Once the hanging space is ready, individual garments should be covered with protective bags, which are easily made from our familiar sheeting or muslin. Shape the shoulders slightly downward with a generous width for the padded hangers and garment sleeves. Leave one long side open and wide enough to overlap protectively. This will allow the bag to be removed easily. Be sure that the bags are slightly longer than the garments they protect.
Some historic dresses consist of separate bodice and skirt.
Separates should be stored together in one bag. The bodice will hang as expected, but the skirt will need some adjustment. Sew four muslin tabs inside the waistband stitched to the waistband seam. Locate the tabs two in front and two in back. Sew twill tapes to the four tabs.