In psychology is a term called the “grass is greener” syndrome. This is what happens when you want something so passionately, only to eventually lose interest or neglect it once you’ve got it.
This usually happens when the process of getting something unattainable is more pleasurable than actually having it. With love of all things good and true, please don’t let that happen to your Chanel bag.
Whether you’ve just splurged on your first or you’re increasing your collection by the 10th, proper storage is SO important. Let’s dive into how to store a Chanel bag the way it really deserves.
What’s the Big Fuss On Storage?
Chanel handbags were made to love, wear and thrive in. Not to be stored away in cupboards. They’re designed with the most luxurious materials in the world that require support, proper temperature and exceptionally careful handling, especially when not in use.
Did you know that lambskin creases if it were to be stored flat? Or that the chains on these bags can tarnish without a protective covering? Or that Caviar leather can lose its texture under pressure? Or that the Chanel 19’s quilting can flatten if not hung right?
These seem like awfully tiny details, but they could be the reason your bag lives its most glorious life.
Non-Negotiables for Your Chanel’s Storage Space
Look, we’re not asking for an entirely different closet space for your Chanel. Even though that would be amazing. But we are asking for 4 simple and very doable things that you can do for your storage space.
First and foremost, climate-controlled environments. The temperature you store your Chanel handbag in is extremely important. For example, extreme heat can cause the leather on your handbag to dry and even crack. On the contrary, excessive cold can make the leather brittle. The perfect middle ground is room temperature.
While we’re on the topic of temperature, you need to make sure that the humidity in there is under control. That’s because too much moisture can encourage mould growth and even hardware tarnishing. If the storage space is too dry, the leather could dry out. If you live in a particularly humid or even dry climate, try installing a dehumidifier or you humidfier for the storage area, depending on your needs.
This is probably already a given, but light exposure can damage your handbag. That’s because direct sunlight fades colours and degrades leather over time. This is why it’s always a good idea to store bags away from windows, and if your wardrobe does have natural light, use dust bags.
Last but not least, Chanel handbags need proper air flow to prevent musty odours and moisture buildup. If you are using any plastic containers or sealed boxes, stop right now! Dust bags are your handbag’s best friend.
How to Store a Chanel Flap Bag Properly
Ladies, we’d be lying if we said that the Classic Flap isn’t the most iconic style in the Chanel lineup. Unfortunately for us, it also happens to be one of the most storage-sensitive handbags.
1. Never hang your Classic Flap
The beautiful, delicate chain and leather strap were designed to go on your shoulder, not to support the bag’s weight long term. Hanging your Classic Flap that way creates stress points at the attachment and causes permanent damage.
2. Store it upright
Your Classic Flap should sit naturally on its base, just like it would on a table. This house maintains the bag structure and prevents the quilting from flattening.
3. Keep it stuffed, but don’t overdo it
It’s always a good idea to stuff your handbag with acid-free tissue paper or the original packaging materials that come with it. Be careful not to overstuff; you’re not stuffing a turkey for Thanksgiving.
4. Turn it from time to time
This is for you, girlies who are storing your bags for long periods of time. Rotate your Chanel Flap bag every few months to prevent one side from getting squished.
How to Store a Chanel 19 Bag the Right Way
The Chanel 19 bag came out in 2019, and it was the result of a major and final collaboration between Karl Lagerfeld and Virginie Viard. It’s the slouchier, more relaxed version of the Classic Flap, but its storage rules are nothing but!
1. Embracing the slouch
The 19 is designed with a relaxed silhouette. Does that mean you collapse it entirely while storing it? Absolutely not.
Make sure to keep it stuffed with light stuffing. This helps maintain its shape without forcing it to get into a shape the design never intended.
2. Support from within
The best sort of support comes from within. Couldn’t be truer in the case of the Chanel 19. You need to give it internal support to prevent the sides from caving inwards. A bag pillow or carefully arranged acid-free tissue should do the trick.
3. Dust Bags, use them, people!
Dust bags aren’t just fun little extras. Since the 19’s surface tends to collect a lot more dust, you need to keep it in a dust bag whenever it’s not in use.
How to Store a Chanel Lambskin Bag
Lambskin is soft, gentle and fragile. It needs delicacy and care. Make sure to keep the following in mind when making your next lambskin purchase.
1. Lambskin creases easily
If there’s anything easier than a walk in the park, it’s lambskin creasing. Keeping this in mind, make sure to never store a lambskin bag compressed, folded, or squeezed.
2. Stuffing
This probably seems redundant by now, but please, stuff your bags. No, not with your Sunday weekly paper. The ink will transfer. Always stuff with acid-free tissue!
3. Temperature extremes are a no-go
There’s one major difference between caviar leather and lambskin, and that’s how both of them react to temperature extremes. The latter reacts pretty poorly. Make sure to store your purse in a stable climate.
4. Conditioning
You’ve heard of conditioning your hair ends for softer hair, but you probably haven’t heard of conditioning your Chanel purse. If you’re storing a lambskin bag for longer, a light conditioning treatment can be really helpful. It keeps the leather supple and less prone to drying out.
How to Store Chanel Bag Chain Without Damage
Chanel’s chains deserve their own storage discussion. They’re beautiful, they’re heavy, and they’re surprisingly easy to damage if stored carelessly.
1. Dangling chains are never a good sign
If you’re looking to damage your straps or cause indentations in your leather purse, hang the chain freely. If not, don’t!
2. Store flat or loosely coiled
Try laying the chains flat if the space allows. If not, coil it gently and wrap it with some tissue.
3. Separate the chains
If you have multiple handbags with chains, make sure they don’t touch each other. Metal-to-metal contact can really speed up tarnishing.
Love Your Bag, She’ll Love You Back
Learning how to store a Chanel bag isn’t rocket science or withccraft. It’s simply showing your purse that you appreciate all that it does for you.
Whether you’re storing one perfect Classic Flap or curating an entire Chanel collection that would make Karl Lagerfeld proud, proper storage is your secret weapon.
Now go fluff those dust bags, wrap those chains, and give your bags the five-star treatment they deserve.
