Thread: Proper Costume Storage

Hi Everyone!

I've just purchased some beautiful costumes and want them to remain that way. I live in the Pacific NW, and it's damp here, especially in the winter. I want to make sure my costumes don't get moldy when they are stored. Any suggestions for keeping my costumes protected from mold and dampness? Thanks!

i collect silica gel packs from things that my family or i buy and put them in the bins with my costumes

I have some zipper canvas bags that I got at Bed Bath & Beyond. They have a clear plastic top so you can see in them but the rest is made of canvas so it is breathable. They also come with piece of cedar that slips into it's own pocket if you want store your costume with that.

I second what raqFariha said about silica gel packets also.

Do not store your costumes in all plastic bins though, if you put it in something like that with sweat/dampness it can definately mold/mildew after only a couple of days. Ick!!

I've heard that hat boxes work nicely.

Currently all of my stuff is in plastic storage (with silica gel packets aplenty) under the bed or on hangars in breathable garment bags, but I'm thinking about making my own canvas bags for travel and storage. I'm also thinking about going to get one of those cube storage things at target and put the bags of costumes in a few fabric cubes in the cube shelf thing. It'd be great to find some sort of cheap dresser like thing with fabric storage shelves for each individual costume though.

Originally Posted by auraevans

Do not store your costumes in all plastic bins though, if you put it in something like that with sweat/dampness it can definately mold/mildew after only a couple of days. Ick!!

oh yes, i leave the costume out for a couple of days to dry thouroghly, then wrap it in tissue before it goes into the bin (it's also dryer here most the time) (most the time it's only out for several days because i don't get around to putting it away properly ^_^)

I've used pillow cases in the past... those work nicely too.

I make bags out of old sheets and pillow cases. Usually a little bigger than the size of the belt. Zipper at the top. I then keep those in tubs which don't seal tightly in my closet. Ideally, I would get a big armoire with shelves to keep them in and a hanger bar to hang my skirts, etc. from.

Some day. . .

{{{HUGS}}}

I use the sweater bags with clear tops and canvas sides. The all plastic sweater bag I will put veils and other costume clothing items that do not get sweaty (they are cheaper).
I have every thing on shelves. I live in a fairly dry place so I haven't worried about it beyond what Ive done.

My friend sprays a bit of witch hazel on them in an attempt to counter the sweat damage.

Thanks everyone for your advice! I will see what my space allows and try out your ideas. I already have the silica packets and make sure my costumes are dry before storage, but I like the idea of canvas bags and cube storage. I need to do this I think : 0 )