How to store wool trench coats?

[timberreth98]

So I’ve got these two really lovely vintage military trench coats. The first is from WWII (I believe 1940 but the label is real worn so I could be wrong), and the second is from 1956. These guys are some very heavy duty wool coats, so they’re suuuper warm. Does anyone have any tips on how I can store these guys until the weathers right for it again?
Thanks in advance!

 

[The Vintage Vendeuse]

Those are bridge coats, not trench coats.
Luckily, I don't have to worry about wool-eating moths in my home so I simply store mine in my vestibule closet along with my other wool coats.

 

[timberreth98]

Oh interesting! I just assumed they were trench coats since they hit about my knees and they’re like 8 and 5 pounds. I guess I’m just not build for the Military lmaoo. Anyway thank you!

 

[denisebrain]

Donna makes a good point re/ whether moths and other critters are likely where you live. Do you get freezing temperatures? Have you dealt with any insect damage? Do you wear the coats in winter? I have suggestions based on your answers.

 

[The Vintage Vendeuse]

I just assumed they were trench coats since they hit about my knees and they’re like 8 and 5 pounds.

Army trench coats were traditionally made from gabardine, not heavy wool, and were khaki in color. They were worn as a windbreaker or rain jacket and not intended for use in colder weather. Style-wise, they have epaulettes, a full waist belt, and wrist/cuff straps.
Navy bridge coats were typically navy blue heavy wool. They are a pea coat/reefer jacket that extends down to the thighs. Bridge coats were warm overcoats, worn by officers who did not need the agility to climb the rigging of a ship.

A bridge coat (left), and a trench coat (right):

 

[timberreth98]

Donna makes a good point re/ whether moths and other critters are likely where you live. Do you get freezing temperatures? Have you dealt with any insect damage? Do you wear the coats in winter? I have suggestions based on your answers.

Yea theres a lot moths specifically in my house, that’s why don’t want to keep them hung up on my wall like usual. As of right now the coats themselves don’t have any insect damage but other things in my house have suffered in the past so I’m a bit worried for them. I’m in Colorado so the weather does get cold and I do plan to wear them once winter rolls back around. Thanks in advance!

 

[timberreth98]

Army trench coats were traditionally made from gabardine, not heavy wool, and were khaki in color. They were worn as a windbreaker or rain jacket and not intended for use in colder weather. Style-wise, they have epaulettes, a full waist belt, and wrist/cuff straps.
Navy bridge coats were typically navy blue heavy wool. They are a pea coat/reefer jacket that extends down to the thighs. Bridge coats were warm overcoats, worn by officers who did not need the agility to climb the rigging of a ship.

A bridge coat (left), and a trench coat (right):

View attachment 202391View attachment 202392

Ahh I see, thank you!

 

[denisebrain]

Some pointers:

Don't use wire hangers (I imagine you don't with the weight of these coats!). Keep the coats clean via dry cleaning. Dry cleaning kills pests and removes stains that attract them. Keeping the coats clean is your first line of defense.

For winter: Use is a perfect deterrent for insect pests. As long as you keep wearing your coats it is not going to be possible for an infestation to take hold. If you get your timing right, and if you live where the temperature dips low enough, you might be able to put a batch of clothing outside during a deep freeze. Freezing kills the insect larvae that damage fabric.

When storing, do not use dry cleaning bags or garment bags made of plastic or vinyl. Plastic doesn’t breathe and can trap moisture that nurtures mold and mildew. Over time, plastic can react with fabric and break down. I have seen and felt plastic garment bags that literally adhered to the vintage clothes stored inside them. Cotton muslin garment bags (or simply covering the clothes with old cotton sheets) can help keep stored vintage clothing clean and protected against potential damage from closet mates. Tyvek®, used for making garment bags, is another possibility. It is pH neutral, acid free, and tear resistant. It also keeps water out while allowing moisture vapor to escape.

 

[timberreth98]

Some pointers:

Don't use wire hangers (I imagine you don't with the weight of these coats!). Keep the coats clean via dry cleaning. Dry cleaning kills pests and removes stains that attract them. Keeping the coats clean is your first line of defense.

For winter: Use is a perfect deterrent for insect pests. As long as you keep wearing your coats it is not going to be possible for an infestation to take hold. If you get your timing right, and if you live where the temperature dips low enough, you might be able to put a batch of clothing outside during a deep freeze. Freezing kills the insect larvae that damage fabric.

When storing, do not use dry cleaning bags or garment bags made of plastic or vinyl. Plastic doesn’t breathe and no can trap moisture that nurtures mold and mildew. Over time, plastic can react with fabric and break down. I have seen and felt plastic garment bags that literally adhered to the vintage clothes stored inside them. Cotton muslin garment bags (or simply covering the clothes with old cotton sheets) can help keep stored vintage clothing clean and protected against potential damage from closet mates. Tyvek®, used for making garment bags, is another possibility. It is pH neutral, acid free, and tear resistant. It also keeps water out while allowing moisture vapor to escape.

Yea I keep them on these chunky wooden hangers. I should take them to get dry cleaned it’s been a while, but that may be a bit pricy for me at right now

As for storing them thanks for the pointers about garment bags, I wouldn’t have known better lol.

Thanks for all the help!