Storing Bamboo Clothing – Fold It or Hang It?
Short answer: Fold most bamboo clothing, and only hang shirts and structured pieces on hangers. Bamboo viscose is heavy and supple, so T-shirts and knitwear can stretch out from hanging. Store your clothes clean, completely dry and with some air around them, and they will stay fresh.
Folding: the safe choice
T-shirts, underwear, nightwear and knitwear are best kept folded in a drawer or on a shelf. The weight of the fabric itself can stretch the shoulders and length if it hangs on a hanger for a long time.
Roll instead of fold
Underwear and socks can be rolled rather than folded. That way you can see everything at once when you open the drawer, and there are no sharp creases in the fabric. Rolled T-shirts are also handy when travelling, because they take up little room in a suitcase and crease less along the way.
Hangers: for shirts
A bamboo shirt for men hangs best on a wide hanger that supports the shoulders. Fasten the top buttons so the collar keeps its shape, and give the shirt room so it is not squeezed between other clothes. Creases then drop out on their own, and ironing is rarely needed.
Dresses and dressing gowns
Dresses and a dressing gown also hang well, as long as the hanger is wide and shaped to the shoulders. If a dress is very long or heavy, it can be folded over the crossbar of the hanger to spread the weight. The dressing gown can simply hang on a hook when it is in daily use.
Choose the right hanger
Never use thin wire hangers for bamboo clothing. They leave bumps and marks in the smooth fabric and give the shoulders no support. Wooden or padded hangers are the best choice. Hangers with a non slip surface stop the smooth fabric from sliding off and ending up at the bottom of the wardrobe.
Give your clothes some air
Let clothes hang and lie with some space around them. A crammed wardrobe causes creases, and moisture cannot escape. Bamboo viscose is breathable, but it needs air to circulate if it is to stay fresh. Clear out now and then, so the clothes you actually wear get the room they need.
Only clean and fully dry clothing
Only put away clothing that is clean and completely dry. Sweat, skin residue and moisture attract odours and pests, and even slightly damp clothing can develop a musty smell in a closed drawer. If in doubt, let it dry a little longer, especially in winter, when things dry more slowly indoors.
Moths and odours
Bamboo viscose is less prone to moths than wool, because it does not contain the proteins that moth larvae feed on. Even so, a lavender bag or a piece of cedar wood in the drawer can be a good idea, especially if you keep wool nearby. It also adds a fresh scent without perfumed sprays.
Seasonal storage
Clothing that will be stored for a longer period is best kept in breathable cotton bags or fabric boxes. Avoid plastic bags, which trap moisture and can cause yellow marks. Wash the clothing before packing it away, and fold it loosely rather than pressing it down. Then it is ready to wear when the season changes.
Watch out for light and heat
Store clothing in a dark, cool place. Direct sunlight can fade colours over time, especially dark and strong shades, and heat from a radiator can dry out the fibres. An ordinary wardrobe or a chest of drawers placed a little away from the window is usually perfectly fine for bamboo clothing. See also bamboo underwear and complete washing guide for bamboo clothing.
Frequently asked questions
Can bamboo T-shirts hang on a hanger?
For a short time, yes, but over longer periods the weight of the fabric can stretch the shoulders and length. It is better to fold them and keep them in a drawer or on a shelf.
Which hanger is best for bamboo clothing?
A wide wooden hanger or a padded hanger that supports the shoulders. Avoid thin wire hangers, which leave marks and bumps in the smooth fabric and give no support.
How should I store bamboo clothing between seasons?
Wash and dry the clothing thoroughly, fold it loosely, and place it in a breathable cotton bag. Avoid plastic bags, and store it somewhere dark, cool and dry.
See our range of Copenhagen Bamboo.
