Whether you splurged on a custom creation or found the perfect off-the-rack piece, proper suit care can mean the difference between looking polished for years or needing a replacement after just a few wears. Your bespoke suit wasn’t just a purchase, it was an investment.
After six decades of crafting suits for everyone from business executives to U.S. presidents, we’ve seen what separates the sharp-dressed from the shabby. Here’s your complete guide to keeping your suits looking their absolute best.
Why Proper Suit Care Actually Matters
Think of suit care like maintaining a luxury car. Skip the basics, and you’ll watch your investment deteriorate faster than you’d expect. A well-maintained suit doesn’t just look better, it holds its shape, resists wrinkles, and maintains that crisp silhouette that makes all the difference in boardrooms and special occasions.
The truth is, most suit damage happens gradually. Poor hanging techniques stretch shoulders out of shape. Improper cleaning strips natural fibers of their oils. Even something as simple as emptying your pockets incorrectly can create permanent creases. But get the fundamentals right, and your suit will age like fine wine.
The Daily Habits That Make or Break Your Suit
Hanging: Your First Line of Defense
Never, ever drape your suit over a chair or toss it on the bed. Always use proper wooden hangers, the thick, contoured kind that support the jacket’s shoulders. Wire hangers are suit killers that create unsightly bumps and stretch the fabric in all the wrong places.
For trousers, hang them by the cuffs or use a proper trouser hanger. This prevents that dreaded knee-bagging that makes even expensive suits look cheap.
The 24-Hour Rule
Here’s something most people don’t know: wool needs time to bounce back. After wearing your suit, let it rest for at least 24 hours before wearing it again. This gives the natural fibers time to recover their shape and allows any moisture from your body to evaporate completely.
Empty Those Pockets
Your suit jacket isn’t a storage unit. Heavy items in pockets pull the fabric out of shape and create permanent sag lines. Keep wallets, phones, and keys in your trouser pockets instead, and even then, don’t overload them.
Professional Cleaning: When and How Often
How Often Should You Clean Your Suit?
Less is more when it comes to professional cleaning. Dry cleaning too frequently strips natural oils from wool fibers, making them brittle and prone to damage. For most business suits, professional cleaning every 4-6 wears is sufficient, unless you’ve spilled something or notice odors.
Between cleanings, air your suit out. Hang it in a well-ventilated area overnight to let it breathe. Wool is naturally odor-resistant, so this simple step often eliminates the need for frequent cleaning.
Spot Cleaning and Emergency Fixes
Small stains don’t always require a full dry cleaning session. For water-based spills, gently blot (never rub) with a clean cloth. For oil-based stains, a tiny amount of talcum powder can absorb the oil before it sets, just let it sit for an hour, then brush it away gently.
Storage Solutions That Actually Work
Seasonal Storage
If you’re storing suits for months at a time, invest in breathable garment bags, never plastic, which traps moisture and can lead to mildew. Add cedar blocks or lavender sachets to deter moths, wool’s greatest enemy.
Travel Tips
When traveling, always pack your suit in a proper garment bag if possible. If you must fold it, fold along the natural seam lines and stuff the sleeves with tissue paper to maintain their shape. Hang it immediately upon arrival and let it relax overnight.
The Small Details That Make a Big Difference
Brush your suit regularly with a natural bristle brush to remove surface dirt and lint. Always brush in one direction, following the fabric’s natural grain. This simple five-minute routine can extend the time between cleanings significantly.
Keep a lint roller handy for quick touch-ups, but don’t rely on it exclusively—proper brushing is more effective for maintaining the fabric’s appearance.
When Professional Help Makes Sense
Sometimes, despite your best suit care efforts, you need expert intervention. Professional pressing can restore a suit’s crisp lines, while skilled alterations can refresh the fit as your body changes over time.
Ready to invest in a suit that’s built to last? When you’re in Bangkok, visit Rajawongse Clothier to experience the difference that 60+ years of tailoring expertise makes. From selecting the finest fabrics to ensuring the perfect fit, we’ll help you build a wardrobe that ages beautifully with proper care.