How To · Fashion · Menswear Care
Store Your Suits Properly Between Seasons
A well-made suit deserves better than a crumpled heap in the back of your closet. These five steps ensure your pieces emerge from storage looking sharp, not sad.
5 min read · IrisSeasonal storage is where most men destroy their suits without realizing it. Moisture, wrinkles, pests, and time are relentless. But storage doesn't require obsessive climate control or expensive solutions—just deliberate choices made before you close the door.
The difference between a suit that lasts five years and one that lasts fifteen often comes down to how it spends its off-season. Here's how to keep yours in fighting shape.
A wooden hanger and a breathable garment bag are the non-negotiable foundation of suit storage.
What you'll need.
- 01Wooden suit hanger with curved shoulders
- 02Breathable cotton or canvas garment bag
- 03Cedar blocks or lavender sachets
- 04Clip hanger for trousers
- 05Acid-free tissue paper
- 06Lint roller or soft brush
Step one · 2 minutes
Clean and air out your suit before storage
Wear and body oils accumulate in fabric fibers and attract moths and mildew. Hang your suit in a well-ventilated room for 24 hours after wearing it—this allows moisture to evaporate and odors to dissipate. If the suit has visible stains or soil, have it dry-cleaned before storage. Never store a dirty suit.
Spot-clean minor marks with a lint roller or soft brush rather than full dry-cleaning if the suit is otherwise clean. This extends garment life.
Step two · 3 minutes
Use a wooden hanger, never plastic or wire
Plastic hangers warp under weight and create creases at the shoulders. Wire hangers leave marks and provide no support. A wooden hanger with a curved shoulder matches your suit's shape and distributes weight evenly. The hanger should be wide enough that the jacket shoulders sit naturally without bunching or drooping.
Invest in quality wooden hangers—they cost $8–$15 each but protect a $400+ suit. Cedar hangers offer mild moth deterrent as a bonus.
Step three · 2 minutes
Fold trousers correctly or hang them separately
Never fold trousers over a hanger bar—this creates a permanent crease where you don't want one. Either hang them by the cuffs on a clip hanger, or fold them lengthwise (inseam to inseam) and lay flat on a shelf. If you fold, place acid-free tissue paper between the fold to prevent creasing. Trousers should never be crumpled or bunched.
Clip hangers are cheap ($3–$5) and prevent the dreaded horizontal crease across the thigh.
Step four · 5 minutes
Bag the suit in breathable garment protection
Use a breathable cotton or canvas garment bag—never plastic, which traps moisture and encourages mildew. Unbutton the jacket and slip it onto the hanger inside the bag. Zip or seal the bag loosely enough that air can circulate. Place cedar blocks or lavender sachets inside the bag for moth prevention. Avoid mothballs; their chemical smell is difficult to remove and can damage fabric.
If you're storing multiple suits, give each one its own bag. Crowding creates humidity pockets and wrinkles.
Step five · 3 minutes
Choose the right storage location
Store your suit in a cool, dry, dark closet—ideally between 60–70°F with humidity below 65%. Avoid basements (too damp), attics (temperature swings), and direct sunlight (fades color). Keep the closet door closed to minimize dust exposure. Ensure adequate air circulation; don't pack suits tightly against other garments. A cedar-lined closet is ideal but not essential if you use cedar blocks.
Check on your suit every 4–6 weeks during storage. A quick visual inspection catches problems early.
How to know your suit is stored correctly.
When you remove your suit from storage, it should hang without wrinkles, smell fresh (not musty or chemical), and show no signs of moth damage, discoloration, or mildew. The fabric should feel crisp and dry. If you notice any of these issues, your storage method needs adjustment.
Questions at the mirror.
Can I store my suit in a plastic bin?
No. Plastic traps moisture and creates an ideal environment for mildew and mold. Use breathable fabric garment bags instead. If you must use a container, choose one with ventilation holes and place desiccant packets inside.
How often should I have my suit dry-cleaned before storage?
Once per season, or whenever you notice visible soil or stains. Over-cleaning damages fibers. Light wear doesn't require cleaning—airing out is sufficient.
Are mothballs necessary?
Not if you use cedar blocks or lavender sachets and keep your closet clean. Mothballs work but leave a persistent chemical odor that's difficult to remove. Cedar and lavender are gentler alternatives.
What if my closet is humid?
Use a small dehumidifier or silica gel packets inside your garment bag. Ensure the closet has a door that seals and adequate air circulation. In very humid climates, consider a climate-controlled storage unit for high-value pieces.