How to Store Winter Clothes

Winter clothes are the most valuable in most wardrobes and the most damaged in storage. Almost all of that damage is preventable.

Seasonal Rotation1 min readAugust 15, 2026Jordan Reyes

In short

Everything goes away clean. Moths are drawn to sweat and food residue, not to the wool itself.
Never compress wool or down. Vacuum bags crush the loft that makes both warm, and the damage can be permanent.
Cool, dark, dry — which rules out lofts and basements. A loft bakes in summer and a basement damps.

Winter clothes are the most valuable in most wardrobes and the most damaged in storage. Almost all of that damage is preventable.

Moths are drawn to sweat and food residue, not to the wool itself. A clean jumper is a far poorer target than a worn one.

Vacuum bags crush the loft that makes both warm, and the damage can be permanent.

A loft bakes in summer and a basement damps. Under a bed or on top of a wardrobe is better than either.

Should I wash winter clothes before storing?

Always, including anything worn only once. Invisible body oils oxidise into permanent stains and are the main thing that attracts moths.

Can I use vacuum bags for winter coats?

Not for wool or down — compression crushes the loft that provides the warmth. They are fine for synthetics.