A well-kept suit is more than just clothing: It’s an investment in style and confidence. Whether you wear a suit daily or only on special occasions, proper care is essential to keeping it looking sharp and lasting for years.
From storage and cleaning to handling wrinkles and rotation, a few simple habits can make all the difference in knowing how to care for a suit so it stays in impeccable condition.
Brushing and Storing Your Suit Properly
Keeping your bespoke suit in top condition starts with regular maintenance. Using a soft-bristled brush removes dust, lint, and debris that can settle into the fabric over time. Brushing after each wear prevents dirt from embedding itself in the fibres, helping the material stay fresh for longer.
A lint roller is handy for quick touch-ups, but a proper suit brush does a better job of lifting particles without damaging the weave.
Storage is just as important. Hanging your suit on a broad, contoured hanger helps maintain its shape, particularly around the shoulders. A wooden hanger is best as it absorbs moisture and prevents creases.
Your suit should also be stored in a breathable garment bag to protect it from dust while allowing air circulation. Avoid cramming it into a packed wardrobe, as lack of space can cause wrinkles and stress the seams.
Airing out your suit between wears is another simple yet effective step in keeping it fresh. Hanging it in a well-ventilated space for a few hours allows odours and moisture to dissipate naturally. This reduces the need for frequent dry cleaning, which can wear down the fabric over time.
Cleaning Your Suit Without Causing Damage
Knowing how to care for a suit means understanding the best way to clean it without unnecessary wear. Dry cleaning should be a last resort rather than a regular occurrence.
This is because harsh chemicals can weaken the fibres and cause fabrics to lose their natural lustre. Instead, spot cleaning small stains with a damp cloth and mild soap can help tackle marks without affecting the entire garment.
If a full clean is necessary, take your suit to a reputable dry cleaner that specialises in tailoring. Inform them of any stains so they can be treated accordingly, including what causes them if possible.
In between dry cleans, using a clothes steamer helps refresh the fabric and remove light creases without direct contact. Another handy thing about steam is that it also eliminates bacteria and odours, helping to keep it smelling fresh while also making it an excellent alternative to frequent professional cleaning.
@denicestylez over on Tiktok shows off one technique for steaming a full suit to keep it clean and crisp:
@de.nicestylez How To Achieve A Wrinkle-Free Suit! Quick tip for all you dapper folks out there. Wrinkled suit? No problem! Just hang that suit, give it a gentle steam treatment, and watch those wrinkles vanish. Say goodbye to the ironing struggles! 🚀✨ #StyleHacks #FashionTips #SteamingSuccess
For day-to-day freshness, consider using a fabric refresher spray designed for wool and delicate materials. Avoid overpowering scents and opt for a neutral spray that won’t interfere with the natural feel of the fabric. This will help extend the time between deep cleans while keeping your suit looking and smelling its best.
Handling Wrinkles and Keeping the Fabric Crisp
A well-pressed suit, be it single-breasted, double-breasted, or styled in any other way, instantly looks sharper. Excessive ironing, however, can damage the fabric. Using a steamer is the safest option, as it relaxes creases without direct heat. Hold the steamer a few inches away from the suit and use slow, downward strokes.
If you must iron, always place a pressing cloth between the fabric and the iron to avoid scorching or unwanted shine.
To prevent wrinkles in the first place, store your suit correctly and avoid sitting for long periods in positions that strain the fabric. If you are travelling, use a proper suit carrier or roll your suit carefully to minimise creasing. Hanging it up immediately upon arrival helps it regain its natural drape.
For quick touch-ups, running a warm shower and hanging your suit in the bathroom allows steam to ease out wrinkles. This method is particularly useful if you need a quick refresh and don’t have access to a steamer or iron.
Rotating and Resting Your Suit
As much as you may love to wear it, caring for suits properly means giving them enough time to rest between wears. Wearing the same suit too often without breaks leads to fabric fatigue, as natural fibres need time to recover their shape. Rotating between multiple suits extends their lifespan, helping each one stay in good condition for longer.
When not in use, allow your suit to breathe before returning it to the wardrobe. This helps release moisture and prevents fabric from becoming stiff. If you wear suits daily, consider having at least three in rotation so each gets adequate rest.
Looking After Your Suit’s Trousers
Suit trousers require just as much care as the jacket. Using a trouser hanger with clips keeps the fabric smooth and prevents unnecessary creasing. Avoid folding them over a standard hanger, as this can create a permanent fold that disrupts the clean lines of the fabric.
Brushing suit trousers after each wear removes dirt and extends their life, just like with the jacket. If the trousers begin to lose their shape, using a steamer or pressing with a low-heat iron restores their sharp crease without damaging the material.
Be mindful of excess wear in high-friction areas, such as the seat and knees, as these spots tend to wear out faster than the rest of the garment.
Airing trousers overnight before storing them helps release odours and moisture from daily wear. If they become slightly loose over time, a tailor can adjust the fit to ensure they continue looking their best. Regular care prevents premature wear and ensures your suit stays in excellent condition.
Caring for your suit properly ensures it remains sharp and stylish for years to come. Regular maintenance, mindful cleaning, and proper storage all contribute to extending its lifespan.
Small efforts like brushing, steaming, and rotating suits can make a significant difference in preserving their quality. By following these simple steps you’ll keep your suits looking crisp, fresh, and ready to wear whenever you need them.
