How to Store Custom Jerseys to Prevent Creases

Custom jerseys often carry more than team colours and player names. They record match days, celebrations and milestones, so keeping them neat also protects their sentimental value. Lightweight performance fabric, printed graphics and embroidered badges can crease easily, yet careful storage can preserve their colour, shape and appearance for years.

Australian weather adds another layer to garment care. Summer heat, coastal humidity and powerful air conditioning can create rapid changes in temperature and moisture. Instead of leaving a jersey crumpled on a bed or squeezing it into an overfilled cupboard, use a simple folding and storage system suited to these conditions.

Choose a position that protects the shape

Most lightweight jerseys are better folded than hung. A hanger can stretch the shoulders, distort the neckline and leave marks along the sleeves, particularly when the garment remains in a wardrobe for months. Fold it loosely and keep heavy items away from the printed front so the fabric is not compressed unnecessarily.

For short-term display, use a wide, padded hanger and a breathable garment bag. Avoid wire hangers and thin plastic covers, which can create shoulder bumps and trap moisture. The garment should hang away from direct sunlight, damp walls and heating vents.

If space is limited, place the folded jersey in a clean drawer or on a stable shelf. Leave enough room to lift it out without dragging the fabric across rough wood. A tidy storage area is less likely to develop deep, permanent folds.

Dry and prepare each jersey correctly

Check the care label before cleaning, as fabrics, prints and adhesives may require different methods. Empty pockets, remove loose pins and close zippers before washing. After wear, deal with body sweat and sand promptly because lingering moisture can leave stains, odours or a stiffened panel.

Size also affects how neatly a jersey folds. Pulling on a garment that is too tight across the chest can stress the seams and distort the sleeves. TBL Store’s guide to reading a custom size chart explains how to compare measurements when choosing between sizes.

Let the jersey cool and dry completely before folding it. Reshape it gently, following the garment’s seams rather than pulling it back into place by force. High-heat tumble drying can shrink synthetic material or damage a transfer print, so air-dry wherever the care label permits.

Shield prints, embroidery, and fabric

A clean cotton pillowcase or breathable cotton storage bag provides useful protection against dust and abrasion. Acid-free tissue can separate a jersey from other garments, especially during long-term storage. Transparent plastic bags are suitable for short transport periods but are poor choices for keeping a jersey in a sealed drawer for years.

Keep printed and embroidered areas away from raised ridges, Velcro and metal fasteners. Buckles and zips can scratch a transfer or catch an thread when garments are pressed together. Direct sunlight may fade saturated colours, so a shaded shelf is preferable to a wardrobe with a glass door facing a window.

Wash your hands before handling a clean jersey. Skin oils can build up around the neckline and sleeves, while gritty fingers may leave marks on dark fabric. Handling each item cleanly reduces the need for harsh cleaning and helps the finish stay bright.

Account for Australia’s variable climate

During the Australian summer, from December through February, jerseys used for cricket, AFL and social events can absorb considerable heat and moisture. After a day at the MCG or SCG, do not leave the garment inside a sports bag. The same heat-and-moisture issue explained when keeping mushroom chocolate fresh is relevant to delicate fabrics: stable conditions prevent damage that develops gradually.

Climate differs noticeably across the country. Brisbane’s humid air can encourage mildew if damp garments are folded, Sydney’s coastal weather brings sticky summer days, and Melbourne may shift from warm sunshine to a cool shower within hours. Indoor air conditioning can make those external changes more pronounced, so avoid moving a jersey directly between a hot car and a cold wardrobe.

Many Australians might casually “chuck it in the cupboard”, but crowding makes long-term creasing more likely. Australian online shoppers also expect clear currency, delivery and exchange information; TBL Store provides those details before checkout. Unpack purchases promptly rather than leaving them in a parcel, garage or depot where heat and pressure can form folds.

Build a simple storage routine

Give each jersey its own breathing space inside a drawer, storage box or shelf. Use acid-free dividers if several garments are stacked together, and keep heavier clothing underneath. Cedar blocks or suitable wardrobe pest controls can help with moth-prone storage, but they should not touch the fabric or create another strong odour.

Label folded jerseys by team, season or event so older garments can be rotated into use. Refolding them every few weeks prevents a sharp crease from becoming fixed. Vacuum the storage area occasionally and check for dampness, insects or fabric rubbing against rough surfaces.

For small wrinkles, a garment steamer held at a safe distance may release the fabric without soaking it. Follow the care label, keep water away from prints and never steam while wearing the jersey. Ironing should be a last resort and only permitted by the manufacturer; use a low setting, protective cloth and the inside of the garment.

Make garment care part of the next match-day routine at TBL Store. Browse custom jerseys and accessories, review sizing and availability with customer service, and check the shipping and exchange policies before ordering. Choose the design, add it to your cart and subscribe to newsletter updates for new products, promotions and seasonal inventory.