- Plastic garment bags are a definite don’t-they give off undetectable fumes that can severely weaken and damage the garment fibers.
- It is essential that the gown be allowed to breathe, so that mold and mildew don’t have a chance to grow.
- Purchase a special preservation bag, available at many specialty shops, or use a plain white cotton sheet that has been thoroughly washed.
- Cut a hole in the sheet so there is a place for the hanger to go through.
- Use a very wide padded hanger to help the gown keep its shape.
- If you don’t have a padded hanger, make your own by wrapping a white cotton sheet around a sturdy hanger.
- Hang your gown in a dry, dark place in the main living area of your home, not the attic, basement, or garage. Textiles are very sensitive to changes in heat and humidity.
- Take your gown out every two years or so to let it air out and inspect it to be sure nothing has happened to it in storage.