Vacuum bags, advantages and drawbacks

Short answer: Vacuum bags save up to two thirds of the space. In return they press creases into the fabric, and soft knits come out with wrinkles that need to hang out.

The space saving is large

A duvet or a pile of sweatshirts takes up a third of the space afterwards. That is the big advantage, and it can make a real difference in a small flat, a cramped cupboard or under the bed. If you have little room for the season you are not wearing, a vacuum bag can free a whole shelf. See long sleeve styles.

The creases get sharp

The pressure squeezes every single fold hard for months. When the bag is opened, the creases stand out clearly in the fabric and do not disappear at once. The longer the clothes have been stored, and the thinner the fabric, the more visible they are. That is the price of the space. See bamboo underwear for men.

Soft knits take the longest

Thin, soft knits have no stiffness to straighten themselves out. They come out of the bag with wrinkles that need a few days on a hanger, or a wash, to disappear. Thick pieces with more body return to shape faster. So it is best not to vacuum pack your everyday underwear or thin T-shirts.

Use them for thick items

Duvets and winter jackets cope better than thin knits. They have a filling that takes up a lot of space with air but springs back when the air returns. Thick sweat clothes sit somewhere in between and manage a season fine if they are folded neatly. See bamboo sweat clothes.

Fold neatly before removing the air

The folds in the bag become the folds in the fabric. Lay the clothes as flat and smooth as you can, and fold along natural lines, such as down the middle of the back or at the sleeves. Avoid scrunching things up to fit more in. A neat fold is easier to remove than a random wrinkle.

Clean and dry is a must

Everything that goes into a vacuum bag must be washed and completely dry. Moisture has nowhere to go in a sealed bag and can cause smells or marks. Stains also set more firmly after a whole season under pressure. If in doubt, let the laundry hang for an extra day.

Open them in good time

Take the clothes out a few days before you need them. Shake them out and let them hang or lie flat so the creases can relax. The air in the room helps the fabric find its shape again. Any creases that remain usually disappear in the next wash.

Not for everything

Vacuum bags are a good tool for things that take up a lot of room and tolerate pressure. For the rest, an ordinary box with a lid is often better, as the clothes can lie loosely and come out without wrinkles. Split your storage, with thick items in vacuum bags and thin ones in boxes.

Frequently asked questions

How much space does a vacuum bag save

Up to two thirds. A pile of thick pieces takes up about a third once the air is removed, which can free up a whole shelf.

What is the downside of vacuum bags

The creases get sharp. The pressure holds every fold for months, and the wrinkles need to hang out afterwards, especially in thin, soft knits.

What is best suited to vacuum bags

Thick items such as duvets and winter jackets. Thin knits come out with creases that take longer to remove, so they are better kept in a box.