Vacuum bags and what they do to clothes
Short answer: Vacuum bags save space, but they press knit flat and can leave creases that stay. Use them for short periods, not for years.
Space against shape
The air pressed out is also what keeps knit lofty. After months in a bag the fabric lies flat. See bamboo sweatshirts for women.
Moisture has to go first
If the clothing is not completely dry, the moisture stays in the bag. That causes odour and in the worst case mould. See bamboo clothing for women.
Better for thick items than thin
Duvets and thick jumpers handle it better than thin t-shirts, which get sharp creases. See bamboo t-shirts for women.
Air the clothes after the bag
Hang the clothes in open air for a day after vacuum storage. Most creases drop out. See bamboo underwear for women.
Frequently asked questions
Are vacuum bags harmful to clothing?
Not in the short term. Over months, knit can go flat and develop creases that stay.
What should not go in a vacuum bag?
Damp clothing and thin knitted items you want to wear straight afterwards.
How do you get the creases out again?
Hang the clothes in open air for a day, ideally in a steamy bathroom.
