Putting on a long dress that drapes perfectly or a coat that hugs you is a pleasure. But when it's time to put them away in the closet, the drama begins: they either drag, wrinkle, or end up squashed among other clothes. In short, the magic vanishes as soon as they cross the closet door.
Too long for regular hangers, too special to leave them wrinkled or caught between other garments. In the end, you end up improvising: folded all over the place or, worse yet, with the bottom part dragging on the floor. And of course, then come the marks, the deformations, and the frustration of not knowing how to store them properly.
If this sounds familiar, don't worry, we're here to help. We're going to tell you how we do it . How to hang long dresses in your closet (and coats, which also have their advantages) without them losing their shape or getting damaged. And in the process, extend their life and reduce waste to be a little more sustainable.
Why it's important to store your long dresses and coats properly
Think about it: you've found the perfect maxi dress . The one that hugs your body without being tight, that makes you feel effortlessly beautiful. Or the coat that transforms any look into a success, no matter how much the temperature drops.
Now imagine that, if you don't store them properly, the fabric loses its shape, strange marks appear, or, worse, constant rubbing against other garments wears them out prematurely. When you find out, your blood boils. Storing clothes properly isn't just a matter of organization; it's about taking care of what you love, about prolonging their life. But let's face it, most of us don't have a wardrobe designed for long garments. Sometimes you have to improvise, but there are ways to do it right without everything ending up wrinkled or misshapen.
Furthermore, if we're talking about sustainable fashion , storing our clothes properly means fewer impulse purchases, less textile waste, and more conscious consumption. It means making the most of what we already have, instead of replacing it prematurely.
Let's avoid the typical mistakes:
- Unsuitable hangers. Thin ones mark the fabric, flimsy ones sag under the weight. It's better to choose sturdy hangers that can actually support the garment.
- Insufficient space. A long dress caught between other garments will end up wrinkled and without ventilation. Leave some space for it to breathe.
- Fold carelessly. Some fabrics are unforgiving of creases. If you're not hanging it up, fold it carefully and check its position from time to time to avoid permanent creases.
Let's now look at the best tricks for storing these garments as they deserve.
8 tricks for hanging long dresses in the closet
If you've ever hung a long dress and taken it out and found marks, creases, or a squashed hem, we understand. They seem to have a life of their own and refuse to stay put. But don't worry, there are simple ways to avoid these problems and ensure they're always ready to wear without any surprises.
Here are our best tips for storing long dresses:
- Choose the right hanger. Use padded or wooden hangers with curved shoulders to prevent warping. If the fabric is slippery, opt for hangers with a non-slip surface.
- Use two hangers. If the dress is very long, gently fold it at the waist and hook the bottom of the dress onto a second hanger with padded clips. Hang both hangers. This will shorten the length and prevent it from dragging.
- Take advantage of internal loops. Many long garments include ribbons inside. They're not just for show: hook them onto the hanger to better distribute the weight.
- Avoid letting the weight of the fabric distort it. If the fabric is heavy, use a hanger with a full-length support or carefully fold it using a second clip hanger to reduce shoulder strain.
- Leave space between garments. They need to breathe.
- If you don't have vertical space, fold strategically. A ladder-shaped or double-bar hanger can help keep the garment off the floor.
- Use breathable fabric covers. They protect against dust without causing moisture. Forget plastic, as this can cause unpleasant odors.
- Rotate them occasionally. If you don't use them often, move them around to avoid marks from the pressure of the hanger.
Caring for your long dresses or skirts isn't just a matter of organization; it's about making sure they're always ready. Ultimately, it's about enjoying what you have without complications.
7 tricks for storing long coats in the closet
A good long coat or eco-friendly jacket is a long-term investment, so they deserve to be taken care of. It's not enough to hang them wherever they fit and forget about them until next winter. If we store them improperly, they'll lose their structure, pick up odors, and may end up with marks that are impossible to remove.
Follow these tips to store your long coats and they'll stay looking their best, season after season:
- Strong, structured hangers. Coats need wooden or metal hangers with good shoulder support. Avoid thin wire hangers that distort the garment.
- Shorten its length. If your coat is very long, you can prevent it from dragging by tucking in its sleeves and folding it, just like you would a shirt. To finish, simply thread the zipper pull through the head of the hanger and hang it as usual.
- Leave space between them. A coat squeezed between too many layers loses its shape and doesn't breathe well.
- Shake them before storing them. It may seem silly, but it helps remove any dust or debris that may stick to the fabric.
- Be careful with your pockets. Don't leave them full of heavy objects: keys, gloves... anything. They can deform the garment over time.
- If you store your coats in the summer, do it properly. Clean them before storing, use fabric covers, and if you fold them, wrap tissue paper in the creases to prevent marks.
- Avoid mothballs. Instead, opt for lavender or cedar sachets, which repel moths without damaging the fabric or leaving toxic chemical odors.
A well-stored coat is a coat always ready when you need it. No unpleasant surprises. Take care of them!
Discover the long women's clothing we have in our catalog
Now that you know how to hang long dresses and coats in your closet , try it and let us know! Especially with those garments that are most important to you in your daily life: comfortable, timeless, in your style, and reflecting your values. This is how we design them at Elisa Muresan:
Long dresses designed for real women's bodies, with eco-friendly fabrics and cuts that move with you and flatter any size. Or skirts that go with everything and allow you to move freely. And for those in-between weeks, in spring and fall, or when the cold sets in, eco-friendly jackets designed to keep you warm without losing your style.
Because at Elisa Muresan, we don't make fashion for the runway; we make clothes for real life. For women who know what they want and value authenticity.
Take a look and find your next favorite piece!
