A tailored suit can transform any guy from drab to dapper in seconds. But keeping that suave suit in tip-top shape takes some care and know-how.
Don't let your pricey suit go to waste! Here are pro tips for keeping it looking as sharp as the day you bought it.
Find the Right Hangers
Let's start with one of the most straightforward but vital elements—hangers. Not all hangers are equal when it comes to maintaining the shape and form of your suit. You'll want wide, sturdy wooden or plastic hangers in your closet.
The width of the hanger matters more than you may realize. Flimsy wire hangers that are too skinny can distort the shape of the shoulders over time. And those annoying pointy ends on cheap hangers? They can poke little "nipples" into the fabric of dress shirts, ruining the smooth look of your suit. It's not just about aesthetics, it's about preserving the quality of your suit.
While wooden hangers look nice, they offer only some benefits, except for cedar wood. The naturally untreated cedar helps whisk away moisture and keeps moths at bay. More on that in a bit.
Breathing Room
It's tempting to cram all your clothes together like sardines to make the most of limited closet space. But this can spell disaster for your precious suits. They need ample room to hang correctly to avoid wrinkles and bunching. When packed tightly together, air can't flow and circulate, inevitably leading to moisture accumulation in the fabric—yuck.
Get yourself some cedar blocks or cedar shavings to place inside your closet. Cedar naturally repels those pesky moths that want to feast on your fine threads. It also absorbs moisture from the air and imparts a light, pleasant aroma. You can even buy cedar suit hangers if you want to go all out.
While at it, invest in some breathable garment bags for extra protection against dust bunnies and moths. But only seal them up partially, or you'll run into that excess moisture issue again. Give the fabric some breathing room.
Dry Cleaning
When cleaning your suit, avoid hauling it to the dry cleaners after every single wear. It's tempting to keep it looking brand new, but dry cleaning too often can damage the fabric over time and shorten its lifespan. That's because the harsh chemicals break down the natural fibers of the suit slowly but surely.
Even wearing a suit just 1-2 times a week is still too frequent for dry cleaning every time. The fabric needs downtime to rest and recover between wears. Give your suit a break!
Keep It Brushed
One of the easiest ways to care for your suit is to give it a quick once-over with a horsehair clothes brush after wearing it. Just a minute or two of light brushing whisks away lint, dust, and other debris that clings to the fabric's fibers. Letting these particles build up can shorten the lifespan of your threads prematurely.
This quick brushing makes your suit less tantalizing to moths looking for a fiber feast! It's a simple habit that pays big dividends down the road. For the best results, opt for a large, ten-inch horsehair brush.
Know When to Steam and When to Iron
A short steaming session in the morning can work wonders for refreshing wrinkles quickly. The heat and moisture relax the fibers just enough to release those pesky wrinkles. However, use a steamer for occasional or touch-up use only.
Bust out the iron instead for a more thorough, deeper press. If you don't have a clothes steamer handy, hang the suit up in the bathroom during your daily shower for an impromptu DIY steam sesh! Shower steam does the same trick.
For extra stubborn wrinkles that require some natural elbow grease, use an iron on the most delicate setting with steam. Remember to place a protective cloth over the fabric first to shield it from damage.
Beware of Moths
As mentioned earlier, cedar is great for keeping moths at bay. But cedar alone won't contain an existing moth infestation. You need to act at the first sign of moths in your closet! Wash all clothing that could have been exposed. Moth larvae can decimate your precious suits in no time.
Vacuum frequently to pick up stray eggs and larvae hiding in carpets and baseboards. You can also invest in pheromone traps that lure adult moths in before they can breed and multiply.
Add cedar oil to refresh cedar blocks now and then to revive the scent. Otherwise, the aroma fades over time.
Rotate Not Repeat
Your suits need time to rest, air out, and recover between wears. Letting them sit for 24-48 hours allows any lurking moisture to evaporate completely. This strategy helps them maintain their shape and extends their lifespan significantly.
Wearing the exact same suit day after day places undue strain on the fabric and reduces its longevity. For those with a Monday through Friday suit schedule, it's crucial to be proactive and aim for at least 5-6 suits in regular rotation—more if you wear wool or other heavy fabrics. This step ensures each suit gets worn no more than once or twice weekly, giving them the rest they need to maintain their shape and extend their lifespan.
Act Fast to Banish Stains
Despite your best efforts, unexpected stains still seem to happen. When they do, act quickly! For oil-based stains, sprinkle on some talcum powder to absorb the grease, then gently brush it away. For other mystery stains, dab lightly with a damp cloth and mild detergent. The longer a stain exists on a suit without treatment, the more difficult it is to remove. Never aggressively scrub at a stain—these forces it deeper into the weave.
If home remedies don't work, take the item for professional dry-cleaning ASAP. Don't let a stain set, or it could be game over.
Key Tips to Remember
Steam suit every 1-2 wears
Dry clean two times a year max unless heavily stained
Wear suits no more than once or twice weekly
Allow 48+ hours of rest between wears
Keep Your Suit Looking Suave
Wide wooden/plastic hangers
Cedar blocks and hangers
Garment bags for storage
Horsehair brush after each wear
Steam/iron lightly as needed
Beware of moths!
Rotate suits - let them rest
Treat stains quickly
Caring for your tailored suits can be a manageable time investment.
Following these tips will extend the life of your suits and keep them looking sharp for years on end. A well-maintained suit commands respect and makes a powerful impression. Get the most mileage from your suit with proper care!
FAQs
Can I use vodka or rubbing alcohol to remove stains from my suit?
No way! While vodka or rubbing alcohol may work for some laundry stains, they are too harsh and dry for delicate suit fabrics. The high alcohol content can damage wool, linen, silk, and other suit fibers. Stick to a gentle stain remover formulated for dry, clean-only clothes. Always test on an inconspicuous area first.
How can I get rid of mothball stink from my suit?
If your suit has absorbed the pungent odor of mothballs, get rid of the smell by hanging it outdoors on a breezy day. The fresh air circulation will help air out the suit. You can also place the suit in a sealable plastic bin with baking soda or coffee grounds to absorb odors overnight. Dry clean as a last resort if the mothball stench lingers.
Can I use a clothes steamer instead of dry cleaning?
You can freshen up a suit with occasional steaming, but it's not a substitute for professional dry cleaning. The heat and moisture from a steamer remove light wrinkles and odors, but they don't clean deep into the fibers like chemical dry cleaning. Stick to biannual dry cleaning and use a steamer only for touch-ups in between.
What fabrics are best for keeping suits looking sharp?
Wool and linen fabrics hold their shape the best, are easy to steam, and maintain a crisp look. More delicate fabrics like silk and finer wool requires extra care, so do not press creases. Synthetic blends like polyester tend to show wear and wrinkles faster. Go for high-quality wool or linen for suits you'll wear frequently.
How often should I rotate my suits?
Ideally, allow 48 hours of rest between wears for the same suit. This method gives the fabric a chance to fully air out and recover. For frequent suit wearers, aim to have at least 5-6 suits in regular rotation and alternate them. This ensures each is worn only once or twice per maximum. More rotation for heavy suits!
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