A Good Suit Deserves Good Care

Whether you own a single special-occasion suit or a full wardrobe of tailored pieces, how you store and maintain them makes an enormous difference to their lifespan and appearance. A neglected suit — even a well-made one — will show its age within a few years. A properly cared-for suit can last a lifetime.

Here's everything you need to know about keeping your suits in excellent condition.

After Each Wear: The Basics

What you do immediately after wearing a suit matters just as much as long-term storage habits.

  • Hang it immediately. Never leave a worn suit crumpled on a chair or floor. Hang it on a proper suit hanger as soon as you take it off.
  • Empty all pockets. Items left in pockets distort the fabric over time and create permanent creases.
  • Brush the suit down. A soft-bristled suit brush removes surface dust, lint, and debris before they settle into the fibres. Brush in a downward motion following the grain of the fabric.
  • Allow it to air. Before putting the suit away, let it hang in open air for at least an hour — ideally longer. Wool is remarkably good at releasing wrinkles and odours when given time to breathe.

Choosing the Right Hanger

The hanger you use is not a trivial detail. Thin wire hangers — the kind from dry cleaners — will distort the shoulder of a jacket over time. Always use:

  • Wide, shaped wooden hangers that support the full shoulder line of the jacket.
  • Trouser hangers with a bar or clip to hang trousers flat along their natural crease.

The hanger should fill the shoulder of the jacket without stretching it. If in doubt, choose a slightly wider hanger over a narrower one.

Long-Term Storage

If you're storing a suit for an extended period — seasonal storage, for example — take these precautions:

  • Use a breathable garment bag. Canvas or cotton garment bags protect against dust while allowing airflow. Avoid plastic dry-cleaner bags for long-term storage — they trap moisture and can yellow fabric.
  • Store in a cool, dark place. Direct sunlight fades fabric over time. A wardrobe away from windows is ideal.
  • Use cedar blocks or sachets. Cedar is a natural moth repellent and will keep your wardrobe smelling fresh. Replace or sand cedar blocks every few months to refresh their potency.
  • Leave space between garments. Crowded wardrobes create permanent creases. Give each suit enough room to hang freely.

Pressing and Steaming

Wool suits rarely need pressing if cared for consistently — but when creases do appear:

  • Steaming is safer than ironing. A handheld garment steamer relaxes wrinkles without the risk of scorching or flattening the fabric's natural texture.
  • If you iron, use a pressing cloth. Place a damp cloth between the iron and the suit fabric. Never iron directly onto wool.
  • Iron on a low setting. High heat damages wool fibres. When in doubt, use less heat and more steam.

Dry Cleaning: How Often Is Too Often?

Dry cleaning is necessary, but over-cleaning degrades fabric prematurely. For most wearers, dry cleaning a suit once or twice per season is sufficient. Between cleans, regular brushing and airing will handle the majority of care needs.

When you do dry clean, choose a reputable cleaner with experience handling fine wools and tailored garments. Inform them of any specific stains and the fabric composition of your suit.

Spot Cleaning Between Wears

For minor stains or marks between dry cleans:

  1. Act quickly — the sooner you treat a stain, the easier it is to remove.
  2. Blot (never rub) with a clean damp cloth.
  3. For grease-based stains, a small amount of gentle dish soap diluted in water can lift the mark before it sets.
  4. Allow the area to dry naturally before wearing or storing.

With a little routine and the right tools, maintaining your suits becomes second nature — and your investment will reward you for decades to come.