Proper storage is the unsung hero of garment longevity. A quality bomber jacket represents a significant investment, and how you store it when not in use dramatically affects its lifespan and appearance. Whether you're hanging your jacket after daily wear or putting it away for the off-season, following proper storage practices ensures your bomber remains in excellent condition for years to come.
Daily Storage Essentials
Every time you take off your bomber jacket, you have an opportunity to either preserve or damage it. Small daily habits make a significant difference over time.
Choosing the Right Hanger
The hanger you use is critically important, especially for heavier leather bombers. Wire hangers from dry cleaners are the enemy—they can distort shoulders and create pressure points that damage fabric over time.
Ideal hangers for bomber jackets:
- Wide, padded hangers: Best for leather and structured bombers; the padding prevents creasing and the width supports shoulders properly
- Wooden suit hangers: Good for most jackets; look for hangers with curved shoulders that match the jacket's natural shape
- Broad plastic hangers: Acceptable for lightweight nylon and cotton bombers; avoid thin plastic that concentrates pressure
The hanger should be wide enough that the jacket's shoulder seams rest comfortably on the hanger's edges without stretching or drooping.
A properly sized hanger should extend to within 1-2cm of your jacket's shoulder seams. If the hanger is too narrow, shoulders will droop. If too wide, the hanger will stretch the shoulders outward.
Closet Considerations
Where you hang your jacket matters almost as much as how you hang it:
- Leave space between garments—crowded closets cause wrinkles and restrict airflow
- Keep bomber jackets away from direct sunlight, which can fade colours
- Avoid hanging directly against walls, especially exterior walls that may transfer moisture
- Ensure good ventilation to prevent musty odours
Preparing for Long-Term Storage
When storing a bomber jacket for an extended period—whether for the off-season or because you're rotating your wardrobe—proper preparation is essential.
Clean Before Storing
Never store a dirty jacket. Stains that are invisible now may set permanently over months of storage. Body oils and skin cells attract pests and can cause fabric deterioration. Before putting any bomber away:
- Wipe down nylon and polyester with a damp cloth
- Spot clean any visible marks or stains
- For leather, clean and condition thoroughly (see our leather care guide)
- Ensure the jacket is completely dry before storing
Garment Bags: The Right Choice
Garment bags protect stored jackets from dust, light, and pests. However, the type of bag matters enormously:
Use: Breathable fabric garment bags made from cotton, canvas, or non-woven materials. These allow air circulation while providing protection.
Avoid: Plastic garment bags or dry cleaning bags. Plastic traps moisture, creating conditions for mould and mildew growth. It can also cause leather to dry out unevenly or synthetic materials to become brittle.
Those plastic bags from the dry cleaner are for transport only, not storage. Leaving your jacket in plastic long-term is one of the most common storage mistakes and can cause serious damage, especially to leather.
Climate Control Considerations
Where you store your jacket affects its condition as much as how you store it.
Temperature and Humidity
Ideal storage conditions are cool, dry, and stable:
- Temperature: Room temperature (18-22°C) is ideal. Avoid temperature extremes
- Humidity: 40-50% relative humidity is optimal. Too dry damages leather; too humid encourages mould
- Stability: Consistent conditions are better than fluctuating ones
Locations to Avoid
- Attics: Extreme heat in Australian summers can crack leather and damage materials
- Basements/Garages: Often too humid and prone to pest issues
- Near windows: Sunlight causes fading; temperature fluctuations stress materials
- Exterior walls: Can transfer cold and moisture in winter
If you lack ideal storage space, consider climate-controlled storage solutions or invest in a dehumidifier for the storage area.
Material-Specific Storage
Different bomber jacket materials have specific storage needs.
Leather Bomber Storage
Leather requires the most careful storage:
- Condition before storing to prevent drying out
- Use padded hangers to maintain shoulder shape
- Never fold leather—it can crack at fold lines
- Store in a breathable cover, not plastic
- Check periodically during long storage and recondition if needed
- Cedar blocks help repel pests but avoid direct contact with leather
Nylon and Synthetic Bombers
More forgiving but still benefit from proper care:
- Can be folded for short periods if necessary
- Standard hangers are usually adequate
- Avoid heat sources which can melt or warp synthetics
- Zipper should be partially closed to maintain shape
Cotton Bombers
- More susceptible to mildew—ensure completely dry before storing
- Can wrinkle, so give adequate closet space
- May attract moths—use cedar or lavender sachets
- Can be folded for travel but hanging is preferred for long-term
Natural pest deterrents like cedar blocks, lavender sachets, or dried rosemary help protect stored garments. Avoid mothballs, which can leave persistent odours and may damage some materials.
Seasonal Rotation Best Practices
If you rotate your wardrobe seasonally, follow this process:
Putting Away for the Off-Season
- Clean thoroughly and allow to dry completely
- Condition leather and check for any needed repairs
- Place on appropriate hanger
- Cover with breathable garment bag
- Store in climate-appropriate location
- Note the date you stored it
Retrieving from Storage
- Inspect for any damage, pest issues, or mould
- Air out in a ventilated space for 24-48 hours
- Check zippers and closures for functionality
- Condition leather if it appears dry
- Address any wrinkles (hanging usually resolves minor wrinkles; steam for stubborn ones)
The three pillars of proper jacket storage: appropriate hangers that support the garment's structure, breathable covers that protect without trapping moisture, and stable environmental conditions that prevent material degradation. Master these basics and your bomber jackets will last for decades.
Travel and Temporary Storage
When travelling with a bomber jacket:
- Wear bulky jackets on the plane rather than packing them
- If packing, fold along natural seams and place in the centre of your luggage
- Unpack and hang immediately upon arrival
- Use hotel hangers if yours aren't available—anything is better than leaving it crumpled
For temporary storage (a few days to weeks), normal closet hanging is fine. The detailed storage procedures above are most important for seasonal or longer-term storage.
Proper storage is an investment of minimal effort that yields significant returns. A few minutes of care when putting away your bomber jacket protects both its appearance and your financial investment, ensuring it remains a wardrobe staple for years to come.