How I Store My Cotton and Wool Ties (and Keep Them Looking Crisp)

When I founded Arsenic & Old Lace, one of my earliest obsessions was fabric. I didn’t just want to design beautiful bow ties and ties—I wanted to create pieces that felt timeless, with textures and patterns that could become part of someone’s personal story. Very quickly, I fell in love with natural fibres like cotton and wool tweed. They have a depth and warmth that silk simply doesn’t, and they remind me of my grandfather’s wardrobe: practical, elegant, and built to last.

But here’s the thing—I also learned (sometimes the hard way!) that if you don’t store these fabrics properly, they can crease, warp, or lose their shape. Over the years, through trial and error—and plenty of rummaging in my own tie drawers—I’ve refined a simple system for keeping them crisp and ready to wear. It’s the same advice I give customers when they ask me how to care for their ties.

Why Cotton and Wool Are Worth the Effort

Cotton ties are wonderfully breathable and versatile, but they do crease more easily than other fabrics. Wool and tweed, with their heavier structure, hold shape beautifully but can suffer if they’re folded too harshly or crushed in storage. For me, these small details matter. If you’ve invested in a tie that was designed to last, it deserves a little care in return.

The Storage Routine I Swear By

1. Rolling Cotton Ties

I always roll my cotton ties and bow ties loosely, starting at the narrow end. It prevents hard folds from setting in, and it means I can line them up neatly in a drawer—organised by colour, of course. (I like opening a drawer and seeing a little rainbow of cotton prints ready to be worn.)

2. Hanging Wool and Tweed

Wool and tweed ties have more weight, and I find they relax best on a hanger or tie rack. Gravity works in your favour here, gently smoothing out any creases. When I was first experimenting with Harris Tweed ties, I left one folded for weeks—it never quite recovered. Lesson learned.

3. No Squashing Allowed

One of the biggest mistakes I see is people stuffing ties into overfilled drawers. Wool especially hates being compressed. I always leave space between mine so they keep their natural drape and texture.

4. Out of the Sun, Away from Damp

I store ties in a cool, dry place—never near a sunny window (cotton fades quickly) or in a damp corner (wool will thank you for this). When I’m storing stock for the shop, I keep everything in breathable cotton bags so the fabrics stay fresh.

5. Travel Tricks from Experience

When I travel for work—whether sourcing fabrics or visiting a tailor—I always roll my cotton ties into small pouches. For wool, I sometimes use a hard glasses case to stop them from getting squashed in my suitcase. It’s a little hack I’ve relied on for years.

My Little Refresh Secret

If a cotton tie gets a crease, I give it a gentle steam, or sometimes just hang it in the bathroom while I shower. Wool responds beautifully to this too—never an iron, always steam and patience. I’ve revived many a tie this way before a customer fitting or event.

Why This Matters to Me

I started Arsenic & Old Lace because I believe in accessories that last. For me, a bow tie isn’t just fabric—it’s memory, personality, and a little slice of craftsmanship. When you look after your ties, you’re not just preserving a piece of cloth—you’re preserving the stories woven into it. And I can tell you this from experience: nothing feels better than reaching for a cotton or tweed tie that looks as crisp as the day you bought it. That’s what I want for every customer who takes one of our pieces home.

With Love

Emma xx

My takeaway: Caring for cotton and wool ties doesn’t take much, but it makes all the difference. With the right storage, they’ll stay sharp, stylish, and ready to tell your story for years to come.