As Seen In LA Closet Design’s ClosetPhile featuring Garde Robe- “The Master’s of Preserving Archival Fashion and Accessories”- Lisa Adams

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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 Scarfs 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

Please click here to read the full article and to learn more about caring for your cashmere and silk scarfs.