Dress to Impress: The Ultimate Guide to Storing Your Special Occasion Dresses
We all have those dresses—wedding gowns, prom dresses, or elegant evening wear—that hold special memories and make us smile every time we see them. But what happens when the event is over, and it’s time to store your dress? Proper special occasion dress storage is key to keeping these treasures in pristine condition for years to come.
If you're wondering where to start, don't worry—we’ve got you covered. Here's how to store your favourite dresses (and why cotton storage bags are a total game-changer).
1. Start with a Clean Dress
First things first: make sure your dress is spotless before you store it. Even if it looks clean, invisible stains like sweat or perfume can cause discolouration or fabric damage over time. Take your dress to a professional cleaner who knows how to handle delicate fabrics like lace, satin, and silk. Trust us—it’s worth it!
2. Pick the Right Spot
Where you store your dress matters. Avoid places like basements and attics, which can be humid, too hot, or too cold. Instead, choose a cool, dry space like a closet where the temperature is stable and sunlight won’t fade your dress.
3. Use a Cotton Storage Bag
Now for the real dress storage hero: a cotton storage bag. If you’ve been using plastic garment bags from the dry cleaner, it’s time to retire them. Plastic traps moisture, which can lead to yellowing, mould, and even mildew!
Hayden Hill bags let your fabrics breathe while protecting them from dust, pests, and light. For shorter dresses, our short hanging garment bags are ideal. For longer gowns, choose our long hanging bags.
Organic cotton bags aren’t just practical—they’re brilliant.
- They let the fabric breathe, so you don’t have to worry about trapped moisture or mould.
- They’re eco-friendly, made from natural materials that are kind to the planet.
- They provide a safe shield against dust, sunlight, and pests, all without harsh chemicals.
Hayden Hill garment bags are designed with special occasion dresses in mind, whether it’s an evening gown or that little black dress you adore, a cotton garment bag is true pampering for your clothes.
Protect What You Love with Exquisite Garment Storage
4. To Hang or Not to Hang
This is where things get a bit personal. If your dress is heavy or has delicate straps, folding is the better option to prevent stretching or damage. Use acid-free tissue paper between the folds to avoid creases and place it in a zippered storage bag.
If you do hang your dress, use a padded hanger to protect the shoulders and straps, and place it in a long hanging garment bag for extra protection. Either way, you’re giving your dress the care it deserves!
5. Keep Pests and Odours Away
Nobody wants moths or musty smells ruining their gorgeous dress. Add a few cedar blocks or moth traps to your storage space to naturally repel pests and keep things smelling fresh. Bonus: they are chemical-free and eco-friendly.
6. Check on Your Special Occasion Dress Every So Often
Just because your dress is tucked away doesn’t mean you can forget about it forever. Every six months, take a peek to make sure there’s no discoloration, moisture, or pests. It’s a quick step that can save you a lot of heartache later.
Your special occasion dresses are more than just clothing—they’re part of your story. With a little extra care and the right storage solutions, they can stay just as beautiful as the day you wore them. So, grab a breathable cotton garment bag, follow these simple tips, and give your treasured dresses the love they deserve.
Share your dress photos, ideas and tips by tagging us on Instagram at @hayden_hill_london for a chance to be featured.
