- The primary purpose of most garment bags is to protect clothes from dirt and stains. By covering clothing completely, garment bags keep out makeup, grease and anything else that could damage a piece of clothing. Garment bags that are designed for the sole purpose of keeping out dirt are typically used by dry cleaners to allow customers to transport their items home without getting them dirty. Other types of garment bags have additional functions.
- For long-term storage, garment bags protect clothing from damage by moths. Some bags even use special coatings or materials to repel moths. These bags are usually heavier and constructed better than the thin plastic garment bags used by dry cleaners. They are also more expensive.
- Top-quality garment bags protect clothes from moisture and aging. In some climates, moisture protection is necessary for long-term storage to prevent the growth of mold. For garments kept for decades, such as wedding gowns or very expensive suits, protection against aging, such as yellowing and fabric deterioration, is essential. Garment bags constructed to protect against moisture and aging use much of the same technology that is used to protect documents and works of art from fading and aging.
- Although wrinkles are not permanent or damaging, it is important for many travelers, especially business travelers, to have the ability to transport clothes without wrinkling them. Special travel garment bags are designed to protect clothes from wrinkling, so that they arrive ready to be worn straight out of the bag.
