costume preservation

Costume preservation involves carefully maintaining and repairing clothing to prevent deterioration over time. This process includes controlling environmental conditions like temperature, humidity, and light exposure to slow fabric aging. Experts use specialized techniques to clean, reinforce, and store costumes, often employing acid-free materials and supportive mounts to prevent physical stress. The goal is to ensure costumes remain as close as possible to their original state for future display, study, or reuse, while minimizing damage from factors like mold, pests, or handling. Proper preservation balances professional care with minimal intervention to sustain the costume’s integrity and historical value.