Thread: Best way to store a costume?

I have just been keeping them in a drawer and I was wondering what everyone else did with theirs and what is the best way to keep them?

I store mine, in plastic containers, with holes drilled into the sides, for air. I have 1-2 costumes per box. The boxes a clear so I can see what is in them, easy to pick , without opening every box.

For costumes that are not easily cleaned, I do something similar. Always deal with mishaps (stains and things that need to be sewn) as soon as possible and dry the costumes completely before putting them away. Store flat instead of hanging, and in layers with something in between the pieces so the fringe doesn't tangle and the fabric doesn't snag on sharp bits like coins or rhinestone prongs. (I use accordion-folded, clean, white-cotton bed sheets, but acid-free tissue paper or a yardage of inexpensive muslin would work, too.) I try to keep the bras on the top layer so they don't get crushed. Store all of the pieces for a single costume together if possible. For pieces that can be tossed in the washer (e.g., polyester harem pants and costume-specific underwear), I always clean them before storage.

There are a lot of threads about storing your costumes. I make zippered bags out of old sheets. One bedlah (or dress) goes into each bag. Then each bag goes into a large plastic, BREATHABLE bin. I have index cards in each bin indicating which costumes are in which bin. Some skirts are hung, others are laid flat in a bin, still others are in costume bags. It really depends on the fabric they are made from. Veils are hung on those multiple trouser hangers and hip scarves and accessories reside in individual bags in either a drawer or a larger bag in the closet.

I am currently looking for an armoire to keep all of this organized.

{{{HUGS}}}

I've been keeping mine in clear stackable plastic bins that aren't sealed tight. I also keep a sachet of baking soda in with the costume as well as dryer sheets. They suck smells, so my costumes always smell fresh. I've been zipping a few of the bedlahs into those plastic zippered bags that come with bed sheets, especially for travel. Some are hung in garment bags if it seems appropriate for that particular costume.

Originally Posted by shems

I've been keeping mine in clear stackable plastic bins that aren't sealed tight. I also keep a sachet of baking soda in with the costume as well as dryer sheets. They suck smells, so my costumes always smell fresh. I've been zipping a few of the bedlahs into those plastic zippered bags that come with bed sheets, especially for travel. Some are hung in garment bags if it seems appropriate for that particular costume.

How do you make the sachet of baking soda?

I also put in my garment bags or storage boxes those little packets of silica gel that come with shoes or purses. They absorb moisture and help prevent odors. Nag all your friends and family to save the packets they get with their Christmas gifts!

Ikea has the perfect costume storage devices, but for some strange reason, they mistakenly call them shoe boxes: made from a beige heavy nylon/polyester fabric and equipped with a clear front window that closes with velcro. Breathable, fold flat when not in use, and one can see what's inside. My big skirts are turned inside out and then stored in big cloth bags under the bed, to keep fading and bias stretch to a minimum.