As modest fashion, maxi dresses, abayas, elegant robes, and long trench coats take centre stage in our wardrobes, a new challenge emerges that doesn’t leave your items packed together and creased. Creating the tedious task of ironing and steaming your clothes every single morning instead of once a week before you load them into your wardrobe.
If your stunning floor-length garments are currently pooling on the floor of your closet, getting dusty, wrinkled, and generally disrespected, it’s time for an intervention. Storing long clothes correctly isn't just about neatness; it's about preservation. Here is your ultimate guide to creating a wardrobe space built specifically for your longest, most treasured pieces.
Measure and Dedicate Space
The number one mistake people make is trying to squeeze long items into standard double-hanging sections. The result is inevitably fabric dragging on the floor or the lower shelf. Especially if you haven’t got the length of space for your height.
Know Your Needs: The longest garments (maxi dresses, evening gowns, full-length coats, abayas) typically require a full drop of 60 to 70 inches (150 to 180 cm) of uninterrupted hanging space. If you are rather short, and so most of your garments will be, you might be better luck, as you may have more space to play with for other storage solutions.
Create a "Long-Drop Zone": Dedicate at least one section of your closet or wardrobe system exclusively to these items. This often means removing the central shelf and lower rail in a standard closet unit.
Utilise Height: If you have high ceilings, consider using the very top of this long-drop section for seasonal storage, like storing hats in boxes or placing your out-of-season long coats in breathable garment bags. As mentioned, you could include all the low-priority items, and when needed, just grab a handy little step ladder or ask the tallest in the house to help.
Custom Solutions for Max Storage
If you're investing in a bespoke or modular wardrobe system, these features are essential for your long, modest fashion pieces.
The Tall Single Rod
This is the non-negotiable feature. Ensure the single rod is placed high enough that your longest piece (e.g., your formal coat or wedding dress) can hang freely without touching the floor of the wardrobe. This space should be open from the rod to the floor. The less bunching, the more space you have as well at the bottom for a box of your favourite fancy shoes and so forth.
The Pull-Down Rod (Closet Lift)
For wardrobes that extend to the ceiling, a pull-down rod is a game-changer. It allows you to utilise that high, previously unusable space for your long gowns and seldom-worn items. You simply pull the mechanism, and the rail lowers to an accessible height, protecting your beautiful garments in the highest, safest zone. It is also a huge perk for short people with small dresses; if you are lucky, you could have two whole sections here filled with your long pieces.
Dedicated Garment Bags
While they don't have built-in storage, breathable cotton or canvas garment bags are vital for long-term garment storage. They shield delicate fabrics like silk and chiffon from dust, light, and snags, which is especially important for formal wear or lightly coloured abayas.
Hanger Hacks
The right hanger is just as crucial as the right space. Never use thin wire hangers for heavy or delicate long garments!
● Padded or Flocked Hangers: Use wide, padded, or high-quality velvet-flocked hangers for items like wool coats, velvet abayas, or delicate evening wear. They prevent shoulder bumps and offer better support across the width of the garment
● The 'Loop' Fold for Extra Length: If you absolutely cannot avoid the floor, you can minimise damage by looping the very bottom of the skirt or hem up and over the bottom of the hanger. This takes about 18 inches off the drop but must be done gently to avoid creating a crease.
● Pant Hangers for Skirts: Use multi-tiered clamp hangers (designed for trousers or skirts) to hang maxi skirts or loose, wide-leg trousers from the waist. This maximises vertical space within the long-drop zone.
By planning your hanging space around the length of your garments, you ensure your beautiful, flowing wardrobe remains pristine, wrinkle-free, and always ready to wear. It’s time to give your favourite long pieces the vertical respect they deserve!
Thinking Outside the Wardrobe Box
Taking full advantage of services that make customised wardrobes to think of something new, inventive and completely tailored to you. You don’t need to follow the norms of traditional wardrobes when it’s a free space to have as much organised chaos as possible. Just ensure you provide them with a rough guideline of your needs and see what designs they come up with.
Some suggestions could include behind-the-door storage, a bare open rail across a wall, a way to spin your wardrobe from summer to winter. These are just a few ideas you can pitch and include in your must-haves.
Author Bio: Darcy Fowler
After completing a University degree in Journalism, Darcy Fowler has dedicated a lot of time to interior design, exterior design and home decor, completing multiple home design projects in the process. Darcy is determined to provide interesting and insightful content with the hope of inspiring others. She has a big ambition to establish herself in the world of home renovation and design journalism.
