Should clothes be packed in paper or plastic for storage

Short answer: Short answer: Paper lets moisture escape, plastic seals it in. If the garment is completely dry, plastic is tight and good against dust and moths. With even a little moisture, plastic causes smell and stains.

Plastic seals moisture in

A half dry garment in a sealed bag smells musty within a week, because the moisture has nowhere to go inside the closed space. Stains that develop in that closed space can be difficult to remove afterward. See bamboo clothing for women.

Paper breathes

Acid free paper lets moisture escape through the fibers while also protecting against dust that would otherwise settle on the fabric. It is the safest choice whenever you are unsure the garment is completely dry. See bamboo t-shirt for women.

Newspaper transfers ink

Print ink from newspapers can transfer onto light colored fabrics, especially if a little moisture is present in the storage space. Always use clean, uncolored paper instead of old newspaper for valuable garments. See bamboo underwear for women.

Fully dry is the prerequisite

Whichever method you choose, the garment needs to be dry all the way through before it goes into storage for a longer period. Even a small trace of moisture in a thick seam can cause problems months later. See bamboo socks for women.

Moths prefer undisturbed fabric

Moths seek out fabric that sits still for a long time without being moved or aired out in between. Shake and turn stored garments a couple of times a year, even while they stay packed away. See bamboo clothing for women.

Zip lock bags work best for dry items

If you choose plastic, use bags with a zip seal rather than ordinary bags, so you can close them tightly against dust and insects. Check the contents a couple of times a year just to be safe. See bamboo t-shirt for women.

Cotton bags are a middle ground

A bag made of cotton fabric breathes like paper but is more durable and can be reused year after year without falling apart. It is a good choice for garments you repack often during the year. See bamboo underwear for women.

Where you store it matters too

An attic or basement with changing humidity places higher demands on packaging than a dry, temperate room inside the home. Know the conditions where the garment will sit before choosing a storage method. See bamboo socks for women.

Label the box or bag

Write the contents and date on the outside, so you can keep track of how long something has been stored without opening and closing it repeatedly. It saves time and lowers the risk of forgetting something entirely. See bamboo clothing for women.