Carnival season is calling — and so are the costumes. Whether you’re gearing up for Notting Hill Carnival, heading to Comic Con, or dressing up for a school play or dance show, you’ll want your outfit to stay flawless between events. From kids’ glitter-covered superhero suits to full-blown cosplay creations, we’ve pulled together the best way to store costumes so they’re ready to impress all over again.
How to Store Costumes Properly and Keep Them Ready for the Next Event
Children’s costumes are full of character — but not always made to last. From supermarket polyester to glue-gunned felt, they’re often built for one-off moments. But if you want to reuse them next year, pass them down to a sibling, or keep them as a sweet memento, knowing how to store kids’ costumes properly is essential. The wrong approach can mean saggy wings, faded colours or that dreaded musty smell.
Skip the crumpled drawer or damp loft. Instead, use these costume storage ideas based on material type to keep those tiny dragons, fairies and superheroes ready for their next performance.
Keep Polyester Pieces Dry and Flat
Most shop-bought kids’ costumes — from fairy dresses and superhero suits to animal onesies — are made from polyester. It’s lightweight, budget-friendly and easy to wear, but it’s also prone to creasing, stretching and mildew if not stored properly.
To preserve the fabric, start by gently washing the costume and making sure it’s completely dry. Even a little moisture can lead to mould, especially in long-term storage. Once dry, fold the garment loosely and store it in an airtight plastic box. Avoid overpacking, and steer clear of pins, zips or metal hangers that could snag the fabric. For extra protection, place tissue paper between items to stop sequins and decals from sticking.
Protect Felt from Light and Dust
Felt is often used in handmade capes, animal ears, or school play accessories — but it’s one of the trickier materials to preserve. It fades quickly in sunlight and collects dust that’s hard to remove without damaging the fabric.
To keep felt items in good shape, first brush off any lint or loose fibres and let them dry completely. Then store them flat in breathable cotton or fabric dust bags — avoid plastic, which can trap moisture and lead to mildew. Tuck the bags away in a cool, dark drawer or wardrobe, and steer clear of any spot that gets direct or ambient sunlight, as this can bleach colours over time.
Prevent Cardboard Creations from Warping
Cardboard is a go-to material for homemade props like shields, helmets or robot suits — especially for school events like World Book Day. But while it’s great for crafting, it’s highly vulnerable to humidity and pressure.
Before storing, double-check that the cardboard is fully dry. Lay each piece flat inside a lidded plastic box, ideally with a few silica gel packets to absorb excess moisture. Never stack other items on top, as cardboard bends easily under weight. If you’re tight on storage space, consider using a small climate-controlled unit to keep your child’s DIY masterpieces safe and ready for their next adventure.
Costume Storage Tips & Ideas to Keep Dress-Up Clothes Looking Fresh
Cosplay isn’t just dress-up — it’s craftsmanship. From hand-sewn capes to sculpted props, these costumes take serious time and energy to create. Whether you’ve built your own Mandalorian armour or painstakingly stitched a Sailor Moon outfit, storage is part of the process. The right conditions protect your work; the wrong ones can ruin it.
If you want to store cosplay costumes safely between events — or even keep them as part of a growing collection — here’s how to do it without undoing all that effort.
Store EVA Foam Props in Protective Boxes
Cosplay weapons, shields and armour are often made from EVA foam — lightweight and easy to shape, but prone to damage. Wrap each prop in bubble wrap or acid-free paper and store in a sturdy box with cushioning (packing peanuts or towels work well). For large or irregularly shaped items, use a rail or foam shelving inside a storage unit so nothing gets crushed.
Care for Leather Costumes with Regular Conditioning
Whether it’s faux or real, leather needs maintenance. Left alone in cold or dry conditions, leather panels and accessories can become brittle and cracked — especially around stitched seams.
Before storage, clean the leather with a specialist product and apply a light layer of conditioner. If you’re storing it for more than a couple of months, set a reminder to repeat this every season. Avoid folding leather items — instead, hang them on padded hangers inside breathable garment bags, or store flat with tissue between layers. Choose a spot that’s cool, dry, and out of direct sunlight to protect its texture and shape.
Wrap Spandex to Prevent it From Sagging or Splitting
Spandex is brilliant for dancewear because it stretches with your body — but over time, it’s prone to sagging or breaking down, especially in humid or damp conditions.
Always hand wash spandex costumes after use to remove sweat and body oils, then air dry completely (never tumble dry). Once dry, fold gently and store in a sealed plastic container with breathable fabric layers to prevent friction. For heavier or more embellished costumes, avoid hanging — gravity can distort the shape over time.
How to Store Old Costumes and Keepsake Outfits
Whether it’s a Halloween costume or your wedding dress, some clothes hold more than just fabric – they carry memories too special to part with. For long-term preservation, avoid storing them in attics or basements, as these areas are prone to damp and temperature fluctuations. Instead, wrap each garment in acid-free tissue and place it in an archival storage box. Label the box with the costume type, event, or year, and store it somewhere cool, dry and dark to prevent fading or damage.
If space is limited at home, a secure storage unit is a smart way to keep treasured outfits in pristine condition — ready to revisit whenever the memories call.
Posted on 12th July 2022 by Attic Storage | Last updated on 31st October 2025
