 

AVOID PLASTIC AND NON WOVEN GARMENT BAGS

Some fabrics will require hanging while others will need to be packed flat. Storing your vintage pieces in plastic, non-woven, PEVA, nylon garment bags and plastic container boxes will have detrimental effects on your vintage pieces. It is crucial that you completely avoid these types of garment bags and boxes as they can cause serious, irreversible damage such as mould (particularly to your suede and leather jackets), also fading and discolouration (yellowing) in cotton, silk, embellished pieces, wedding gowns and other delicate and vintage threads. 

Natural fibres naturally expand and contract with changing temperatures, and if your vintage pieces are trapped in these unfavourable garment bags (see picture), they cannot breathe. No air can comfortably circulate in and around your garments' when stored in these bags, particularly if you are storing your garments for extended periods. 

 

 Also, if you are using plastic dry cleaning bags to 'protect' your garments, be aware that garment discolouration and yellowing can be caused by BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene), a chemical anti-oxidant found in these plastic bags. BHT can also be found in food, cosmetics, jet fuel, as an additive to 'preserve' a product or item - when, in fact, it can be detrimental in more ways than one. 

PRO TIP | Always make sure your vintage pieces are clean before you store it, particularly if you know you won't be wearing it for a couple of seasons.  

100% COTTON GARMENT BAGS FOR YOUR VINTAGE CLOTHING

Cotton has many fabulous attributes. It's a natural, low maintenance fabric, acid-free, and hygienic. Cotton is fresh and lightweight, which makes it easy to store, easy to wash, and it is reasonably quick to dry and is perfect if you are ever travelling with your vintage pieces to an event, a wedding or just for fun. Kazzi

Kovers 100% Cotton Garment Bags are the safe and natural alternative when it comes to protecting, storing and preserving your vintage pieces. 

 

 

WHY WE LOVE COTTON! Most plastics can take up to 20 - 100 years to breakdown, if at all! Cotton is also a sustainable and biodegradable fabric (biodegrades in just over 5 months) and this is also why we LOVE cotton! It preserves your garments, it's great for the environment, and for future generations. Bonus!

To preserve and protect the fabric integrity of your vintage and delicate pieces; be it, your dresses, suits, jackets, coats, heirlooms and other items - then you can't go past Kazzi Kovers premium Cotton Garment Bags. They are simply the natural and safest alternative to plastic and non-woven garment bags.   

With a little TLC, remember to always store your vintage clothing away from direct sunlight, in a well-ventilated room, and in cotton garment bags. Enjoy wearing your vintage clothing for years to come. 

 

Thanks for reading.  

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

Updated | 18th August 2022.

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Author and Founder | Maria Kazzi

SHOP NOW | Kazzi Kovers 100% Cotton Garment Bags

IDEAL FOR

• Vintage Clothing | Dresses, suits, skirts, pants, jackets, coats, embellished pieces and delicate pieces, costumes, heirlooms and more.
• 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.
• Destination Wedding | Travel with your wedding dress on the big day. Ideal for bridesmaid dresses, flower girl dress, Mother-of-the-Bride. (After your big day, you can store your dress in the Kazzi Kovers Garment Bag to preserve its longevity/heirloom.) 
• Delicate and Embellished Garments: Dresses, costumes, heirlooms, one-off pieces, kaftans, saris + more.
• Fashion Events | For designers, models and garment protection during transit.
• Dance | Dance costumes, sequined dresses, leotards, tutus, outfits.
• Vintage Clothes | Protect your priceless vintage pieces; dresses, coats, jackets, fabrics.
• Equestrian and Sporting Attire | For all events. Also, for home and storage purposes.
• Cruises and Black Tie Events - Pack and protect your gowns or suits 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

These 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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