Storage of old uniforms?

[Teuton]

For some time I have had my grandfathers navy uniform from the Korean War and so far I have simply had it in a dresser drawer but since I have gotten into collecting militaria I have realized that these relics need to be properly stored and I was wondering which is the best way to store an old uniform?

Thanks for any help!

-Cole

[Jeff Ashenfelter]

For some time I have had my grandfathers navy uniform from the Korean War and so far I have simply had it in a dresser drawer but since I have gotten into collecting militaria I have realized that these relics need to be properly stored and I was wondering which is the best way to store an old uniform?

Thanks for any help!

-Cole

Cole,
Acquire some nice wood hangers. Hang your uniform on one of these. These wood hangers will not rust as metal ones do, and they take stress off of the shoulder seam area as well.
Next, go to the hardware store and buy a can of spray on moth proofing.These come in a nice cedar scent which is not so offensive as mothballs. You will need to use this product every 6 months, spray on front and back.
Now get some of those dry cleaner garment bags, you know the kind your clothes come back in from the cleaners. These work great for keeping the dust off of your uniforms.
The only other advise I can give you is to keep your cloth out of direct sunlight, and avoid hanging uniforms to close together. Hope this helps, Jeff A

[Mike H]

Storage

Cole,

Jeff gives good advice. Our hardware stores here don't sell the spray-on cedar anymore but you can order a variety of cedar products from the following website:

Cedar Fresh Products

This is an area you can't pay too much attention to, as once the damage is done, it is too late.

Best of luck,

Mike

[J.von Canon]

Storage of old uniforms(con'd.)

Here's my 2 cents...
I think it's important to note that any organic spots(food stains,for instance)should be very carefully removed BEFORE storing.
Such spots are magnets for wool-eating moths,etc.
A careful(very careful)cleaning is advised.Some laundry services are careless so be careful about who cleans the garmet professionally.

For older garmets-I think coat hangers are not the best idea because gravity is steadily at work on threads.I've seen Civil War era uniforms desentegrating(sleeves falling away)from having been hung on hangers for long periods.This is not so significant on more recent garmets but,over time,can be a factor.
If hung,however,spend a little extra and get wooden(cedar)ones because insects don't care for the odor of it.

Vacum sealed air-tight clear bags can be found in most clothing stores.
I have some uniforms stored this way and they can be readily viewed without exposure.
A few cedar balls dumped into the bag from time to time seems a good idea(I don't like the smell of moth balls in clothing.)

What I call a "perimeter defense"against moths is the hearty dumping of mothballs around the bagged items.
I have a cedar chest where the uniforms are lain flat inside rather than hung in a closet.
Hope this helps give you some ideas.
J.vC.

[Brad Haner]

I am not about to question how anyone decides to store thier uniforms.However I would like to point out a couple of things that may cause damage from what has already been suggested.

First cedar is a fantastic moth retardent.YET,even if the cedar has been kiln dried it can still bleed sap.Anyone ever seen a cedar sap satin?It will not come out and the article is stained forever.DO NOT let any cloth come in contact with the cedar.I agree with Jvon about long term storage on hangers.Yet the use of vacume sealed bags must be done properly.Cloth needs to "breathe",so if you go the vacume sealed route,be sure to open the bag every 4 months or so.Let the air get to the cloth for 2 or 3 days.If you have to fold it to seal it,be sure to fold it opposite the way it was the first time.This allows the textile to remain suple.Be sure if you hang your garment and cover it with a plastic cover or bag,make sure the platic is PVC free.

Here is how I store mine.I have a cedar lined closet,which I lined in stages as I could afford to by the cedar.I keep mu tunics in acid free garment boxes(bought at archival supply stores)then I store the boxes in a closet.the boxes allow the garment to breathe and are big enough for it to lay flat.

Regards
Brad

[Jeff Ashenfelter]

cedar chests

I am not about to question how anyone decides to store thier uniforms.However I would like to point out a couple of things that may cause damage from what has already been suggested.

First cedar is a fantastic moth retardent.YET,even if the cedar has been kiln dried it can still bleed sap.Anyone ever seen a cedar sap satin?It will not come out and the article is stained forever.DO NOT let any cloth come in contact with the cedar.I agree with Jvon about long term storage on hangers.Yet the use of vacume sealed bags must be done properly.Cloth needs to "breathe",so if you go the vacume sealed route,be sure to open the bag every 4 months or so.Let the air get to the cloth for 2 or 3 days.If you have to fold it to seal it,be sure to fold it opposite the way it was the first time.This allows the textile to remain suple.Be sure if you hang your garment and cover it with a plastic cover or bag,make sure the platic is PVC free.

Here is how I store mine.I have a cedar lined closet,which I lined in stages as I could afford to by the cedar.I keep mu tunics in acid free garment boxes(bought at archival supply stores)then I store the boxes in a closet.the boxes allow the garment to breathe and are big enough for it to lay flat.


Brad

Hi Brad,
A while back I was told by a woodworker friend of mine that cedar does not repel moths. He went on to say that cedar was used in chests because of its aromatic aroma, and how it made your cloths smell nice. He also said that the main reason that cedar chests repel moths is that they are made airtight! This really does make sense, which is why I have never relied totally on cedar as a repellant. What is your opinion. Jeff A

[Brad Haner]

Jeff,I have to disagree to a point with your woodworker friend.Most spiecies of moths do not like red aromatic cedar,but there are a few exceptions to the rule.Now,I wonder if he might have been refering to millers?Millers do not seem to be affected by cedar.

There are so many variables one has to deal with when trying to preserve and protect or collections.The pacific northwest collectors do not really have to worry about moths,but do have to take extra precautions for the humidity.In certain areas of the south,one has not only a moth problem,but also has to deal with a few other pesky insects that might like to make a snack out of thier wool.I guess it would have been wise to tell Cole the original poster,that he needs to examine the enviorment he lives in and make choices from that.

regards
Brad

[SteveM]

In terms of storing uniforms for longevity, how do mannequins rate as a method of preservation? I have heard that styrofoam is bad when in direct contact with the material and that a mannequin should first be covered in acid free cloth, if it is styrofoam. Of course the constant pull of gravity on the sleeves is a factor. I have pinned up the sleeves on my tunics to take the weight off the shoulders. Still I would like to hear from others with tips and advice on the effective use of mannequins in preserving uniforms. It's also a lot nicer to look at that tunic on a mannequin than through a bag.