Spring is here and summer is upon us. That means that it is time to rotate out your winter wardrobe and into storage. Finely-tailored garments are especially vulnerable during summer storage. Left to hang for long periods without being worn, often in the corners of closets or in distant storage closets, suits and winter coats are easy prey for moths, which are most active during the summer, and can accumulate embedded dust.

These threats to your expensive garments are easily avoided with proper preparation and storage. Follow these easy principles:

1. Use a Garment Brush. Before storing garments, brush out any dust or dirt that may have accumulated during the previous wearing season. We recommend the use of a natural-bristle garment brush and STRONGLY DISCOURAGE using any type of masking-tape dust rollers, which can leave an adhesive residue on fabrics (which, ironically, attracts dust).

2. Use a Premium Hanger. Garments live and die by hangers, and this could not be any more true during storage. A properly-sized hanger (we now have four sizes) is essential to protecting shoulder construction and preventing collars from stretching -- both which control drape. And for bonus, our the felted trouser bar used on our Luxury Suit Hangers prevent the creasing caused by normal locking-bar hangers.

3. Store in a Garment Bag. Storing your suits and jackets in a garment bag will protect them from moths, dust, and other critters. Our Luxury Garment Bags (now available in a 60" length for overcoats) is constructed from a 10 oz cotton twill and utilizes a 4-inch fused gusset to prevent the bag from collapsing on the garment.

Following these three simple tenets can save you the misery of discovering that your favorite winter garments were ruined during summer storage. If you have any questions about our garment storage recommendations, please feel free to reach out to Kirby directly at kirbya@hangerproject.com. He is always happy to answer your questions!