Despite the fact that we’re living in a technological era, many people still find joy in collecting antiques. Whether you love trawling vintage stores for unique finds or are simply trying to care for your ancestors’ belongings, knowing how to properly store and care for these delicate items is vital to their survival. From books and documents to quilts and entire clothing pieces, time poses a significant risk. Since preserved clothing is quite rare, it is even more fragile; let’s take a look at how you can ensure your great-great-great grandmother’s wedding gown lasts another few decades.
Preserving The Past
Compared to storing papers and photographs, textiles are a bit more complicated. Generally speaking, you can leave your family’s written history in a dry, cool place (below 75 degrees Fahrenheit as this will slow the rate of chemical decay) and not have to worry about it. When it comes to old garments, you’ll need to follow a few simple — but required — steps.
- Keep It Dark: Clothing also shouldn’t be exposed to sunlight, but for slightly different reasons. The UV rays can damage old fabrics to the point where the threading actually rots, so a dark place is essential to preserving them. At the same time, it’s important that you let them breathe; don’t squoosh multiple pieces together. Depending on the type of fabric, the article will either require hanging or need to be laid flat.
- To Hang Or Roll?: Most cotton clothing can be hung on padded hangers and covered with muslin (you can actually make your own loose muslin covers by buying sheets and sewing them together, leaving a hole for the hanger to poke through). You can also roll cotton and linen garments and then wrap them in muslin and pack them away.
Rayon and silk, however, should be folded flat and wrapped individually in tissue paper, then wrapped again in muslin. These materials are so delicate that any garments with heavy embroidery, sequins, or beading must have several layers of tissue paper between the fabric layers. - Wool And Leather Rules: Wollen clothing needs to be stored flat and wrapped in tissue; unless you have cats, mothballs should be stored along with them, but should not be touching the actual fabric.
Leather and suede should be placed on padded hangers and — again — covered with muslin. Any smaller items, such as scarves, can be stored on cardboard tubes providing there’s a layer of muslin between the cardboard and the material.
It isn’t uncommon to come across a beautiful vintage piece of clothing and want to keep it for yourself; antique collecting is rarely practical, so even if you never end up displaying the garment, you’ll be able to enjoy its presence. Whether you find a 117-year-old t-shirt or a Victorian gown, you’ll be able to treasure it for years.
