How to Properly Store Clothing

It’s one thing to own stylish clothing that makes you look as good as you feel. It’s another thing to know how to store your clothing properly. Properly storing your clothing ensures that it doesn’t end up wrinkly or shrunken the next time you need it. Unfortunately, most men don’t know how to care for their wardrobe, especially if that clothing is on the fancier side. Here’s how you can store your clothing items smartly and safely every time.

Storing Shirts

Folding up your T-shirts and casual upper wear is quick, easy, and smart. When it comes to storing shirts, remember that typical hangers often stretch out T-shirts and polos, especially those made with cotton or polyester. Your best bet is to fold and stack everyday shirts in a drawer. Avoid over-stacking your shirts as this can also lead to wrinkles.

For dress shirts, hang them using wooden hangers that are about one-fourth of an inch thick. Why? Wooden hangers of this size are very sturdy and allow for adequate air circulation between different garments, thus preventing them from wrinkling or retaining moisture. Avoid wire hangers since these can leave permanent marks on your shirt shoulders.

Hanging Up Trousers Sans Wrinkles

You should also know how to hang up your trousers to look your best. You can easily fold jeans or other casual pants, like golf pants and work khakis, and place them in a drawer like your T-shirts and polos. Remember to fold them carefully so they don’t wrinkle.

Nice trousers or dress pants, like Berle’s Charleston Khakis and Washed Poplin Trousers, are another story. Remember to always hang dressier pants from the hem on a clamp hanger. This is advantageous since it helps the wrinkles fall out over time. Alternatively, fold dress pants in half over a dedicated trouser bar covered with rubber or felt to prevent the pants from slipping or developing creases.

When in doubt, always read the instructions for your tailored pants. They may have specific hanging or dry cleaning instructions to follow for consistent results. For example, Berle’s wool trousers are heavy and need very thick hanger clamps to avoid falling to the ground by accident.

Storing Sportcoats

Sportcoats and blazers are similar to storing dress shirts. Hang them on thick wooden hangers for the best results. If you want your sportcoats and blazers to look even better, choose hangers that are roughly shaped like human shoulders to prevent shape deformation over time.

Ties, Belts, and More

How about accessories? Storing ties is pretty easy: buy a tie rack, hang it in your closet, and place your ties there. If you can’t purchase a rack, roll up individual ties and place them in a compartmentalized, tight drawer. You can do the same thing for belts or hang them in your closet by the hangers.

Shoe Storage Suggestions

Storing your shoes is smart if only to prevent yourself from accidentally tracking mud and germs inside. To store dress shoes properly, place them in cool and well-ventilated spaces. More importantly, clean and condition every pair of leather dress shoes at least once every quarter. If you don’t wear your dress shoes very often, use a cedar shoetree fitted to the dress shoes so they retain their shape without needing to be broken again.

Seasonal Storage

Lastly, keep any seasonal clothes, like raincoats or snow coats, in a front closet by the door. Don’t store these with your nice clothes. Dirt, rain, or snow can get on your dress shirts and trousers, leading to disastrous results.

Sweaters, on the other hand, should never be hung, as it leads to stretching them out. Instead, sort your sweaters by individual material, fold them, and place them in garment boxes with enough ventilation.

Upgrade Your Wardrobe at Berle

There you have it: step-by-step tips to ensure you store all of your clothes properly and for long-term clothing comfort! As a final tip, remember to take your nice clothes to the dry cleaners before hanging them!

If you’re ready to upgrade your look, shop Berle’s tailored pants collections today!