What Is The Best Way to Store My Newly Acquired Hermès And Other Luxury Handbags

Dear PurseBop:

How do I store my newly acquired Birkin 35 Togo leather handbag? Should I rest it on its back as it came in the original box, or stuff with a purse pillow and stand the bag up inside its dust bag?

Dear How To Store My Luxury Bags:

When storing your precious quota bags from Hermès, and all other luxury handbags as well, there are two generally accepted methods to storing your luxury handbag. The way you store your handbag is an important element in maintaining the shape and condition of your handbag over its lifetime.

One method is to store your handbag in its original dust bag and box and to keep all the accessories in their individual dust bags similar to how it arrived fresh from the boutique. Be sure to also use the felt on the front of the bag to protect the sangles and other fasteners from leaving any marks on the bag. It is best if the bag is lying down in its original dust bag and box on top of clean tissue paper. For Retourne Kellys and Birkins, do not clasp the sangles and place the top flap inside the bag for storage to avoid dents or creases in the leather over time.

The second method is to store your handbags on a shelf sitting upright in their original dust bag. Make sure the shelf is tall enough so the top handle is not damaged or distorted, and the bag is not in direct sun or artificial light or exposed to extreme temperatures or humidity.

Although storing your bags upright on a shelf is an accepted method of storage for a Kelly Sellier and a Birkin Sellier, it is not recommended for a Kelly Retourne or classic Birkin Retourne. The Retourne style bags may slouch over time when stored in an upright position. Also, do not store your bags with their inserts or pillows inside the bag. Over time, this may cause creases or marks to develop in the leather which may not be able to be repaired.

Here are our Top 10 Tips To Storing Your Luxury Handbag

Clean: Clean your handbag first with a clean soft cloth to remove surface dirt and dust and let dry.
Stuff: Insert either the inflatable filler your bag came with from the store or dye-free tissue paper to lightly stuff the bag. Do not overstuff your bag or stretch the sangles when closing the bag for storage as this may stretch or change the shape of the bag. TIP: Be careful not to leave bag inserts or pillows in your bags for prolonged periods of time as they may cause a crease in the back area of that bag that may become permanent. Check all sides of the bag and how it is filled from the outside to insure a crease or fold is not being created.
Secure: Be sure to wrap and secure any additional accessories such as the shoulder strap, clochette, raincoat, etc. and store them in their individual dust bag and away from any area of the bag where it may cause an indentation in the leather. In particular, the shoulder strap should be separately wrapped, removed and placed in its dust bag, and placed away from the body of the bag. It is not recommended to store these items inside the bag either as they may cause creases or dents in the leather over time.
Store: Place your bag in its original dust bag, if possible, to protect it from light, extreme humidity, temperature, dust, or other harmful elements. Fine dust and dirt particles are harmful because they may act like sandpaper on the surface material when wiped away and damage the material.
Humidity: Be aware of the amount of humidity in your storage area. Most bags should be stored in an area where there is no more than 30-40% humidity. High humidity may cause mold or mildew to develop in your bag.
Temperature: Handbags should be stored in a climate-controlled environment in the 60-75 degree Fahrenheit range. Avoid exposing your bags to extreme temperatures.
Light Exposure: Both natural and artificial light may discolor, fade or cause yellowing of some handbag material. Leather naturally oxidizes over time but storing your bag in a dust bag away from light may delay this process.
Refrain: Avoid hanging your bag from its shoulder strap or top handle as this may distort or stretch the area over time. If they sit upright on a shelf make sure the area is tall enough so the top handle is not pressed down, damaged or distorted.
Do Not Store Your Bag In Plastic Containers: Leather and natural materials need to breathe. When placed in plastic containers mold and mildew may build up inside and damage your bag.
Air: If possible, allow your handbags to be removed from their storage location on a regular basis to air them out. You may consider using silica gel packets to avoid a build up of humidity if you live in a location with high humidity.