Before we leave the subject of pollution, it is most important to consider...

...Cleaning

Regardless of which storage method you use, you must have the gown properly cleaned.  If there are problems within the fabric itself, nothing external will be able to protect your garment from it.  If you are considering long-term storage where the garment will be inspected infrequently, this cleaning should preferably be done by a specialist in prepping for long-term storage.  They understand the different types of stains that can damage a fabric over long periods of time.
Have your gown cleaned as soon after wearing as you can.  The longer a stain remains, the harder it is to remove.  Don't be fooled by the lack of obvious stains.  Many substances dry clear but discolor with age.  Sugar-based liquids for example, such as soda or alcoholic drinks, dry clear but turn brown over time.  Once they do, they are very difficult to remove.  Note that drycleaning alone does not remove sugar-based stains.
Body oils, perspiration and cosmetics can oxidize in the fabric, turning it yellow and can damage fibers.  So make sure that your chosen cleaner can deal with all of these types of stains.
Now a word to the wise.  When considering long-term storage, be very wary of any cleaner that offers a special cleaning "process" with a fancy name.  If they claim their process is a trade secret and cannot tell you exactly what it is, shop elsewhere.  And stay way clear of a cleaner that claims to guarantee their work only if the seal on their container is unbroken.  Obviously, it is not possible to inspect your garment without breaking the seal and thereby invalidating their guarantee.  Such a guarantee can only protect the seller; they can never have any claims against their work!

Are there any other points to watch out for?

• Try to avoid folding as much as possible.  Folds tend to become permanent with time and weaken the fabric where the folds are.  If you must fold your gown, try to ensure the radius of the curve is as large as possible, avoiding sharp folds.  Any storage system that reduces the need to fold is a plus.
• Since it is advised to inspect stored garments at least annually - especially the first year - easy access, without compromising the long-term conditions, would be a definite plus.

Now that we've covered the basics, if you'd like some further reading on this topic, go to our bibliography.  If you'd like a look at a "ground-up" design for a long-term storage system, click here.

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