How to Store Designer Bags

Store a designer bag clean, dry and empty of anything heavy, stuffed lightly so it holds its shape, inside its cotton dust bag, upright on a shelf in a cool room away from sunlight and humidity. That covers most of what protects a bag. Leather, canvas, hardware and linings each age differently, so the details change a little by material, but the principles do not: keep it out of heat, light and damp, support its shape, let it breathe, and avoid plastic. This guide walks through the dust bag, stuffing, upright versus flat storage, humidity, light, hardware, leather types and straps, so your bags look the same when you take them out as when you put them away.

Start with the dust bag

Most designer bags come with a soft fabric dust bag, and it is the single best storage tool you have. It keeps dust off, cuts down on scratches and light exposure, and lets the bag breathe, which plastic does not. Use the bag that came with the piece, and if you have lost it, a plain cotton or flannel pillowcase works as a stand-in.

Two cautions. First, dust bags are for storage, not cleaning, so make sure the bag is dry and clean before it goes inside. Second, a dust bag that has been used to store something damp or stained can pass that on, so wash or replace it when it gets dirty. Our guide How to Clean a Leather Bag at Home covers cleaning before you put a bag away.

Stuff it so it keeps its shape

A bag that sags folds, creases and loses its structure over time, especially soft leather styles. Support from the inside prevents it.

• Use acid-free tissue paper, a clean cotton cloth, or a bag pillow or insert made for the purpose.
• Fill it lightly enough that the leather is not stretched. The aim is to hold the shape, not to puff the bag out.
• Avoid newspaper, which can transfer ink, and avoid anything colored that could stain a light lining.
• Remove everything else first, including keys, pens, makeup and coins, since objects left inside can mark or distort the lining.

Handle straps and small compartments the same way. Fold straps gently or keep them in the position the bag's shape suggests, and avoid sharp creases where the leather will crack.

Upright or flat?

It depends on the bag.

Do not hang a bag by its handles for long periods. The weight stretches and stresses the attachment points. Give each bag room too, because crowding pushes on corners and creates dents and creases. If you stack, place the sturdier bags below and the lighter ones above, never the reverse.

Control humidity and temperature

Bags like the same conditions people do: moderate temperature and moderate humidity.

• Too damp encourages mold, mildew, odor and sticky linings. A bathroom, basement or poorly ventilated closet can cause this.
• Too dry and hot makes leather stiff and prone to cracking, and can dry out glue and edge paint.
• Big swings are worse than steady conditions. Attics and garages, where temperature changes dramatically, are poor places.

A closet inside the living space of the house, on an interior wall, is usually the best location. A small silica gel pack or a moisture absorber in the closet can help in a damp climate, but do not put anything directly against the leather, and do not seal the bag in an airtight container.

Keep light and heat away

Sunlight fades dyes, dries out leather and can discolor light-colored materials. That includes light through a window and light from a bright display lamp. A bag shown on an open shelf will age faster than one in a closed closet. If you want to display a bag, keep it out of direct sun and rotate it from time to time.

Heat is just as important. Do not leave bags in a car, near a radiator or vent, or on top of appliances. Heat softens glues and coatings and can leave marks that will not come out.

Look after the hardware

Metal parts such as clasps, zippers, chains and feet can tarnish or scratch.

• Wrap or tuck loose chains and straps so they do not rub against the leather or against each other.
• Keep hardware dry, since moisture speeds up tarnish.
• If a clasp or turn lock has protective plastic film from the factory, some owners leave it on, others remove it. Either is fine, but old film can trap moisture and discolor, so check it periodically.
• Do not use harsh polish or abrasive cloths on plated finishes. Gentle wiping is safer, and for anything that looks damaged, ask a professional before treating it.

A soft cloth or small pouch around chains prevents the metal from leaving impressions on the leather.

Different materials, different rules

Not every bag is the same, and the brand's care instructions or the seller's description is the right place to verify what you own.

• Smooth leather. Needs steady conditions and gentle conditioning if recommended by the maker. Keep away from water.
• Suede and nubuck. Delicate and absorbent. Keep away from moisture and stains, and brush gently with a suitable tool. Do not stuff with anything that could transfer color.
• Exotic skins. Often have specific care needs and sensitivity to humidity. Follow the maker's guidance or consult a specialist.
• Coated canvas. More forgiving, but still avoid heat, which can crack the coating, and avoid compressing it for long periods.
• Patent leather. Can stick to itself or to other items in heat, and can transfer color. Keep it separate, in its own bag, with soft tissue.
• Fabric and nylon. Dry thoroughly before storing, because any dampness will become odor or mildew.

When in doubt, check with the brand or an experienced leather professional rather than guessing.

Never store bags in plastic

Plastic bags and sealed containers trap moisture and prevent air from circulating. They can cause the leather to sweat, encourage mold, and in some cases cause the plastic to stick to or discolor the finish. Fabric is better. If you must use a box, choose a breathable one, with some ventilation, and line it with acid-free tissue.

Protect straps and handles

Handles are the first place a bag shows wear, and the part most often damaged by storage.

• Do not hang bags by their straps for long periods.
• Gently stuff or pad handles so they keep their curve instead of collapsing into a crease.
• Keep straps from rubbing against zippers or chains.
• Remove detachable straps and store them flat or loosely rolled in a pouch.

Storing bags you plan to sell

Condition shapes value, and how you store a bag affects what it shows when you list it. A bag kept clean, in shape, with its dust bag, box and paperwork gives a buyer fewer questions to ask. Our guide How to Sell a Chanel Bag for the Best Price explains how condition, accessories and presentation affect results for one of the most closely watched brands.

You can watch the way pre-owned bags are presented live on ShopBidz. Relove.miami in Miami, Florida sells pre-owned luxury bags, and DeJesusTreasures in Wallingford, Connecticut sells handbags, jewelry and accessories. Seeing how sellers show corners, hardware and interiors on camera is a quick lesson in what buyers look for, and in what good storage preserves.

Common mistakes

• Hanging heavy bags by their handles. The strain stretches the attachment points.
• Wrapping bags in plastic. It traps moisture and can damage finishes.
• Leaving contents inside. Pens and makeup can leak and stain linings.
• Storing near a window or a vent. Light and heat age leather quickly.
• Overstuffing. Stretching the leather defeats the purpose of supporting it.

Bottom line

Keep designer bags clean, dry and lightly stuffed, in their dust bags, upright or supported flat, in a cool, steady, dark place, and never in plastic. Protect hardware and straps from rubbing, keep each bag from being crushed, and check the maker's guidance for delicate materials such as suede or exotic skins. Good storage is mostly about giving the bag a steady environment and a shape to rest in, and it pays off the day you carry it again or decide to sell it.