Fabric bags for long term storage
Short answer: A fabric bag lets moisture escape and keeps dust out, which makes it the simplest way to put clothes away without damage. Here is advice on fabric, packing, closing and placement, so your clothes rest well from one season to the next.
Why fabric instead of plastic
Fabric lets air move, so moisture from the clothes can escape instead of being trapped inside the bag. Plastic holds on to moisture, and over a season that can lead to odour and mould. A tightly woven fabric also keeps out dust, light and insects, which is exactly what storage requires.
How the moisture gets out
Clothes always take up a little moisture from the air, even when they feel completely dry. In a fabric bag that moisture can slowly evaporate, and the bag does not turn damp inside. That is why fabric is a better choice than an airtight bag, where moisture has nowhere to go and clothes can start to smell stale.
Which fabric is best
Unbleached cotton or canvas in a tight weave is a good choice, because the fabric is calm, strong and does not release dye. A weave that is too thin and open lets dust and small insects in. Pick a fabric that feels firm and can be washed. Read more about bamboo polos for men.
Avoid coloured fabrics
Coloured fabrics can transfer dye onto clothes when they become damp, especially strong colours and new fabrics that have not been washed. Choose a neutral bag instead, so you do not risk marks on light garments. If you have a coloured bag, wash it first and test it with a damp cloth.
How to pack the clothes
Only put clean and completely dry clothes in the bag, and fold them flat without stuffing. Check the seams and the folds at pockets and collars, where moisture often lingers longest. Put heavy items at the bottom and light ones on top. Read more about bamboo dresses and bamboo fitted sheets.
How full the bag may be
A bag filled to the brim presses the folds in place, and they turn into lasting creases in the fabric. Half full is therefore enough, and two bags are better than one overstuffed bag. Leave a little air around the clothes. Think of the bag as a loose container and not as a squeezed parcel.
Closing and labelling
A loose ribbon or string is enough to close the bag. It does not need to be airtight, because then you lose the very advantage of fabric. Write on a note or a piece of tape what is in the bag and which season it belongs to. That way you avoid opening every bag when you look for something.
Where the bags should stand
Put the bags in a dry place without big temperature swings. A wardrobe or box inside your home is better than an attic or cellar, where heat and damp change a lot. Avoid direct sunlight, which can fade the fabric. Ideally the bags stand slightly raised from the floor, away from cold and damp surfaces.
Check the bags now and then
Look inside the bags a couple of times a year. Open them, let air in, and check for odour, marks or signs of moisture. That way you notice quickly if something has gone wrong and can fix it in time. If clothes smell a little stale, air and wash them before you wear them again.
Frequently asked questions
Can you use an old pillowcase
Yes, it is exactly the same principle. A clean, dry cotton pillowcase lets air reach the clothes and keeps dust out, so it works well for a few garments that need to rest for a while.
Does the bag need to be fully closed
A loose ribbon or string is enough. The bag should keep dust and light out, but it should not be airtight, because air needs to move so the moisture is not trapped inside.
Where should the bags be kept
Choose a dry place without big temperature swings, preferably inside your home. Avoid damp rooms and places with strong heat, and keep the bags slightly raised from the floor.
You can find the full range at Bamboo-Clothing.com.
