Coats are significant investments in both style and function, often made from delicate materials like wool, leather, or down. Knowing how to properly store coats is crucial for preserving their shape, preventing damage from pests, and ensuring they are ready to wear season after season. Simply shoving a winter coat into the back of a closet or a plastic bin can lead to permanent wrinkles, mildew, and moth damage. This guide provides a detailed, material-specific approach to preparing, storing, and organizing your outerwear collection.
Phase One: Preparation is Paramount
The single most important step in learning how to store coats is thorough preparation. Any residual dirt, body oils, or food stains can attract pests and cause permanent discoloration over time.
Clean and Repair Before Storage
Every coat must be cleaned before it is put away for the season. Follow the care label carefully: dry-clean wool and leather, and wash synthetics according to instructions. Ensure the coat is completely dry before storage, as even slight dampness can lead to mold and a persistent musty odor. Take the time to repair any loose buttons, tears, or broken zippers, as these minor issues can worsen during storage.
The Essential Pre-Storage Checklist
This checklist ensures that every coat is ready for its long rest, protecting it from the most common storage hazards.
|
Step |
Action |
Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| Clean | Dry-clean or wash all coats; ensure they are 100% dry. | Prevents pest attraction and mold growth. |
| Repair | Fix all minor damage (buttons, seams, zippers). | Stops small problems from becoming major damage. |
| Air Out | Hang the coat in a well-ventilated area for 24-48 hours. | Removes residual odors and ensures complete dryness. |
| Empty Pockets | Remove all items from pockets (keys, tissues, coins). | Prevents misshaping and avoids stains from forgotten items. |
| Protect | Use a breathable garment bag (cotton or muslin). | Shields from dust and pests while allowing the fabric to breathe. |
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Phase Two: Material-Specific Storage Techniques
Different coat materials require vastly different storage methods. What works for a synthetic puffer can ruin a fine wool trench coat. Understanding these nuances is key to knowing how to store coats correctly.
Wool and Cashmere Coats
Wool and cashmere are natural fibers that are highly susceptible to moth damage and stretching. They should be stored with care to maintain their shape. For long-term storage, it is generally safer to fold wool coats with acid-free tissue paper to prevent the weight of the coat from stretching the shoulders. If you must hang them, use a sturdy, wide, padded hanger to distribute the weight evenly.
Down and Puffer Coats
The primary concern with down coats is preserving the loft and insulating properties of the filling. Never use vacuum-seal bags for long-term storage of down or feather-filled coats. Compression can permanently damage the down clusters, reducing the coat’s warmth and puffiness. Instead, hang them in a breathable garment bag or loosely fold them into a large storage container.
Leather and Suede Coats
Leather and suede need to breathe and must be protected from moisture and extreme temperatures. Never store them in plastic garment bags or airtight containers, as this can trap humidity and cause mildew or cracking. Hang leather coats on wide, padded hangers to prevent creasing. Ensure they are stored in a cool, dry, and dark environment, away from direct sunlight which can cause fading and drying.
|
Coat Material |
Cleaning Method | Storage Method | Container Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wool/Cashmere | Dry-clean only | Fold with acid-free tissue or hang on padded hanger. | Breathable cotton garment bag. |
| Down/Puffer | Machine wash (gentle cycle, special detergent) or dry-clean. | Hang or loosely fold; avoid compression. | Large, breathable storage box or garment bag. |
| Leather/Suede | Professional leather cleaner only. | Hang on wide, padded hanger; avoid folding. | Breathable cotton garment bag (never plastic). |
| Fur/Faux Fur | Professional furrier or specialist cleaner. | Hang on wide hanger; plenty of space around the garment. | Breathable garment bag; consider cold storage. |
Phase Three: Choosing the Right Storage Location
The environment where you store coats is just as important as the container. Fluctuations in temperature and humidity are the enemy of all fabrics, especially natural ones.
Avoid the Extremes
Attics, basements, and garages are generally unsuitable for long-term coat storage. Attics get too hot, which can weaken fibers, and basements are often too humid, leading to mold and mildew . The ideal location is a cool, dark, and dry interior closet. If you must use a less-than-ideal space, invest in high-quality, opaque plastic bins with tight-fitting lids and use desiccant packets to control the micro-environment.
Pest Prevention: The Natural Way
Moths and other pests are attracted to dirty fibers. Since you have already cleaned your coats, the next step is to use natural repellents. Cedar blocks, cedar hangers, or sachets of dried lavender are excellent, non-toxic alternatives to mothballs. Mothballs contain harsh chemicals that leave a strong, unpleasant odor and can be toxic. Cedar is a natural repellent that also imparts a fresh scent.
Phase Four: Organization for Daily and Seasonal Use
Knowing how to store coats also involves managing the coats you use daily, especially in high-traffic areas like the entryway. Efficient organization can maximize space and keep your home tidy.
Hanging vs. Folding for Storage
The decision to hang or fold should be based on the coat’s material and the duration of storage. For off-season storage, the following guidelines apply:
|
Storage Method |
Best For |
Why This Method Works |
|---|---|---|
| Hanging | Structured coats (blazers, trenches), leather, down, and fur. | Maintains the garment’s tailored shape and prevents permanent creasing. |
| Folding | Heavy knits, wool sweaters, and coats made of durable synthetic materials. | Prevents stretching and distortion of the shoulders caused by the coat’s weight. |
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Entryway Organization for Small Spaces
For the coats you wear daily, an organized entryway is essential. When a traditional closet is not available, vertical and multi-functional storage solutions are the best approach.
|
Organization Solution |
Description |
Space-Saving Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Wall-Mounted Hook Rack | A simple rail with sturdy hooks mounted at a comfortable height. | Utilizes vertical wall space; keeps coats off chairs and floors. |
| Hall Tree or Garment Rack | A freestanding unit with hooks, a bench, and often a shelf. | Combines seating, storage, and hanging space in one footprint. |
| Over-the-Door Organizer | Hooks or pockets that hang over the back of a closet or room door. | Uses unused space behind a door; ideal for lighter jackets and accessories. |
| Floating Shelves with Hooks | A combination of a high shelf for storage and hooks mounted beneath. | Maximizes vertical space by providing storage above and hanging below. |
FAQs
Q1: What is the best way to store coats in small homes?
Use wall hooks, slim hangers, and over-the-door organisers to save space.
Q2: Should coats be stored folded or hung?
Most coats should be hung to maintain their shape, especially heavy or wool coats.
Q3: How do I store coats during summer?
Clean them first, use garment bags, and store them in a cool, dry place.
Q4: Can coats be stored in plastic bags?
Breathable garment bags are better, as plastic can trap moisture.
Q5: How often should coat storage be reorganised?
Reorganise seasonally to keep frequently used coats easily accessible.
Final Thoughts
Knowing how to store coats properly makes your home more organised and functional. With simple storage solutions and seasonal planning, coats can be kept neat, protected, and easy to access. A well-organised coat storage system saves time, space, and effort throughout the year.
