For the true football connoisseur, amassing a collection of retro football shirts is more than just a hobby; it's a way to pay your own tribute to the history of the beautiful game, and create a collection of shirts that brings back memories of iconic players, famous matches and incredible moments.
However, owning multiple shirts brings several challenges in terms of proper storage. Without proper care, your treasured kits can suffer from wear, fading or damage over time; fortunately though, looking after your collection shouldn't be too difficult if you follow some simple steps.
Take a look at this guide from the retro shirt specialists at TOFFS, which will help you store your football shirt collection efficiently and sensibly, ensuring it remains in top condition for years to come.
Wash your football shirts properly
Before you even think about storage, it's essential to wash your football shirts correctly. The safest option is usually to hand-wash your shirts in cold water, as machine washing - especially at high temperatures - can be harsh on the fabric and print of the shirt.
If hand-washing isn't an option, use a gentle cycle and place the shirt in a protective mesh bag. When the washing itself is done, you should also look to avoid ironing your shirts directly. If necessary, iron them inside out to avoid damaging the print or sponsor logos.
If you want to learn more about how to properly wash your football shirts, take a look at our guide on how to stop football shirts peeling, or our how-to explainer on washing printed football shirts. If in doubt, always read the labels attached to your clothing, as most items will have washing instructions included there.
Dry your football shirts the right way
The drying process is also important in maintaining the integrity and appearance of your football shirts. Improper drying can lead to fading, shrinking, and the deterioration of fabric quality.
The most important thing to remember is to avoid direct sunlight. While it might be tempting to dry your shirts in the sun, especially after a hand wash, direct sunlight can cause the colours of your football shirts to fade. You should also refrain from using tumble dryers or placing your shirts near radiators or heaters, as excessive heat can shrink the fabric and damage the prints. If you must use a dryer, select a low-heat, delicate cycle, and remove the shirts while they're still slightly damp to air dry the rest of the way.
For best results, hang your shirts to dry in a well-ventilated, shaded area, and use a sturdy hanger and fully extend the shirts to avoid wrinkles and deformities in the fabric. This allows air to circulate freely around the fabric, speeding up the drying process without applying direct heat. If you're drying many shirts at the same time, it's a good idea to rotate their position to ensure each shirt receives adequate airflow.
The best ways to store your football shirt collection
When it comes to storing your football shirts, you have several options, each with its own advantages:
- Hanging: using hangers is a great option for those who have enough closet space. It keeps the shirts wrinkle-free and allows you to easily browse your collection. Ensure you use wide, padded hangers to avoid stretching the fabric.
- Folding and boxing: for those with limited space, folding your shirts and storing them in boxes can be the best option. To avoid creases, fold them carefully and place a sheet of acid-free tissue paper between each shirt. Boxes should be stored in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. Adding silica gel packets can help keep moisture at bay.
- Drawer storage: if you prefer to fold and store your shirts in drawers, make sure they're clean and line them with acid-free tissue paper. This method makes it easy to organise your shirts by team, colour, or any other system you prefer.
If you're keeping your shirts piled together rather than hung up, organising your collection can have additional benefits in protecting the fabric and colours, in addition to the aesthetic appeal. Storing your shirts in colour order can prevent dark colours from bleeding onto lighter ones. Additionally, grouping your shirts by team, country or season just creates a more organised display!
Additional tips and tricks
In addition to these basic guidelines, here are a few more things to bear in mind to make sure your collection stays in good nick:
- Avoid damage: this may go without saying, but be cautious of sharp edges or rough surfaces when hanging or folding your shirts to prevent snagging! Even one loose thread or frayed edge can become worse over time.
- Keep it cool and dry: ensure your storage area is temperate, and away from any sources of damp and moisture, to prevent mildew and fabric degradation.
- Check in regularly: periodically take a look through your stored shirts, especially if they're boxed up. This not only gives you a chance to admire your collection, but also to ensure there's no damage or moisture buildup. Regularly rotating the shirts that are on display or being worn can also help evenly distribute wear and tear.
- Display your shirts in style: for those special shirts you wish to display, consider framing them behind UV-protected glass to keep them in pristine condition. Have a look at our guide on how to put a football shirt in a frame.
The key to storing football shirts lies in handling them with care from the moment they're washed until they're placed in storage. Whether you decide to hang, fold or display your shirts, remember that the ultimate goal is to preserve their quality and significance. By following these tips, you can ensure your football shirt collection remains in excellent condition, ready to be worn or admired at a moment's notice.
Of course, when it's time to add to your collection, choosing quality shirts that stand the test of time is essential. Take a look through TOFFS' collection of high-quality retro replica football shirts - all manufactured by hand here in the UK!
