As the days grow shorter and the temperature begins to drop, it’s time to start thinking about your winter wardrobe. Transitioning from light summer fabrics to cosy winter layers isn’t just about unpacking a few jumpers – it’s about caring for the garments you already own so they last for years to come. With a little preparation, you can step into the colder months feeling organised, stylish, and confident that your clothes are properly cared for.
So, how do you prepare your wardrobe for winter? Let’s walk through the essential steps.
HOW TO PREPARE YOUR WARDROBE FOR WINTER
- Inspect your winter garments for wear and tear
- Check for moth damage
- Freshen up your coats and knitwear
- Organise your winter wardrobe using storage bags and boxes
- Prepare your capsule wardrobe
- Protect and maintain throughout the season
1. INSPECT YOUR WINTER GARMENTS FOR WEAR AND TEAR
Before you start pulling out your winter coats, knitwear, and scarves, give each piece a careful inspection. Look for loose buttons, frayed hems, or small holes that could worsen over time. A small Sewing Kit is all you need to make quick repairs and extend the life of your clothes.
If you notice areas of bobbling or pilling on your jumpers, a good-quality Knitwear Comb can gently refresh the fabric, giving your knitwear a new lease of life. Taking the time to repair and revive your garments means you won’t need to replace them unnecessarily.
2. CHECK FOR MOTH DAMAGE
Winter is when we pull out wool, cashmere, and other natural fibres, all of which clothes moths love. Before you settle your items into your wardrobe, check for small holes or thinning patches. Even one or two can indicate that moths have been at work.
To prevent further damage, use Anti-Moth Sachets in your wardrobe. These natural, biodegradable sachets will keep your garments fresh and beautifully scented, while also protecting them from those dreaded moths.
3. FRESHEN UP YOUR COATS AND KNITWEAR
After months of storage, winter clothing items often need a little refresh. Airing items outdoors can remove stale odours, while delicate fabrics may benefit from a gentle steam. For coats and heavier outerwear, consider professional cleaning before the season begins, ensuring they’re fresh, spotless, and ready for wear.
Remember: Storing garments clean is key. Oils, dirt, and even invisible food traces can attract moths and break down fibres over time.
4. ORGANISE YOUR WINTER WARDROBE USING STORAGE BAGS AND BOXES
When it comes to seasonal wardrobes, organisation is everything. Rotating your clothing helps reduce wear and keeps your wardrobe feeling fresh. To organise your wardrobe for winter, start by carefully storing away your summer clothes in Breathable Storage Bags or Boxes. Make sure everything is washed and completely dry before packing to prevent damage or mildew.
Then, arrange your winter wardrobe so that your most-worn items are easy to reach. Coats and knitwear should be hung on sturdy, Non-Slip Hangers to prevent stretching, while scarves, hats, and gloves can be neatly folded in storage boxes or drawers.
A well-organised wardrobe doesn’t just look beautiful, it also makes it easier to get dressed on chilly mornings.
5. PREPARE YOUR CAPSULE WARDROBE
A capsule wardrobe is a collection of timeless, versatile pieces that can be mixed and matched to create a wide range of outfits. Building a winter capsule wardrobe not only saves you time in the mornings but also helps reduce overconsumption by focusing on quality over quantity.
One simple way to approach this is by following the 3-3-3 rule:
- 3 tops
- 3 bottoms
- 3 pairs of shoes
With just these nine items, you can create multiple outfits without feeling like you’re wearing the same thing every day. For winter, you can adapt this rule to include layering pieces and outerwear, creating a streamlined yet practical wardrobe.
Top winter pieces to include in your capsule wardrobe this year are:
- A tailored wool coat
- A chunky knit jumper
- A lightweight cashmere sweater
- A pair of well-fitted jeans
- Smart tailored trousers
- Waterproof winter boots
- Leather ankle boots
- A cosy scarf and quality gloves
Some brands we recommend for timeless winter staples include:
- Arket – for well-cut coats and knitwear made from natural fibres
- Everlane – for sustainable basics and layering pieces
- Patagonia – for eco-conscious outerwear and practical winter gear
- Marks & Spencer – for reliable, good-quality essentials at an accessible price point
By investing in a small selection of durable, well-made pieces, your winter wardrobe becomes easier to manage, more sustainable, and far less overwhelming.
6. PROTECT AND MAINTAIN THROUGHOUT THE SEASON
Caring for your clothes throughout winter is essential if you want them to last for years to come. With the right storage and simple daily habits, you can protect your garments from moths, damp and unnecessary wear, keeping your wardrobe fresh, organised and ready to wear all season.
How to protect and maintain your clothes in winter:
- Always clean items before storing to prevent damage and moth attraction
- Use natural anti-moth sachets in your wardrobe or drawers
- Brush coats and outerwear regularly to remove dirt and dust
- Allow wet items to dry naturally before putting them away
- Store clothes in breathable bags or storage boxes for extra protection
Learn how to store and clean your winter garments properly here.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Preparing your winter wardrobe doesn’t have to be stressful; it’s all about taking a little time to care for the clothes you already own and organising them thoughtfully for the season ahead. By inspecting, refreshing, and protecting your clothing, and by building a versatile capsule wardrobe, you’ll not only extend the life of your clothes but also make dressing for winter easier and more enjoyable. With these steps, you can step confidently into the colder months, knowing your wardrobe is sustainable, stylish, and ready to keep you cosy all season long.
For more advice on preparing your winter wardrobe, feel free to reach out to our team, who are always happy to guide you toward practical, sustainable, and stylish solutions.
