13 Ways To Preserve Your Most Expensive Clothing For Longevity

Clothing can cost anywhere from one dollar to thousands of dollars for a single piece. While people often buy affordable clothes, there are still a few special and expensive garments in many closets. If you are one of the millions of people who have purchased an expensive garment or two, you’ll want to do all you can to keep it looking great for a long time.

To ensure your expensive garments last for many years, keep clothing stored in a cool, dry place out of sunlight. Use quality hangers for these garments, and consider using garment bags or vacuum-sealed bags to keep them protected. Clean and store your seasonal clothing to extend its life and free up space in your closet. Opt for high-quality fabrics, and remember, each material type has specific needs.

Many people consider purchasing designer garments and expensive vintage clothing an investment. There is some truth to this, as these pieces can gain value over time, but only if you take excellent care of them. Below is a list of ways to preserve your most expensive garments to ensure they maintain their value and stay in perfect condition for years to come.

13 Great Ways To Help Your Expensive Garments Last Longer 

1. Vacuum Seal Garments When Possible

One great way to protect clothing from the elements and external dangers like moisture, bugs, and sharp objects is to vacuum-seal them. There are many vacuum-sealable plastic bags on the market, and many of them are geared towards storing your clothing for long periods.

Just know that when you vacuum seal garments, it puts some pressure on them. This is fine for more sturdy fabrics like cotton, but may be problematic for your most fragile garments. 

When sealed properly, a vacuum-sealed garment can last much longer than one sitting on a hanger in the closet.

2. Use Quality Hangers 

There are good and bad hangers out there. If you want your expensive clothes to look pristine for many years, then you need to use the right hangers for the job. The perfect hanger depends on the exact type of garment.

There are hangers specifically made for jackets and suits, and also satin hangers for more fragile garments. Cedar hangers help keep pests away, and velvet hangers are also worth using. Just remember that wire and cheap plastic hangers tend to be the worst types you can use.

3. Keep Them Out Of Sunlight

The sun might be great for your tan, but it’s horrible for your clothing. Sunlight will quickly affect the colors of your best clothes, giving the once-vibrant hues a more “washed out” look.

In addition to changing the color of your garment, harmful UV rays can also start to break down the material. This is why you should always store your most expensive clothes out of direct sunlight. A dark walk-in closet with artificial lighting is ideal.

4. Purchase Garment Bags For Your Favorite Pieces

While vacuum sealing only works on some garments, a garment bag is almost always a good idea. Garment bags are great because they add a layer of protection over your favorite pieces.

This helps prevent stains, snagging, and other potential issues that can ruin your clothing. While they provide protection, they also usually allow your garment room to breathe. This makes them great at preventing mold and mildew, and is perfect for bejeweled and intricate pieces that shouldn’t be sealed too tightly. There are different garment bags for each type of garment, so ensure you buy the right ones.

5. Use A Dehumidifier

Humidity is the enemy of fabric, especially expensive fabric that you want to keep for a lifetime. If you live in a home with higher-than-normal humidity, then you should invest in a dehumidifier. Ensure the dehumidifier is close enough to the closet where you keep your expensive clothes. Also, ensure the door is opened from time to time so humidity is never trapped. You may also want to relocate your most expensive clothes to the least humid room in the home.

6. Hand Wash And Dry Clean Instead Of Using A Machine 

Remember that the way you wash your clothing can impact its longevity just as much as the way you store it. Using a washing machine is convenient, and there is even a gentle setting on most washers, but it isn’t always the best option.

Some expensive clothes should only be dry cleaned, and others are fragile and are best hand-washed in your sink. Always check the care instructions. If you really love a one-of-a-kind garment, then always use the safest cleaning method, as this can significantly extend its lifespan.

7. Choose A Cool Space

Clothes should also be kept in a cool space and out of any area with high heat or extreme temperature fluctuations. High heat can cause materials to break down and deteriorate. Cooler spaces also tend to have fewer bugs, including moths. Finding a cool space will help prevent any unnecessary fabric deterioration.

8. Opt For An Area With Good Circulation

In addition to a cool and dry space, you should always ensure there is air circulation wherever you store your expensive clothes. Air circulation helps prevent all sorts of issues, especially mold and mildew. If you have ever had leather goods turn moldy, then you know how important circulation is.

Don’t overstuff your closet, and consider placing a fan near the closet to promote a breeze.

9. Never Store Clothing On The Ground

The ground is a place you should never store expensive clothing, accessories, or footwear that you want to keep for a long time. Pipes can burst, liquids can spill, and heavy items can fall. All of these scenarios will result in your precious garments being ruined. Always elevate your valuable clothing and accessories.

10. Different Materials Have Different Needs

While you should always keep garments in a cool, dry, and dark place, remember that different materials have different needs. Leather needs very different maintenance from silk or cotton.

Since each fabric has specific requirements for longevity, consider grouping your expensive clothing by fabric and material type. This will ensure you care for each group properly, and at the same time.

11. Check Clothing Regularly And Inspect Each Garment

One of the best ways to keep expensive clothing looking great for many years is to maintain and keep a close eye on it. A garment that stays hidden for years can develop more issues than one you inspect once a year.

As you go through your clothes during seasonal cleaning sprees, take the time to go through your favorite pieces. Repair anything that’s damaged, and see if there are better ways to store garments than the methods you are currently using.

12. Clean Seasonal Garments Before Storing Them

Storing clothes you don’t plan to wear for an entire season is a good idea. It allows you to seal them and store your seasonal garments somewhere safe. It also frees up more space in your closet for your garments to breathe. 

As you store your expensive garments away for several months, first ensure they are cleaned and dry. This will prevent any issues from developing while they are in storage.

13. Choose Quality Fabrics To Ensure Longevity

Lastly, remember that the best way to keep your expensive clothing for many years is to choose products that are built to last. Just because something is expensive doesn't mean it is built to last. There are plenty of $1,000 T-shirts out there that aren’t meant to last a generation.

If you are looking to buy a few nice garments to last you many years, choose sturdy materials like leather and thick fabrics that can stand the test of time.

Opt for trusted luxury brands that have been in business for a long time, with garments that have lasted just as long. This is a great way to ensure you get your money’s worth for your priciest clothes.

Wrapping Up Preserving Your Expensive Clothes For Longevity

If you have purchased some expensive garments as an investment, then you must treat them with the same care you’d treat any other investment. Keep these garments in a cool and dry place out of direct sunlight. Choose somewhere that has good circulation and plenty of space. Use garment bags to protect clothes, and opt for quality hangers. Never store clothes on the ground, and remember to clean seasonal garments before storing them away.

Related Guides:

• How To Keep Your Clothing Wrinkle-Free Without An Iron
• Tips To Store Your Seasonal Clothing
• How To Decrease Humidity In The Home Without A Dehumidifier