The Long Game: Storing Your Handbags to Last a Lifetime
If you love fashion, most likely you have more than one handbag in your wardrobe. Even those who wouldn't consider themselves fashion-minded have likely got a few reliable bags for different occasions in different shapes, sizes, or materials. But whether you're a die-hard fashionista or a bare necessities minimalist, when it comes to your handbags, one thing holds true; if you take proper care of your handbags, they can potentially last you a lifetime. One of the best ways to ensure that you get the most out of your handbags, whether you spent $20 or $2,000, is to store them properly when they are not in use. Here are two of our favorite foolproof storage tips.
How can I be sure my bag keeps its shape?
One of the best ways to ensure that a handbag of any size keeps its shape is to make sure that it is stored in an upright position. If your bag does not have a lot of natural structure (for example, a soft leather hobo as opposed to a frame bag), it's a good idea to stuff the bag full of tissue paper so that it keeps its shape. Never pile bags directly on top of each other in your storage area.
Do I really need to use the dust cover?
Most big-ticket handbags (and many less expensive ones as well) come with a cloth dust cover, but is it really necessary? The short answer to this question is yes. However, an avid collector of handbags may have several bags by a same designer, and keeping them all side by side in their dust bags may make selecting the right bag a bit difficult without opening each and every one of them every time. While keeping your bag free of grime and away from potentially damaging light is the best way to preserve it, the convenience factor for some people may outweigh the decision to cover. To get around this, try using luggage or gift tags to denote which bag is inside which dust cover for easier access while protecting your investment.