Excavated textiles represent a special sub-group of the textile cultural heritage with particular needs and characteristics. Up until recently the prevailing notion was that textiles do not survive in an excavation context in Greece, due to unfavorable environmental conditions. Hence, the few, yet very important, finds retrieved were not adequately appreciated and did not receive the proper attention and care. Many were once again ‘buried’ in remote storeroom corners. A research project commenced with the documentation, analysis, preventive and interventive conservation of excavated textiles. The precarious state, sensitive nature, and rarity of the finds raised several issues, such as: evaluating the impact of the present environment on the condition of the finds; defining the boundaries, if any, between preventive and interventive conservation strategies; identifying the interaction, if any, between preventive and interventive conservation decision making. The paper describes the preventive conservation strategy adapted by the Greek Ministry of Culture for excavated textiles. It focuses on the issues raised due to the special nature of excavated textile finds and attempts to provide an answer on what is preventive conservation, as far as excavated textiles are concerned, where its boundaries lie, and how it affects and is affected by any interventive treatment applied.