Select the appropriate hanger based on the style and weight of the garment, as follows:

1. Plastic Tubular Hangers provide minimal support for tightly woven lightweight shirts and blouses.
2. Padded, Shaped, Suit Hangers are for sheer fabric blouses, dresses, jackets, suits, and tailored garments.
3. Traditional hangers with an enlarged, rounded, horizontal bar are appropriate for folded slacks or pants.
4. Knitted garments should be folded and never hung.
5. Hanging can cause the garment to stretch out of shape.
6. Always use fabric support straps or loops, and when necessary sew additional straps to garments, to reduce stress. These straps help to distribute the garment weight and minimize the distortion of the garment in areas, such as the neckline.
7. Hang slacks or pants from the cuff or hem, or fold over the rounded horizontal bar of a pant hanger. This type of hanger will prevent the pants from developing crease at the thigh.
8. Avoid wire hangers, unless they are covered. Wire hangers can rust and stain fabric, and the metal edges can snag the fabric.
9. Provide enough space between hanging garments to allow the garment to hang naturally, and air to flow around the garment. Allowing space also prevents wrinkles and garment distortion.
10. Use garment fasteners at the neckline of a dress or blouse/shirt, and at the waistline of skirts and slacks to keep them positioned well on the hanger.
11. Make sure the storage area is clean. The storage area should undergo a thorough cleaning annually (i.e. vacuuming, dusting, airing-out, etc.).
12. Potpourri and sachets can provide a pleasant odor in a small the storage area. However, to prevent spots and stains, avoid any direct contact between these materials and the stored garments.

Folded storage is used for items such as sweaters, knitwear, stretchy clothing, or delicate and fragile apparel that cannot/should not be hung.

1. Use white tissue paper between garment folds to prevent creasing.
2. Do not fold the garments the same way each time, to help prevent permanent creasing.
3. Roll items such as underwear and socks, rather than folding. This will minimize storage space and reduce wrinkling.
4. Painted closet shelves, or drawer liners will help prevent garment snags and protect garments from the natural oils of unfinished wood.
5. Always stack folded garments with the heaviest on the bottom.
6. Avoid stacking folded garments that have a tendency to crease.
7. Clean and air out the storage area at least once a year.
8. Potpourri and sachets can be used to provide a pleasant odor to a small storage area. However, avoid any direct contact between these materials and the stored garments.

Short term storage is for clothes that are worn frequently. Proper handling can extend the life of the apparel and reduce the number of needed launderings and dry cleanings. Make the best possible use of existing storage space by installing shelving and accessories to add more functionality to your storage areas.

1. Give garments a chance to air overnight before storing in a closet or drawer. This allows excess moisture trapped in the clothes a chance to evaporate and will also reduce wrinkling.
2. Try to allow all wearable items, including footwear, at least one day rest between wearings.
3. Use a brush to lightly whisk winter clothes and outerwear, especially woolen items, after each wearing and in between cleanings. This will help keep them fresher for a longer period of time.
4. Remove all jewelry, such as pins, from all clothing, and check all pockets before storing. Leaving items on the apparel or in pockets can create a drag on the garment and cause fabric distortion.
5. Always secure at least the top fastener on each garment to help maintain the item´s original shape and prevent further distortion.
6. After wearing clothes and before storing, determine the need for laundering or dry cleaning.
7. Remove all spots and stains and launder or dry clean as soon as possible. Delays can make stains more difficult to remove, or may even cause stains to become permanent.
8. Store frequently worn items in the most accessible places within the storage area.
9. To make accessorizing more convenient, store items such as jewelry, belts, and scarves in one place. Keep storage area away from heat and light.
10. Exposure to direct sunlight and artificial light can cause some dyes to fade. Make sure clothing is completely dry before storing. Moisture can cause mildew to form.
11. Clean out storage area at least once a year, and allow closets and drawers to air out.

Seasonal storage is for winter or summer clothing during the off season.

1. Garments should be cleaned before storage. Many foods and beverages leave yellow stains behind as they age. Stains can also attract insects that may damage the fabric while feeding on the stain.
2. Either launder or dry clean all clothing prior to storage. Use only appropriate laundry detergents for washing. Avoid using soap, chlorine bleach, starch, garment sizing, or fabric softeners. Rinse all washed garments thoroughly. If some items require the use of a fabric softener before wearing again, wait until the garments are unpacked at the end of seasonal storage. You can put them through a rinse or dry cycle with the added fabric softener prior to returning the items to use.
3. Avoid storage space where garments can be exposed to potential problems, like the heat of an attic, moisture of a basement, or the grease and fumes of a garage. Any storage area should be cleaned and vacuumed before storing clothes.
4. Do not allow the stored items exposure to sunlight or artificial light, which can cause some dyes to fade or yellow.
5. Do not use plastic bags for storing clothes. The plastic prevents air circulation, and allows moisture to collect and mildew may form. Canvas garment bags with cedar tops and bottoms provide great storage protection. These bags are available in a variety of sizes for both hanging and flat storage items. It´s important to allow all fabrics to breathe. Use packing material that also breathe, like white tissue paper or clean sheets/pillow cases.
6. Suitcases make great temporary storage containers. By placing folded items inside pillowcases or sheets, they can be easily removed when the suitcases are needed for travel.
7. For flat storage, fold as little as necessary, and fold on seams as much as possible. Don´t overstuff your storage container.
8. If storage space at home is insufficient, talk to your local dry cleaner. Some companies offer seasonal garment storage.
9. The best way to avoid moth or insect damage is to store cleaned items in a clean, well ventilated area. If using moth balls or moth crystals, suspend them in a mesh bag from the top of the storage container, and allow the fumes to filter downward. Never allow the clothes to touch the bag of moth balls. Be sure to carefully read and follow the product instructions on the moth balls or crystals. Avoid inhaling the vapors, which may be toxic to humans.
10. When items are removed from storage, air out the clothes thoroughly before returning them to you closet or drawers.
11. Often unwanted wrinkles can easily be removed from stored items made from wool, wool blends, or specialty hair fibers, by hanging them in the bathroom and allowing the steam from a shower to relax the wrinkles. After steaming, allow the items to hang overnight. Any unwanted creases that remain can be gently pressed out.

Long-term storage can be used for heirloom/keepsake garments or for clothes in which the time in between wearings can range from one year to several years in length. Some examples of these items include: wedding dresses, maternity clothes, baby clothes, holiday garments, and costumes.

1. Garments should be completely cleaned (laundered or dry cleaned) before storing. Use only appropriate laundry detergents for washing. Avoid using soap, chlorine bleach, starch, garment sizing, or fabric softeners. Rinse all washed garments thoroughly.
2. Carefully select the method of storing (hanging or flat). Use Only Acid-Free and Archival-Safe Packing Materials for storing these items. Acid-free boxes and tissue paper can be purchased from office supply stores, Internet resources, and dry cleaners that specialize in the cleaning and preserving of heirloom fabrics.
3. Wrap the fabrics in the Acid-Free Tissue Before Folding. The tissue paper cushions the fabric and helps to guard against sharp creases, which can break and damage individual fibers of the fabric. Bodices or other curved areas of a garment should be stuffed with acid-free tissue paper. Heirlooms and keepsakes should be stored by themselves, not with other garments.
4. Carefully select the storage container that will provide the garments inside with the best protection. Lightweight plastic boxes that sturdy, waterproof, and vented is a good choice for garments made from fibers, other than wool, wool blends, and specialty hair fibers.
5. Store woolen items in a tightly sealed cedar chest or cedar enclosed trunk in which the cedar is at least 3/4" (2 cm.) thick.
6. Line the chest with a clean white sheet that has been laundered several times to totally rid the fabric of all chlorine bleach, soap and detergent residue, and fabric softeners. Use the acid-free tissue paper or the freshly laundered white muslin sheeting as packing material. Do not use plastic bags, as these can trap moisture and cause mildew to form or cause the yellowing of fabrics.
7. Carefully label all storage containers with a list of the contents and the date.
8. Carefully select a storage area where there are no extreme temperature or atmospheric conditions. Storage in basements, attics, and garages can expose the stored items to extreme temperatures, dampness and humidity, and grease and undesirable fumes. (The ideal storage conditions are a temperature of about 75 degrees F, and a relative humidity of 55 percent.)
9. When items are removed from storage, air out the clothes for several days before using. Garments can be freshened up by laundering or dry cleaning. Heirloom items that have been stored for a number of years may need to be lightly vacuumed through a mesh screen, and then aired out.
10. Often unwanted wrinkles can be easily removed from stored items made from wool, wool blends, or specialty hair fibers, by hanging them in the bathroom and allowing the steam from a shower to relax the wrinkles. After steaming, allow the items to hang overnight. Any unwanted creases that remain can be gently pressed out.

Yellowing and fabric deterioration are common problems that can occur as white garments age. Although there is no way to completely guarantee the prevention of this damage, there are things that can be done to keep the deterioration to a minimum.

1. A wedding gown can be properly stored either in a box or on a hanger.
2. If you are boxing your gown for storage, have your dry cleaner pack the gown in a special storage box that will help prevent contamination. Insist on being present when your gown is packaged so that you can personally observe your cleaned gown being folded and packed into the box. (There have been reported cases of the fraudulent packaging of wedding gowns.)
3. If you are hanging a long gown for storage, attach straps to the waistline of the dress to reduce the stress of the long heavy skirt on the shoulders of the gown, and reduce the possibility of distorting the neckline of the dress. Then protect the gown by wrapping it in a white sheet or muslin fabric.
4. Use Only Acid-Free and Archival-Safe Packing Materials - Acid-free boxes and tissue paper can be purchased from office supply stores, Internet resources, and dry cleaners that specialize in the cleaning and preserving heirloom fabrics.
5. Wrap Fabrics in Acid-Free Tissue Before Folding - The tissue paper cushions the fabric and helps guard against sharp creases, which can break and damage individual fibers of the fabric. Bodices or other curved areas of a garment should be stuffed with acid-free tissue paper to prevent creasing.
6. Do Not Use Metal Clips or Pins - Safety pins and paper clips can rust over time. Rust stains on fabrics can be impossible to remove.
7. Never Store in Plastic Bags - Plastic bags are petroleum-based products. Plastic can break down over time giving off chemicals and fumes that can discolor and destroy fabrics.
8. Do Not Use Plastic Storage Boxes - Plastic storage boxes are popular today. While these may be great for storing seasonal clothes, they are not appropriate for long-term storage of heirloom textiles.
9. The boxed or hung wedding gown should be stored in a cool, dry place. Do not store in a damp basement or a hot, humid attic. Mildew and fabric yellowing can result from storing a wedding gown in improper temperatures and atmospheric conditions. To prevent damage to the fabric, any fabric-covered buttons, pins, perspiration shields, and foam padding should be removed from the gown and stored separately. Store all headpieces, veils, shoes, and accessories separately from the wedding gown.
10. Check your gown occasionally for damage while in storage. Stains that weren't apparent in the be beginning, can appear at a later dated and should be treated immediately.
11. Labeling - Special care should be taken when labeling precious fabrics. Use either an acid-free paper card or a cut piece of cotton fabric. Write the information on the card or fabric using an indelible marking pen. Do not use a felt-tip or ball-point pen, since the inks from these pens can run, discolor, or fade onto the fabric. Attach these identification labels to the appropriate items in an inconspicuous place, using a needle and a strong cotton thread. Protect From Sunlight and Artificial Light - Sunlight and artificial light sources can cause degradation and fading of heirloom textiles. If items are displayed on the wall or framed behind glass, keep them away from sunlight and areas with direct artificial light.

When considering the care and storage of keepsakes, family heirlooms and collectibles - it is important to realize that, while the effects of time cannot be entirely stopped - it is possible, through proper care and storage methods - to greatly slow the process.

1. Always wash your hands before handling items - or wear white cotton gloves. The natural oils our skin produce are acidic and when transferred to the fabric can cause harm and in addition attract and hold dust and dirt - which will cause further staining and eventual deterioration due to the 'shredding' effect of the dust and dirt particles on the fabric. Hand cremes and lotions can do the same thing. Photographs and collectibles made of glass and silver will also be affected by the oils, cremes and lotions.
2. Breathable storage is always best and will help to avoid damage due to mold & mildew growth. Airtight storage is only advisable if you can keep the humidity stable with desiccants and careful monitoring. Always use a desiccant such as silica gel in safes and airtight storage or display boxes or cases.
3. Keep your collection out of direct sunlight - reasonable ambient light is fine. When considering display areas avoid very bright rooms and areas opposite south, east or west facing windows. UV protected lighting is recommended if you wish to light a display - halogen spots are a good choice - check that the packaging affirms UV filtering.
4. Keep temperatures fairly steady - in the moderate range usual in homes. Avoid the basement, the garage, the attic and self-storage units. To be safest, always store items in the climate-controlled living areas of your home. A closet with no exterior walls is ideal - as the interior walls do not have the temperature fluctuation possible along outer walls. Temperature fluctuation not only creates the possibility of moisture damage due to condensation - but also actually weakens fibers of textiles through the expansion and contraction caused by alternate heating and cooling.
5. Humidity should also be kept at moderate levels - the average home is usually between 40 and 60 percent relative humidity - just fine for most textiles and collectibles. If you live in an area of the country with higher than average humidity - you may wish to look into desiccants for storage. If relative humidity in your area is often above 60%, you should monitor humidity and use desiccants if indicated. Conversely - if you live in an very dry area and you have wooden and fabric heirlooms - a humidifier will be helpful.
6. Surface clean textiles whenever possible. Use a soft cloth and plain water to gently blot the stain away - if necessary move on to gentle rubbing and/or a small amount of your favorite gentle fabric cleaner. Orvus makes a product highly favored by quilt collectors and conservators. LeBlanc Linen Wash is excellent - and is recommended by leading producers of fine linens. Blot all traces of cleaner away with fresh water on a clean cloth. If storing, allow item to air dry thoroughly before wrapping in archival tissue. Items MUST be clean before storing - otherwise residual organic matter may attract harmful pests. A collection displayed in the open can be gently vacuumed with a cheesecloth covered vacuum nozzle. Stain removal techniques are specific for stain and material - consult any one of the many good books available at your public library.
7. When preparing for extended storage - remove all pins, buttons or other ornaments made of metal and store with instructions for reattaching. This obviously does not apply in the case of some collectibles - leave the button in the ear of Steiff teddies, for example - but will avoid the possibility of oxidation damage if the metal were to age while in contact with the item.
8. Do not display or store directly on wooden or untested paper surfaces. Woods are acidic and contain lignin - which will cause aging and discoloration. Wooden surfaces meant for display can be sealed with an poly or acrylic-based sealant - or covered with a glass shelf . If you store your collection or heirlooms in a cedar chest or on wooden shelves - provide a buffer layer of acid-free tissue. The lovely cedar aroma which clothes moth avoid is borne in the wood's oil - and that oil - besides being acidic can actually cause staining and discoloration.
9. Be mindful of the possibility of insect damage - but do not use poisonous mothballs. Besides the fact that the odor is repugnant and they are dangerous for children and pets - they also kill - rather than repel the clothes moth. This may seem to be something we do not need to concern ourselves with - but the clothes moth is - in fact - a very large member of the planet's food chain. Herbal repellents containing lavendin have been shown to be very effective repellents - and they have the added benefit of adding lovely fragrance and freshness.
10. Protect your textile heirlooms from airborne dust and dirt with some sort of barrier. Frames, glass display cabinets and collectible boxes and cases are all good ideas. Dust particles are like tiny knives, shredding fibers&emdash;airborne cooking oils and other substances can also cause damage and discoloration. For this reason avoid the kitchen area all together as a display area. You do not want the stuff you wipe off of your fridge top affecting your treasures!
11. Inspect your collection visually - ideally four times a year. Season's change is a good reminder. This careful monitoring is your best protection - it will give you early warning of trouble and allow you to take corrective measures if needed. Textiles should be periodically refolded along different lines after inspection and 3-D textile toys should be put back in a slightly different position after each inspection. This will distribute pressure evenly over time to make seams and fabric last longer. Use acid-free tissue for support and interleaving. You should, of course, also make a video inventory for insurance purposes and store away from your home. Insurance riders may be needed for very valuable items.
12. Be sure of the archival qualities of plastics used for storage! Both films and molded plastics frequently have plasticizers and/or coatings added to facilitate the manufacturing process - these plasticizers can leach out overtime and damage your keepsakes and collectibles. Products should be acid & PVC-free, uncoated, chemically stable and completely inert. Sterilite® boxes are ideal - as they are made of cast polypropylene - which is an inert material used for archival applications. Look on the product for a 'PP' or the number 5 encircled as the recycling code. Do not use zipper-type clear bags. Many contain Saran® - a form of polyvinyl chloride called PVCd which - while fine for short - term food storage - will eventually out gas and leach. The bags also will become powdery and brittle with age.