What tolerates lying for a long time
Short answer: Woven garments without elastane last the longest. Anything with elastane loses its stretch over time, however well it is stored. Here is what lasts, what does not, and how to use your clothes in the right order.
What lasts many years
Woven cotton, linen and canvas without stretch last many years. The fibres barely change from lying still in dark, dry conditions, and a sheet can lie for ten years without damage. That holds as long as it is clean, dry and kept somewhere where damp and heat do not swing much.
Why fabric without stretch lasts
A woven fabric without elastane has no parts that break down from oxygen or heat in the same way. The threads hold together whether the garment is used or not. That is why bedding, tea towels and woven shirts are among the things that store best. They do not change unless damp or pests get to them.
What loses its stretch
Anything with elastane loses its stretch. The elastane threads break down slowly from heat and oxygen, and the process continues even when the garment is not used. That means a garment can lose some of its stretch while it sits in the wardrobe. It is not a fault, but a property of the material. Read more about bamboo loungewear for men.
Why elastane ages
Elastane is a thin thread that gives stretch, and it ages from heat, light and oxygen. The process does not stop just because the garment lies in a bag. It goes slower when it is cool and dark, but it does not stop completely. That is why it is wise to wear garments with elastane fairly soon after you buy them.
How to prioritise
Use what has elastane first and save the woven items without stretch for last. If you buy a stock of underwear, use it in the order you bought it, instead of letting the bottom ones lie for years. Put the oldest on top and the newest at the bottom. Read more about bamboo homewear and bamboo tank tops for men.
How long elastane lasts in a wardrobe
Some years, but heat shortens the time considerably. If clothes are kept cold and dark, they last longer than in a warm room. Exact figures depend on the material, the heat and how much air reaches it, so there is no single answer. Bear in mind that it is not forever, and use the clothes regularly.
Can underwear lie for several years
Yes, but the stretch will not be the same. A garment that has lain for a long time can feel different when you take it out, because the elastane has lost some of its strength. It may still be perfectly usable, but do not expect it to behave as it did when new.
What about bedding
Woven bedding without stretch can lie for a very long time. Wash it, dry it fully and put it in a fabric bag or a closed cupboard. Then it can lie for many years, and you have a stock that is ready when you need it. Check it once a year and air it if it smells stale.
How to store everything
Whatever is stored, the same basic rules apply: clean, completely dry, not stuffed and somewhere without big temperature swings. Fabric lets air move and keeps dust out. Write on a note what is inside and when it was packed, so you can easily use it in the right order.
Frequently asked questions
How long does elastane last in a wardrobe
Some years. Heat shortens the time considerably, so a cold, dark place lasts longer than a warm room. Use clothes with elastane first, and save woven items without stretch for last.
Can you store underwear for several years
Yes, but the stretch will not be the same. The elastane loses some strength over time, even when the garment lies still, so a garment stored for a long time may feel different.
What about bedding
Woven bedding without stretch can lie for a very long time. It should be clean and completely dry, and is best kept in a fabric bag or closed cupboard without big temperature swings.
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