Storing your designer bags properly will help keep them in their best condition for longer, and help prevent them from losing their shape over time. One of the questions I get asked all the time over on my Instagram is what is the best way to store designer bags.

Whilst some of it comes down to personal preference (like how you want to display them), below are some tips on the best way to store designer bags that you should definitely follow to keep your bags looking their best.

Whenever I buy a new bag, I always keep the original packaging in case I ever want to resell my bags, and also keep the tissue paper it comes stuffed with as this can be useful when storing designer bags (more on this below).

How to Store Designer Bags

Clean

Before you think about storing designer handbags, empty the contents of your bag when you’ve finished using it and shake out any loose bits of dust or debris. Notice any marks on your bags (especially food or drink spills – it happens to all of us!)? Give your bag a gentle wipe down as soon as you notice any spots of dirt.

An alcohol-free baby wipe or damp paper towel usually does the trick, but what you use to remove the stains really depends on the individual bag and the leather. If in doubt, it’s best to check in with the brand first to see what they recommend (I try and remember to ask the SA when I buy my bag what the best way to clean it is). Just give your local store a call or check their website for contact details and ask. If that fails, do a quick google search and see what other people have used successfully. Whatever you’re using, just do a spot test first on the bottom of the bag or somewhere less noticeable.

For these Saint Laurent bags where the leather is coated and quite durable, I just use an alcohol-free baby wipe or a damp soft cloth and any stains usually come off quite easily, but that’s not always the case for other leather types.

To prevent any spills or marks on the inside of your bags, considering using a bag organiser like this one here. That way you don’t have to be as careful about what you’re packing in your bag, or double check that you definitely put that hand cream lid back on! If you don’t want to use an organiser, use a pouch to store any products that may leak (like lip products, hand sanitiser and hand cream) like the pouches I used here in my Celine bag.

Stuff

The best way to store luxury handbags and stop them from losing their shape over time is to stuff them. This is a step I’ll almost never skip, particularly if it’s a bigger bag. Unless it’s a really small and structured bag (like the YSL WOC), I stuff all my bags when they aren’t in use. Stuffing your handbags provides support and reinforcement, and can help stop your bag from slumping or losing it’s shape over time.

A lot of mine have Samorga organisers in them which help them keep their shape, but if I don’t have one on hand for a bag I use custom bag pillows that are made for the shape of your bag (I’ve used Bagpuff before). You can also use old white t-shirts (make sure they’re clean!), white cotton towels or acid-free tissue paper. I often keep the tissue paper that some bags originally come stuffed with when you buy them and just reuse this.

Avoid overstuffing your bag as this can distort the shape over time. Also avoid using air pillows (the plastic air puffs that come in packages sometimes) as these deflate over time and can also scratch up the inside of your bag if it’s a soft leather like lambskin.

If your bag has quite soft leather, you can also wrap any exposed straps or hardware with a some acid-free tissue paper to prevent them from making imprints in your bag over time.

Store

Store your bag somewhere where it has enough room to stand up (preferable) or lie down (if it’s a clutch or large bag). Make sure the handles aren’t squashed if you’re storing it in on a shelf. If your bag has a removable strap, take it off and place it inside the bag if there’s room. A lot of my bigger bags like my Celine Mini Luggage I store lying down in their dust bags, whilst the smaller ones I keep on a shelf where I can see them and easily access them. Avoid hanging bags on hooks as this can distort the shape of the handles and the bag over time.

I often get asked why I don’t store all my bags in their dust bags. I used to do this but I just like having them on display where I can see them – it’s just personal preference. Yes, they do get a little dusty but I wipe down my shelves and bags as often as needed.

If you do decide to store your bags on a shelf, keep them away from places that get a lot of sunlight as this can damage them over time.

If you’re storing your bags in a drawer or lying down I would definitely recommend having them in their dustbags. If you don’t have a dustbag, you can use a white or cream cotton pillow case.

If your bags are is being stored somewhere dark that doesn’t get much airflow, like in a drawer on in their boxes, it’s a good idea to take them out occasionally and air them for a day in an air-conditioned room as you don’t want them to get affected by any moisture. Definitely do this if you live in a humid climate as your bags can get mould on them! I like to throw a few of those silica gel packets that you often get with new clothes and shoes in my drawers to help absorb any excess moisture.

I hope these tips helped you find some ways on how to store designer handbags, and keep them in their best possible condition (whist still enjoying them, of course!).

Looking for a new designer bag to invest in? Check out some of my other bag posts:

Saint Laurent Bag Comparison

The Best Designer Bags to Invest in 2020

The Best Designer Work Bags to Invest In

10+ Stylish Work Bags that Fit a Laptop

Best Designer Crossbody Bags to Invest In