These Are the Three Practices That’ll Kill Your Suit

Want to keep that expensive new suit looking new? These are the 3 things you should not do (and 3 things that you should!)

You bought a brand new suit a month ago and it’s already starting to shine. Sound familiar?
It’s possible you’re causing it to happen without even realizing it!

The Don’ts:

1. Don’t dry clean often. 

Don’t over-clean your suit! Contrary to popular belief, your suit does not have to be dry cleaned often. A suit is not a shirt, and it can go for many wears without a wash. Wool is anti-microbial, and if you hang it up after wearing, it’ll air itself out. If it gets dirty, spot treat it with a bit of gentle soap and water whenever possible, and only dry clean when necessary. If your suit is wrinkled, send it in for a pressing, and specify you don’t want it dry cleaned. Or, invest in a steamer and steam it yourself at home. Steaming is harmless, while dry cleaning uses chemicals that can harm your suit when done too often. Dry cleaning also could cause the fusing inside the suit to erode, which causes unsightly bubbles in the lapel. You’ll be surprised at how long a suit can last between cleanings!

2. Don’t sit on wooden benches and chairs. 

When the fabric of your pants gets rubbed on the hard surface of wood, it starts to shine a lot faster than it normally would.

If you find yourself sitting on wooden seats on a regular basis, consider adding a fabric cushion to your seat so that your suits pants don’t shine as quickly.

3.Don’t hang your suit on a wire hanger.

Suits are tailored garments with very specific construction. They need to be maintained in a certain way in order for the inner construction to be maintained and not show signs of wear. If you hang your suit on a wire hanger the hanger will actually poke at the shoulder construction and could potentially damage the shape. Invest in a few good quality wooden or plastic hangers specially made for suits, and only hang your suit jackets on those hangers. Your suits will look sharper because the shape will be maintained.

The Do’s:

1. Get a steamer and steam your suits at home. 

2. When it’s necessary to send in your suit to the cleaners, spend more and send to a better quality dry cleaners that use minimal chemicals.

3. Brush your suits with your hat brush every once in a while. This helps raise the nap of the fibers and keep the fabric from shining and looking flat.

If you take care of your suits, they’ll last longer and maintain their new appearance even after repeated wear.