Collecting American Girl doll clothing can become intoxicating. Before you know it, you’ll have clothes and accessories for many different dolls across various eras. That’s when it comes important to consider thoughtful storage and organization. Keeping outfits in good condition is as much about protecting your investment and enjoying your collection with ease as it as about preserving their beauty. Regardless of how many outfits you own, proper storage will allow every piece to shine.
At Gigi’s Dolls and Sherry’s Teddy Bears, we’ve been in this field long enough to know how important organization and proper storage is. And we have some advice that can be helpful for collectors of all experience levels.
Why Proper Storage Matters
All American Girl doll clothing is crafted with incredible attention to detail, from the tiny buttons to the delicate trims to specialty fabrics. These features make each outfit special, but they also mean the garments need a high level of care. Exposure to light, moisture, dust, and improper folding can lead to fading, wrinkling, and wear over time. Having a smart system in place not only keeps your collection neat and accessible, it helps preserve its value and longevity.
Choosing the Right Storage Method for Your Space
The right storage solution for you depends on the size of your collection and the space you have available. From compact bins to elaborate doll armories, there are options for every type of collector.
Doll Armoires and Closets
Doll-sized wardrobes are ideal for collectors who want to store and display outfits in an elegant and accessible way. Many come with mini hangers, drawers, and hooks to keep pieces separate and organized. This method mimics a real closet, making it especially fun for younger enthusiasts who enjoy dressing their dolls often.
Plastic Storage Bins and Divided Containers
Clear plastic bins with dividers or compartments are a practical choice, especially for those with larger collections. These allow you to group clothing by doll, season, or style, and the transparency makes it easy to locate specific outfits.
Labeled Zip Bags for Small Collections
When you’re dealing with a smaller wardrobe or one that you travel with a lot, labeled zip-top bags can be a compact and inexpensive storage solution. Group the items by outfit or accessory type, then store them in a large container or drawer. This method will keep everything separate and help prevent snagging or color transfer between items.
Organizing by Type, Era, or Character
Once you’ve selected your storage method, it’s time to decide how you want to organize the clothing inside. Grouping items thoughtfully helps you keep track of what you have—and makes dressing your dolls more enjoyable.
By Clothing Type
Sorting by tops, bottoms, dresses, outerwear, and accessories is a straightforward way to stay organized. This method works well if you enjoy mixing and matching pieces across different dolls or styles.
By Era or Character
Does your collection include clothing from historical dolls like Samantha, Addy, or Kit, consider organizing outfits by their respective time periods. In addition to keeping things tidy, this maintains the narrative integrity of your collection. It’s especially helpful when display the outfits or preparing dolls for themed events.
By Season or Occasion
Some collectors prefer to rotate their doll’s wardrobe throughout the year. Organizing clothing into spring/summer and fall/winter groupings makes seasonal dressing easy. You can also separate holiday or special occasion outfits to ensure they remain in pristine condition for when they’re needed most.
Protecting Delicate and Vintage Items
Some American Girl clothing—particularly vintage or retired pieces—requires extra care. Delicate fabrics, embroidery, or older materials can be more prone to damage if not handled and stored properly.
Use Acid-Free Tissue Paper
Folding garments with acid-free tissue paper helps prevent creases and protects delicate fabric from breaking down over time. This is especially important for vintage outfits or handmade pieces that you want to keep in excellent condition.
Avoid Direct Sunlight and Humid Environments
Store you doll clothing in a cool, dry space away from windows or heat sources. Sunlight can cause fading, while humidity may lead to mildew or fabric deterioration. Closets, under-bed containers, or dedicated drawers often make ideal storage locations.
Be Mindful of Color Transfer
Some darker fabrics may bleed onto lighter ones when stored together. Separate these garments or place a layer of tissue between them to protect lighter colors from staining.
Displaying Outfits Without Causing Wear
Do you enjoy showcasing your American Girl doll clothing? Well, there are ways to do so without compromising their condition. Rotating outfits on dolls or mannequins for short periods is a great way to enjoy your collection visually while preventing long-term fabric stress. Shadow boxes, mini clothing racks, or display frames can also highlight your favorite outfits while keeping them safely contained. Just be sure to avoid prolonged direct light exposure and return garments to safe storage between displays.
Making Room for a Growing Collection
Even with the best intentions, most collectors find that their American Girl wardrobe expands over time. Having a flexible organization system allows you to grow your collection without losing track of what you already own.
Keep an Inventory
Creating a simple spreadsheet or photo catalog of your outfits can help you avoid duplicates and identify missing pieces, especially when you’re first starting out. Include notes about the item’s condition, release date, and any associated accessories.
Regularly Reevaluate and Refresh
Every so often, revisit your collection to refold clothing, check for damage, or reorganize based on changes in your collecting focus. This keeps your wardrobe in great condition and helps you stay connected to your dolls and their stories.
Repairing or Refreshing Well-Loved Pieces
Sometimes, despite careful storage, clothing will need a little love. Small repairs—like reattaching buttons, mending seams, or gently cleaning—can be done at home with care. For more complex restoration needs, our Doll Hospital can assist with repairs to garments that have sentimental or collector value. We treat each piece with the attention it deserves, helping you preserve the beauty and integrity of your collection.
Storage as a Form of Care
Organizing and storing American Girl doll clothing is an act of care. It honors the stories behind each outfit and ensures every piece remains ready to inspire future memories and imagination. Whether you’re just beginning your wardrobe or curating a lifetime collection, a well-kept system allows you to enjoy your dolls and their clothing for years to come.
Here at Gigi’s Dolls and Sherry’s Teddy Bears, we have a large selection of American Girl doll clothing for sale. With decades of experience in this field, we can answer any questions you have about storing and organizing your American Girl doll clothing. Contact us today if you’d like to learn more!
