A suit is an investment in yourself. It's an article of clothing that every man should own, and like anything else of value in life, it requires some maintenance. When you've invested in a suit, you probably want it to look good for as long as possible. With these simple tips, you can ensure that your suit stays as good as new for many years.
Give it a rest
The first and most basic step to maintaining your suit is to give it some rest. Some time away from the body, on a hanger, helps the suit keep its shape. A day or two of airing allows you to keep the suit fresh and clean for longer, allowing for more time between visits to the dry cleaner. The fabric of the suit needs to rest after use, otherwise you risk shortening the lifespan of the suit.
If you have a lifestyle that requires you to wear suits daily, you should consider investing in an extra suit or two, so that you can vary between them. This will not only extend the lifespan of your suits, but it will give you additional styling options.
Empty the pockets
Stuffing your pockets can change the shape of the suit over time and stretch out the pocket linings. This applies to all the suit's different pockets. Therefore, it is recommended that you only bring along your essentials when wearing a suit. Additionally, you should remember to empty the pockets when you no longer want to wear the suit.
Use a brush or lint roller
A soft brush is good for removing dirt and dust. If you don't have a brush, you can use a lint roller as an alternative. It is the easiest method for a quick cleaning and extends the lifespan of the suit, as it increases the time between having to send it to the dry cleaner. That's why you should brush, or give your suit a once-over with a lint roller, after each use. However, always remember to brush downwards, so that the fibers are followed and you do not brush across them.
Store it properly
We recommend using the hanger you received the suit on, to both keep the suit's shape and give it enough space for airing. Whatever you do, you should always hang up your suit after use. It damages the look and shape of the suit if it is simply thrown on top of a pile of clothes. In addition, we also recommend that you store your suit in the garment bag in which you received it.
Use a streamer
If you should find yourself in a situation where your suit has gotten some creases or wear marks, make sure you use a steamer. Do avoid using an iron, as these emit too much heat and can burn the fabric. In addition, it wears down the suit a lot if you use an iron. If, on the other hand, you use a steamer, the fibers open up, which can prevent odors and remove minor stains and marks. A good steamer can significantly extend the lifespan of your suit.
Postpone the dry cleaning
Having your suit cleaned at a dry cleaner is hard on the suit. Every time a suit is cleaned, its lifespan is shortened. So only take your suit to a dry cleaner if there are visible stains on it, or if it still smells after you've aired it for a few days. Many stains can usually be cleaned with a soft towel and a little water. A rule of thumb is that you should preferably not clean your suit more than 1-2 times a year. If you do it more often than that, you risk damaging the suit unnecessarily.
Pack the suit properly when you travel
Traveling with a suit can take a bit of planning, especially if you're traveling for a business meeting. The last thing you want is to open your suitcase and be greeted by the sight of a wrinkled suit. Ideally, you should carry your suit in its garment bag, rather than stuffing it into a bag or suitcase. If this is not possible, you should focus on folding your suit appropriately when you pack it.
Bonus tip
It may be a good idea to wear an undershirt under your button-down shirt. This will help absorb sweat and prevent both moisture and odors from reaching through the shirt and onto your nice suit.
