Storing Your Handbags Like a Pro
Handbags are not just accessories — they are investments. Whether it’s a classic Chanel flap bag, an oversized tote, or an elegant evening clutch, storing your bags properly is key to maintaining their beauty and function for years to come. With each type of handbag requiring different care and storage solutions, it’s essential to understand how to properly organize and preserve your collection. Below, we’ll explore the best ways to store various handbag styles — all with an eye on maintaining luxury and functionality in your closet.
1. Totes and Everyday Carryalls
Totes and carryalls are the workhorses of any handbag collection, often used daily and subjected to more wear and tear than smaller bags. When storing these larger bags, it's important to maintain their structure.
Storage Solution: Always store totes upright with a handbag stuffer or acid-free tissue paper inside to retain the bag's shape. If you have adjustable shelves, create a dedicated section for oversized bags, ensuring they are not squished or stacked.
Avoid Direct Light: Place them in fabric dust bags to protect from dust, moisture, and light, which can cause the leather to fade or crack.
Handle Care: Purse hooks are great for keeping handles upright and tidy while sitting on a shelf, but avoid hanging totes freely by their handles for long periods, as this can cause unnecessary stretching or warping.
2. Clutches and Evening Bags
Delicate clutches and evening bags are often worn sparingly but can be the statement pieces of your collection. These bags are typically smaller, with intricate embellishments, metallics, or delicate leathers that require extra care.
Storage Solution: Use shallow drawers lined with velvet or suede for storing clutches. Separate each bag with dividers or soft pouches to avoid scratches or damage to delicate materials.
Display for Functionality: Clear drawer inserts or open shelving are ideal for displaying clutches so you can quickly choose the perfect one when dressing for an event.
Keep Things Shaped: For softer, less structured clutches, stuffing them with tissue paper can help maintain their shape.
3. Chanel Flap Bags and Quilted Bags
Iconic and timeless, Chanel-style flap bags and other quilted handbags deserve a special place in your collection. These bags are more delicate than they appear, as the quilting can flatten or lose its puffiness over time if improperly stored.
Storage Solution: Store quilted bags on a dedicated shelf lined with soft fabric to avoid any pressure on the quilting. For structured flap bags, keep them in an upright position, stuffed with tissue or felt inserts to maintain their shape.
Protect the Chains: To avoid indentation on the leather, wrap the chains in soft tissue or fabric before storing away into boxes or dust bags, ensuring they don’t press into the leather.
Extra Care: Bags made from exotic skins (such as python or alligator) need extra moisture to avoid drying out. Consider a humidifier in your closet for the optimal humidity level to preserve exotic leathers.
4. Crossbody Bags and Satchels
Crossbody bags and satchels tend to have long, adjustable straps and structured shapes. These versatile bags can be easily stored if handled correctly.
Storage Solution: Store crossbody bags upright or laid flat on a shelf, ensuring that the straps are tucked inside or wrapped around the bag to prevent stretching or kinking. You can also hang them on hooks if space permits, but avoid overcrowding.
Adjustable Dividers: Adjustable dividers or dedicated cubby spaces in your closet will keep crossbody bags from being crushed while providing easy access to your most-worn pieces.
5. Duffel Bags and Weekenders
Larger, unstructured duffel bags and weekenders are perfect for travel but can be a challenge to store due to their size.
Storage Solution: When not in use, store duffel bags flat and folded, preferably in a dust bag to keep them clean and protected. If your closet has deep shelves, roll them gently to preserve space without losing their shape.
Stuff It: If the duffel bag has leather details or a more rigid structure, stuff it with tissue paper or pillows to maintain its form while stored.
Stacking: If shelf space allows, stack duffels carefully, with larger ones on the bottom to avoid squashing or folding.
6. Top-Handle Bags
Top-handle bags are often more structured, and their handles are a focal point of their design. These bags are beautiful but need special attention to avoid damage to the handles.
Storage Solution: Like totes, avoid hanging top-handle bags by their handles for extended periods to prevent stretching. Instead, store them upright with tissue stuffing inside to maintain their shape.
Protect the Handles: If space allows, give each top-handle bag its own space to avoid pressure on the handles from neighboring bags or shelving. Always avoid stuffing a bag with top handles into a shelf that’s too short, as this can leave you with misshapen handles.
7. Mini Bags
Mini bags may be small, but they pack a punch in terms of style. These trendy accessories often have less structure, which can make them prone to losing their shape over time.
Storage Solution: Use small cubbies or drawer inserts to house your mini bags, keeping them upright and ensuring that the straps (if any) are tucked inside. For softer, less structured mini bags, tissue stuffing is essential to help them hold their shape.
Visibility Matters: Consider displaying your mini bags on glass or acrylic shelves, showcasing them as both a design statement and functional accessory.
8. Exotic Bags
Handbags made from exotic skins — such as crocodile, alligator, or python — require the utmost care. These bags are delicate and need proper storage to ensure the exotic leathers don't dry out or crack.
Storage Solution: Exotic leather bags should always be stored in dust bags to protect them from light and moisture. Avoid storing them in plastic, as exotic skins need to breathe.
Climate Control: Temperature and humidity control are crucial. Consider storing exotic bags in a closet with consistent, moderate temperatures, and use leather conditioners specifically designed for exotic skins to keep the leather supple.
Avoid Pressure: Never stack exotic bags on top of one another, as pressure can distort the delicate skin. Give each bag its own space on a shelf to ensure longevity.
By taking the time to properly store each type of handbag in your collection, you ensure that your investment pieces remain in excellent condition for years to come. From using dust bags and tissue stuffing to installing custom shelving and drawers, the right storage solutions are essential for maintaining the beauty, structure, and luxury of your handbag collection. With a well-organized, high-end closet that caters to the unique needs of each type of bag, you can rest assured that your favorite pieces will always be ready to wear — and looking their best.
