A bag loses its shape faster in a closet than it does from actual use — bad storage collapses structure, creases leather-look material, and lets straps stretch out of alignment. Here's how to store the different bag types in our catalog so they hold up.
Structured Totes and PU Leather Bags
Our PU Leather Boston Tote holds a clean, structured silhouette, and that structure needs support to survive storage — don't let it sit flat and empty. Stuff the interior loosely with tissue paper or an old t-shirt to hold its shape, and store it upright rather than on its side, which flattens the base over time. PU leather also creases permanently if folded, so store it standing, not stacked under other bags.
Canvas and Nylon Bags
Canvas pieces like our Men's Canvas Messenger Bag and nylon crossbodies like the Waterproof Crossbody Bag are more forgiving — the fabric doesn't crease the way leather-look material does. Even so, avoid storing them compressed under heavier items; a nylon or canvas bag can develop permanent fold lines at the seams if something heavy sits on it for weeks. Hang them by the strap on a hook when possible instead of stacking.
Quilted and Embroidered Bags
Anything with embroidery or quilting, like our Embroidered Small Crossbody Bag, should be stored separately from bags with hardware or zippers — metal clasps and zipper pulls can snag delicate stitching if bags are pressed together in a drawer or bin.
Backpacks and Duffel-Style Bags
Bigger bags like the Waterproof Gym & Travel Backpack or the USB Charging Laptop Backpack hold their shape best a little bit full, not empty and collapsed. If you're not using one for a while, keep a rolled towel or packing cube inside instead of leaving it flat — a small step that keeps zippers from straining against a caved-in shape the next time you pack it.
Straps Need Their Own Attention
Long adjustable straps, like the ones on our crossbody and messenger styles, shouldn't hang loose and tangled with other bags' straps for months. Loop them loosely around the bag itself before storing, and avoid hanging heavier bags by a thin strap for long stretches — it's the fastest way to stretch a strap out of shape permanently.
General Rule: Avoid Direct Sunlight and Damp Closets
Whatever the material — canvas, nylon, or PU leather — sunlight fades color unevenly, and a damp closet can encourage mildew on fabric bags specifically. A closet or dust bag away from a window is enough; you don't need anything more elaborate for storage between uses.
None of this requires special equipment. It's mostly about not treating a bag like it can just get shoved in a drawer and forgetting the shape it's supposed to hold.