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Should you store clothes in cotton storage bags or plastic?

Though you may have amassed a sizeable collection of plastic dry-cleaning bags, when it comes to garment storage, ditch plastic bags and choose cotton storage bags instead. While we wholeheartedly support repurposing and reusing items, plastic bags should go straight to your nearest recycling centre. Not only do plastic bags negatively impact the environment, but they can also damage your luxury garments.

Should you store clothes in cotton storage bags or plastic?

3 Reasons to Store Clothes in Cotton Storage Bags Instead of Plastic Garment Storage Bags

1. Cotton storage bags offer superior protection for your clothes.

Plastic dry cleaning bags are useful for short-term purposes like transporting clothes from the dry cleaner to your closet. They offer minimal protection against dust and dirt, but they fall short when it comes to long-term garment storage.

Plastic bags can trap moisture and prevent air circulation, leading to mould growth, discolouration, fabric breakdown, and even pest infestations. Over time, clothes stored in plastic can develop yellow spots, become brittle, and lose their shape. 

However, cotton storage bags, made from natural, breathable textiles, provide excellent protection against environmental factors like dust, sunlight, and humidity. They help preserve the integrity and quality of your clothes, keeping them in pristine condition for years to come.

2. Cotton storage bags allow your clothes to breathe.

Clothing needs to breathe just like people. Proper air circulation is essential for maintaining the freshness and longevity of fabric fibres. Cotton storage bags are breathable, allowing fresh air to circulate around your clothes, which helps prevent damage and reduces the risk of mould growth.

Plastic bags, on the other hand, trap moisture inside, creating a hot, humid environment that encourages mould growth and can ruin your valuable garments. By using cotton storage bags, you ensure that your clothes remain fresh and free from the damaging effects of trapped moisture.

3. Organic cotton storage bags are environmentally friendly. 

Plastic pollution is a significant environmental concern, and many countries have taken steps to reduce the use of plastic bags due to their harmful effects. Choosing organic cotton storage bags is not only beneficial for your clothes but also for the environment. These bags are made from natural, biodegradable materials that won't contribute to plastic pollution.


By opting for organic cotton storage bags, you're making a sustainable choice that aligns with your values and helps protect the planet.

Useful Tips for Best Clothes Storage

Choosing the best garment bag isn’t the only thing to keep in mind when storing your clothing. There are a few other considerations that will ensure your clothing is in pristine condition when you take it out of storage.

1. Launder your clothes before storing them.

Laundering items before placing them in the cotton storage bag removes any remnants of sweat, dirt, or food that may damage your clothing and attract pests.

Storing items after they are freshly cleaned helps prevent any musty smells from forming while in clothes storage and prolongs your clothing’s shelf life.

a woman doing her laundry

2. Choose your favourite method for preventing odours. 

Essential oils, baking soda, and cedarwood blocks are excellent options for adding pleasant scents to your clothing while it is in the cotton storage bag and preventing any musty smells from forming.

Place your preferred scent in your clothes storage location, and replace it as needed every couple of months.

3. Take action to prevent pest infestations with moth traps.

It is critical to take the necessary precautions to prevent moths when storing your clothing. Once infested, clothes moths can be incredibly tricky to exterminate and can completely destroy your valuable items.

Moth traps are essential for protecting your clothes during storage, even if you're using cotton storage bags. Place clothes moth traps strategically in your storage area, such as inside closets or near garment bags, to monitor and control any potential moth activity. The best moth traps are non-toxic, pheromone-based, and safe for both your clothes and the environment. By using moth catcher traps alongside cotton storage bags, you create a comprehensive defence against these destructive pests.

Storing your clothes in cotton storage bags is the best way to protect your garments while also being kind to the environment. By following these tips, you can ensure that your clothes stay in top condition and are ready to wear whenever you need them.

Get cotton storage bags for your luxury clothing needs by checking out Hayden Hill’s collection of hanging garment bags, zippered storage bags, dust bags, and more.

a woman putting her Hayden Hill clothes storage bag on the top shelf of her closet where all her clothing is protected in bags
A closet full of clothing and accessories – all protected with Hayden Hill 100% organic cotton Storage, Hanging and Dust Bags

Hayden Hill bags are made of 100% organic, soft cotton that is environmentally friendly and allows your favourite pieces to breathe. We deliver sustainable and beautiful garment care to preserve and protect the clothes you love most.

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