Maybe one of the most seasonal accessories, scarves can come in all shapes and sizes! Because of this, there’s never a one-size-fits-all answer when clients ask for care tips and storage techniques. It really all depends on the age, material, size, and delicacy of the scarf at hand! Since we usually store our scarves away for months at a time, the method of storing is majorly important to avoid causing permanent damage. Equally important, however, is the way you care for and launder your luxurious silks and cashmeres. With winter in full swing, I thought what better time to tackle this tricky accessory?! Here, you’ll find all my expert tips on keeping your scarves stored neatly and protected from the elements so they stay looking their best for seasons to come. Additionally, I’ve consulted with the team at Garde Robe for their industry-leading expertise, as the masters of preserving archival fashion and accessories!

KNIT SCARVES

STORAGE

Knit scarves are a cozy winter wardrobe staple! A chunky wool or cotton scarf can be tricky in the closet, as these tend to be chunkier, and harder to fold flat in a drawer. In terms of keeping them tidy and well-preserved, you have a few alternative options! A wall-mounted scarf rod is a great solution to store knitted scarves hanging, and doesn’t require lots of real estate in your closet. Simply install a few rods on an open wall and tie or fold the scarves over. This way, your knits also have room to breathe year-round. You want to make sure these scarves are always put away dry — that means even after wearing in the snow or rain! With an open hanging storage solution, your scarves have an opportunity to dry out completely.

“Like all natural fibers, knits are hygroscopic, meaning they retain moisture. Be sure your scarves are completely dry before putting away. Moisture leads to mildew/mold later on. Don't use a hairdryer; let the garment dry naturally.”

GARDE ROBE

If you have the space to give up a little hanging area in your closet, a scarf hanger is also a great solution for storing a smaller collection. The idea is the same, to keep the knits neatly hanging so they aren’t stuffed in a drawer, and won’t mildew if they’re holding onto any moisture. You also lessen the risk of catching and snagging, as can easily happen when opening and closing a drawer!

CARE + MAINTENANCE

Speaking of snags, you want to make sure your knits are kept clean, so any stray fibers or lint doesn't present the opportunity for an unsightly tear! You should always take care to keep the surface of the scarf trimmed and smooth with a shaver or lint roller. The looser the knit, the more easily it can snag, and the more visible the resulting hole in the fibers will be! For this reason, prevention is the best form of maintenance.

“Be mindful of snagging from jewelry/handbag clasps; if you get a snag, DON'T cut it. Bring it to a professional for repair.”

GARDE ROBE

When washing your knits, pay attention to the tags. When in doubt, always hand wash! You can be sure this is the most gentle option for any accessory. Invest in a special wool shampoo, which is formulated for more delicate items, and can clean your scarves without doing damage. Wash by hand in warm water, and rinse throughly. Let your scarves air dry naturally, and try to always put them away clean and dry at the end of the season!

CASHMERE

STORAGE

When it comes to finer wool knits and cashmeres, your number one concern should be keeping them protected from the elements when they’re stored away for longer periods of time. I like to recommend a custom pull-out scarf cabinet for these, so they are kept in a dark, dry, enclosed space year-round, without taking up a ton of usable closet space. If you’re looking for a solution in your existing closet, consider taking over a drawer or adding storage boxes on a shelf to protect these seasonal pieces! Dust and pests always seem to find their way to the finest cashmere in your closet, so keeping these in an enclosed space is always a good idea. I also recommend keeping lavender or cedar sachets stored alongside.

“Cedar and lavender are useful for keeping stored items smelling fresh. Cedar chest and cedar lined closets can help to prevent insect damage when properly maintained.”

GARDE ROBE

CARE + MAINTENANCE

Another huge factor in keeping pests away and preserving your finer winter scarves, is keeping them clean! Not only is a stain unsightly, but the lingering particles can attract moths to an otherwise well-maintained scarf.

“Always clean your scarves before storing them for an extended period. Stains that are left untreated are harder to remove, and the fabric gets damaged. Clothes moths love protein-stained wool.”

GARDE ROBE

Much like the process of washing your wool knits, your cashmere scarves need to be treated with care! If they are washable, repeat the same hand-washing process with warm water and a gentle soap (like a baby shampoo)! However, the finer the material, the more likely it will require dry cleaning. If you have a professional dry cleaner you like to use, by all means entrust your luxurious scarves to the experts. If you’re looking to launder a large collection of cashmere at the end of the season, you can also dry clean them yourself, using an at-home kit like the Dryel Clean Kit or Laundress Dry Clean Detox! Whatever route you go, the goal is to make sure they are free of any stains, dust or debris before storing them away for the summer months. This way, you can feel confident next winter they’ll look just as fabulous as they did when you put them away.

SILKS

STORAGE

Perhaps the most delicate breed, silk scarves require a special level of care. Whether you’re working with a collection of new Hermés patterns, or vintage heirlooms, it’s oh so important to store them properly, ensuring they age gracefully for years of enjoyment! Given the delicate nature of silks, you want to take care both in the way you wear and store these! Even the natural oils of your skin/hair as well as cosmetic products can create a stain that will only worsen over time.

“Be careful when applying hairspray/perfume - do so before putting on your scarf or else ‘invisible stains’ will appear, usually after being exposed to heat.”

GARDE ROBE

Many fashion lovers collect silk scarves of signature patterns and colors! The real beauty of the silk scarf is in the rich colorful dyes and vibrant designs. When storing them, we always want to keep these investment pieces protected. Permanent creases, stretching, and sun-fading are just a few of the concerns to contend with in the closet. First, it’s best not to hang silks that will be stored for long periods of time, as gravity will not be your friend.

“Store your silk scarves folded, not hanging, to avoid stretching/distortion.”

GARDE ROBE

Instead, opt to fold them neatly in drawers, or even their original boxes if you prefer. Never lay anything on top of them either, as this will surely cause permanent creases and wrinkles over time. As much care as we must take to preserve, many clients do want to see their silk scarves to truly enjoy them. Where possible, I like to create a glass display at an island or bureau where the colors and patterns can be appreciated — like artwork for the closet! Before making this move though, ensure you have adequate protection from the sun. Often, this isn’t a major concern in closets, but if you are lucky enough to have a skylight or big beautiful windows in your dressing room, it’s probably best to keep the silks tucked away.

CARE + MAINTENANCE

Washing a silk scarf is also a dance to avoid distortion or damage to the fibers! Always opt to hand wash. Use a silk shampoo like this one from Laundress, and fill a bowl with cold water. Hot water can make the colors run, which is never a good idea when working with colorful, delicate pieces. Once the scarves have been fully submerged, rinse under cool running water, and scrunch the scarf into a ball to remove the excess water. You never want to twist or stretch the scarf, as this can do irreparable damage to the pattern. Lay the damp scarf flat on a towel, and roll the scarf up in the towel to let it dry. Once fully dried out, it’s always a good idea to steam your silks before putting them away — a small handheld steamer like the Steamery Cirrus is a great option to keep on hand in the closet. This way, you can tackle wrinkles and creases before they get too comfortable in your precious collector silks!