Tunic storage question

[Sebastien T]

Hello,
Can anyone can lead me to find the best way to store a tunic. I dont have a room yet and looking for a container to store it. What is the best method?

Thanks for your time

Seb

[jacquesf]

suitcase?

[macleod]

Hi

I store my tunics in a good large wardrobe (to try and keep the moths at bay). Inside the wardrobe I have large silica sachets to keep the moisture levels down. I then regularly take them out to give them some air, and of course, to have them on display. I also make sure there is a decent amount of space between them when they are hanging in the wardrobe - if they bunch up, the air circulation is not so good and can cause problems. This works well for me.

regards

macleod

[Johnny R]

I use muslin garment bags to store them which is what is used in many museums.

[Michael Fay]

I use muslin garment bags to store them which is what is used in many museums.

do you know where might one purchase in person, such a garment bag?

[Sebastien T]

Thanks Guys, Appreciated you help.

Seb

[Paul R.]

Over the past few years this topic is brought up again. If you don't really care about the tunic that you have, or don't plan on keeping long term then simply pass up my reply post. Many collectors feel conservators are over the top on storage and preserving. The last time I looked this area was about conservation and keeping...

In the field of conservation there is not a "one size fits all approach to tunic storage" It depends of many factors around the tunic it self. Before rushing to buy items that may cause further damage to a tunic examine your tunic carefully. Most military items were used and many use hard and for long periods. The actual construction of these tunics were made of for the most part natural materials like cotton, wool, a little rayon and many were of course hand sewn by skilled tailors, and were usually not hung up in a closet.

In time the actual natural materials break down from age, wear, human sweat, body oils, and grime. Many imbedded deep into the fabric it self and in time aid in the demise of fabric deterioration.

Simply placing a heavy worn worn tunic on a hanger add more stress to the overall tunic. Things like threads, interior liners, collars, pockets become more stress by throwing it up on a hanger. Great risk of tearing liners, loosening threads, collars, and tunic fabric is at risk of long term damage, and resulting in decreasing the value of a tunic.

There are many low cost box storage systems today that are archival safe to use and reasonably price that can used to store them in safely. Many companies that offer wedding box storage systems that are archival safe to use. Yes they are stored flat and not hanger hung or folded to store in a drawer, or picture frame with hot glaring accent light to fade you costly tunic.

In the end these are your items to do as you see fit to do with them.

[101combatvet]

This companies has some pretty good storage boxes.

http://www.lightimpressionsdirect.com/

[macleod]

Hi

I would just like to add that I originally bought professional storage boxes for my tunics and lots of acid-free paper to wrap them in. However, these boxes actually take up a lot of space - particularly as you have to lie the boxes down flat. Of course, it all depends on how many tunics you have and how big your house is (or tolerant your wife/girlfriend is).... I personally found it all a bit inconvenient sorting through boxes to dig out a tunic for a good look. That is why they are now in an airy wardrobe, and on good quality wooden hangers. Access is so much easier. I do understand the argument about hangers straining the materials, so I will keep a close eye on them...

regards

macleod

[Johnny R]

We used padded hangers in museums, it really depends on the condition of the garment. Flat storage is ideal but it you have hundreds of uniforms that is not very practical unless you live in an Aircraft hanger. Tunics in good condition are fine on padded hangers and in protective breathable garment bags.

[amiklic1]

I store my tunics on a styrofoam and polyurethane torsos, sealed in acrylic paint and padded with Polyethilene foam (2mm thickness).

Those that cannot be on display (currently have 11 displayed) are on a padded hangers, each in it's own suit bag.

Hangers are padded with polyethilene pipe insulation, thick enough to lower the stress caused to the fabric itself.

Usually, tunic weight is around 2 kg, and with the area on which the shoulders are hanging being around 4*12 cm per shoulder, or 96 sq. cm on both shoulders, that means the pressure per sq. cm is roughly 21 grams.

I am inspecting my tunics on a regular basis, both displayed one and the stored ones, and throughout the years I haven't find any issue.

Here is the suitable insulation tube:
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Armacell-...5838/100572787

There are many sizes, with different outer and inner diameters. I use the ones with at least 5cm (2 in) outer diameter and small inner one, to prevent the tube rolling on the hanger (so I have to push it to the hanger arm).

Torso padding is also very simple, I use Polyethilene 2mm white foam in roll, intended to use in flooring under the laminate flooring.

Useful items are usually around use, one just have to do the homework.

[N.C. Wyeth]

I say, using archival boxes are the best option . . .

However, these boxes actually take up a lot of space - particularly as you have to lie the boxes down flat.

Yes - room can be an issue with boxes . . . but I'm with Paul on this one. These fellows have made custom-sized [Length x Width], archival-quality, metal-edge storage boxes for me that are no more than 3" tall [minimum height] . . . and of which, are relatively stackable. I have stored as many as ten [of the same length and width] stacked on each other for many years - with no collapsing or deflection. Personally, I haven't found anything better to use for long term storage . . . so maybe this link will be of help to some of you?

http://www.hollingermetaledge.com/

[Sebastien T]

Thank you so much guys, very usefull information. I will use some of the info you provided.

Seb

[U-Boot Kapitan]

I use non-woven polypropylene, breathable suit bags

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/SUIT-COVER...item27c0ffa462