How to Store Premium Streetwear Properly

Updated April 2026 · 5 min read · SBS Dublin

Most damage we see on pre-owned pieces isn't from wearing them — it's from how they were stored between wears. A few simple habits will keep your jackets, hoodies and trainers looking fresh for years.

Down jackets (TNF Nuptse, Berghaus, Monterrain puffers)

• Hang loose on a wide hanger — never compress for long periods.
• Stuff sacks are for travel, not storage. Down clusters compress permanently after months in a sack.
• If you must put one away for summer, use a breathable cotton garment bag — not a vacuum bag, not plastic.
• Re-fluff every couple of months by tumble drying on low for 10 minutes with tennis balls.

Technical shells (Gore-Tex, HyVent)

• Hang on a wide hanger so the shoulders don't deform.
• Don't fold for storage — repeated creasing in the same spot eventually cracks the inner waterproof membrane.
• Store away from direct sunlight. UV breaks down DWR coatings even when you're not wearing the jacket.

Hoodies, knits and tracksuit tops

• Fold heavy knits, hang lighter pieces. Hanging a heavy knit stretches the shoulders permanently.
• Use plastic or padded hangers, never thin wire ones.
• Turn graphic prints inside-out before folding to protect them from rubbing.

Trainers

• Stuff with shoe trees or clean paper to hold shape between wears.
• Keep them out of direct sunlight — yellowing on white midsoles is mostly UV damage.
• Don't store wet. Stuff with newspaper and air-dry first.
• Original boxes work, but check for any damp before putting them in.

Zips, Velcro and pulls

• Always store jackets fully zipped up — it keeps the front panels aligned and protects the zip teeth.
• Velcro tabs should be closed against themselves so they don't snag other garments.

The off-season checklist

When putting winter pieces away in spring (or summer pieces away in autumn):

1. Wash properly with the right detergent (see our jacket care guide).
2. Make sure they're 100% dry — even slight moisture causes mildew.
3. Hang in a breathable garment bag in a cool, dark wardrobe.
4. Add a cedar block or lavender sachet to deter moths from natural fibres.

If you're done with a piece

If something has been sitting in storage for two seasons and you haven't reached for it once, it's probably time to let it go. Mint pieces hold strong resale value — we'll quote on it the same day.