The Best Way to Store Seasonal Clothing Using Cotton Covers

It is a universal truth that the most tedious task of all is the seasonal wardrobe change every six months to accommodate Mother Nature on her quest to make one as uncomfortable as possible. Be it scorching heat, freezing winters or even just the wedding season, we need clothes for all eventualities, and those clothes need to be stored when not in use. Taking proper care of clothes is essential for the longevity of our clothing, especially in storage, and cotton is one of the best materials for preserving clothes. It is light and breathable. It leaves no scent behind, unlike its plastic and polyester counterparts that develop a strange chemical scent in long-term storage. Cotton is hypoallergenic; thus, it can be used to store your clothes without the worry of any allergic reactions to unknown substances present in your home. It is biodegradable and a renewable resource that you can use guilt-free in the knowledge that your choices are sustainable and environmentally friendly.

Clothes Covers For Closets - 

Due to its breathability, cotton is the ideal option when it comes to expensive or delicate fabrics like silk that deteriorate fast if there is even a little moisture trapped in their packaging or in the closets. Cotton protects your delicate clothing from dust accumulation, keeping them fresh for use the next time you need to wear it. Unlike boxes, cotton packaging is malleable and will not take up extra space in your storage area or crush your clothes, creating all manner of creases that are hard to iron out after being set by months of pressure in the back of a closet somewhere. 
Sequined clothes are another hassle to store when you don’t want all your other outfits covered in glitter or to discover tiny plastic shards that itch the unsuspecting wearer, hidden in the depths of clothes that have nothing to do with sequins except have an unfortunate owner placing them in the same general vicinity. Cotton covers help keep the threads of sequined clothing safe from degradation by dust, moisture, and insects, preventing bald spots of sequins in your favorite evening gowns, suits, sarees, lehengas, kurtas and other party wear. 
Plastic and polyester storage react with heat, releasing vapours that can discolour clothes and cause yellowing in light-colored clothes. Plain, uncolored cotton is ideal for lighter clothing. 
How exactly do you keep clothes that hold more than just colours but memories, hopes and emotions safe from the destructive nature of storage? Well, that depends on the fabric, but these are the necessary steps:

1)    Cleaning: The first step to increase the life of your clothes in storage is to properly clean the clothes to remove dirt, body oils and sweat collected from use. Most plant-based clothes (cotton, linen and hemp) as well as synthetic ones (polyester, nylon and acrylic), can be washed either by hand or in a washing machine, dried completely and be ready to be stored. Protein-based clothes like silk, cashmere and wool need to be dry cleaned. Leather and suede need to be professionally cleaned with specific instructions. This prevents staining and odour during storage.
2)    Pick a unit: An unbleached cotton or linen unit is ideal for long-term storage to reduce the chances of mildew and yellowing due to mold and fungus. 
3)    Folding: Folding properly is essential to avoid creases and stretching. Heavier fabrics like wool and sequins need to be at the bottom and lighter ones at the top. Garments like coats and dresses with structure need to be put in hanging garment bags to preserve their form. 
4)    Storage space: Keep your garments in a cool, dry place like a closet and avoid places like basements and attics as they tend to accumulate pests and humidity. Also use pest deterrents. It is ideal to use natural deterrents like cedar wood or eucalyptus oil.
5)    Labelling: Labelling storage is not a necessary step, but it is very useful to keep track of your clothes and for easy access to fashion essentials.
Airing out your garments once every season is a huge help in maintaining the longevity of your clothes.
Keeping your wardrobe safe for another season is not only economically efficient, it is also a sustainable practice that will reduce your carbon footprint and safeguard heirlooms to be passed on to the next generation. Choosing the correct storage is important to keep clothes alive and vibrant longer. With careful storage, clothes can last years if not generations, creating legacies and bringing families closer.