The term textile covers a wide range of objects made of fiber: wedding dresses, christening gowns, baby clothes, everyday wear and costumes; samplers, quilts, and coverlets; household linens and laces; accessories such as handkerchiefs, hats and gloves. Made to be used, most textiles survive by chance. Some are cherished and carefully packed away, while others are displayed. Most, however, are used daily, washed frequently, and eventually discarded. Today we treasure historic textiles because they document art, craftmanship, and a way of life that no longer exists. We also want to save contemporary textiles for their beauty or their significance in our lives. Unfortunately, textiles are among the most fragile of all artifacts. They are easily damaged by insects, mold, handling, and exposure to light, heat, and humidity. As with all art and artifacts, preservation begins with proper storage, whether the textiles are family heirlooms or part of collections in museums, historical societies, or archives. The goal of Pathfinder No. 5 is to provide the background information needed to select appropriate storage materials for textiles. If your collections are small and in good condition, this may be all the information you need. However, if you would like to know more about textiles and their preservation, this Pathfinder will guide you for further readings. If your collections are extensive, in poor condition, or have significant value, it would be advisable to consult a textile conservator. This Pathfinder reflects our current understanding about the storage requirements of textiles. It will be revised as new information and products become available.