Suit Care 101: How to Keep Your Suit Looking Sharp and Long-Lasting
A custom-tailored suit is more than just clothing—it’s a statement of your style, confidence, and professionalism. Whether you’re suiting up for a big meeting, a formal event, or just love looking sharp, taking proper care of your suit ensures it stays in peak condition for years to come. While Cicchini Custom Clothier specializes in crafting impeccable custom suits, the responsibility of maintaining them is all yours. Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered with the ultimate guide to suit care.
Why Suit Care Matters
Your suit endures a lot every time you wear it—stretching, wrinkling, exposure to the elements, and more. Without proper care, even the highest-quality suit can lose its shape, color, and style. We’re here to give you tips to help you learn how to keep your suit looking just as polished as the day you brought it home from Cicchini Custom Clothier.
Storing Your Suit: Where Care Begins
Invest in the Right Hangers
Wire hangers might work for t-shirts, but they’re a big no-no for suits. Instead, opt for wide-shouldered wooden hangers. These maintain the jacket’s natural shape, prevent stretching, and reduce creasing in the shoulders.
Use Garment Bags for Long-Term Storage
When storing your suit for extended periods, a breathable garment bag is your best friend. Unlike plastic covers, these allow air circulation while keeping the dust away. This is especially important for suits made of natural fabrics like wool.
Rotate Your Suits
If you own multiple suits, give each one a day or two of rest between wears. This allows the fabric to relax and recover, prolonging its lifespan. Plus, it gives you an excuse to expand your suit collection with a new piece from Cicchini Custom Clothier.
Cleaning and Maintaining Your Suit
Dry Clean Sparingly
Dry cleaning may seem like the go-to solution for suit care, but overdoing it can damage the fabric. Aim to dry clean your suit only a few times a year or when it’s visibly dirty. Spot clean minor stains yourself with a clean cloth and a little cold water.
Steam, Don’t Iron
Wrinkles are inevitable, but ironing your suit can scorch or flatten the fabric. Instead, use a steamer. It’s gentler and helps revive the fibers without the risk of damage. If you don’t own a steamer, hanging your suit in a steamy bathroom for a few minutes works in a pinch.
Brush Off the Day
After wearing your suit, use a soft-bristle clothing brush to remove lint, dust, and dirt. These particles can build up over time, breaking down the fabric and dulling its appearance. A quick brushing keeps your suit fresh between wears.
Protecting Your Suit During Wear
Don’t Overload Your Pockets
Stuffing your suit pockets with bulky items can stretch the fabric and ruin the sleek silhouette. Keep your essentials—like your wallet, phone, and keys—to a minimum. Consider carrying a slim wallet or using a briefcase for larger items.
Avoid Harsh Conditions
Rain, direct sunlight, and smoke are enemies of your suit. Water can stain delicate fabrics, UV rays can cause fading, and smoke leaves behind lingering odors. If you’re caught in a downpour, hang your suit to dry naturally—never use a dryer.
Wear an Undershirt
An undershirt can work wonders in protecting your suit from sweat stains and odors. It creates a barrier between your skin and the fabric, especially during warmer months or long days.
Dealing with Damage: Repairs and Alterations
Check for Wear and Tear
Regularly inspect your suit for signs of damage—loose threads, missing buttons, or fraying hems. Catching these issues early can prevent bigger problems down the line.
Call in the Professionals
When it comes to repairs or alterations, don’t attempt a DIY fix. Trust an experienced tailor to handle adjustments with precision. While Cicchini Custom Clothier doesn’t provide suit care services, we’re always here to recommend trusted local professionals to keep your suit in top shape.
Travel Tips for Your Suit
Packing Properly
Traveling with your suit? Fold it carefully to minimize wrinkles, or better yet, invest in a high-quality suit carrier. This ensures your suit arrives at your destination as sharp as when you packed it.
Unpack and Hang Immediately
Once you’ve reached your destination, take your suit out of your luggage and hang it up right away. This allows wrinkles to fall out naturally. If necessary, give it a quick steam to freshen it up before you wear it.
Additional Tips for Long-Lasting Elegance
Avoid Deodorant and Cologne Stains: Spray cologne before putting on your suit, and let deodorant dry completely to avoid marks.
Limit Machine Washing for Pants: If your suit has matching pants, avoid machine washing them. They should be cleaned alongside the jacket to maintain color consistency.
Seasonal Suit Care: Rotate heavier wool suits for winter and lighter cotton or linen suits for summer to reduce wear on each piece.
Your Suit, Your Statement
Taking care of your suit doesn’t have to be complicated—it just requires a little routine attention. By following these steps, you’ll not only maintain the sharpness of your suit but also maximize your investment.
With proper care, your suit can last for years while keeping you looking sharp and confident. Trust us—it’s worth the effort.