How to Take Care of Your Suit
1. Dry Cleaning: Less Is More
Most men dry clean their suits far too often.
A suit doesn’t sit directly on your skin, so sweat and body oils rarely reach the fabric. Wool is also naturally antimicrobial, meaning it resists odor and bacteria extremely well.
General guideline:
Worn once or twice a week → dry clean once every 3–6 months if needed
Worn occasionally → once a year is usually enough
Only dry clean when:
There’s a stain you can’t spot clean
There’s a persistent odor that won’t air out
There’s visible dirt buildup
Trousers usually need cleaning more often than jackets—but that doesn’t mean the jacket should go in every time. Over-cleaning strips wool of its natural oils, stresses the structure, and shortens the life of the suit.
2. Hang Your Suit Properly
Never use thin wire or plastic hangers. They deform the shoulders and ruin structure.
Use a wide-shouldered hanger that mimics your natural shoulder line. This supports the canvas and allows the jacket to relax back into shape after wear.
Wool is elastic and crease-resistant. When hung properly, wrinkles from daily movement usually release on their own.
For trousers:
Fold along the crease and drape them over a felted hanger bar. The weight helps smooth wrinkles and reinforces the crease naturally.
3. Wrinkles: Start Gentle
A well-made, full-canvassed suit is designed to return to shape.
For everyday wear, proper hanging is often enough. For stubborn wrinkles or travel use this order:
Light water mist – Wool responds extremely well to moisture
Gentle steaming – Avoid blasting the chest; use light passes
Pressing (last resort) – Requires a pressing cloth, skill, and caution
Improper pressing—especially on dark worsted wool—can create permanent shine. When in doubt, leave pressing to a professional.
4. Brush and Air Your Suit
This habit alone can add years to a suit’s life.
Wool attracts dust and micro-particles. Brushing removes them before they settle into the fabric, keeping the suit cleaner and extending its lifespan.
After each wear:
Hang the suit outside the closet for 12–24 hours
Brush gently for 10–20 seconds using a soft natural bristle brush
Brush downward; avoid synthetic brushes and garment bags while airing
Wool doesn’t hold odor the way synthetics do. Odor comes from bacteria, and wool naturally releases moisture and odor when exposed to fresh air.
Avoid wearing the same suit two days in a row—especially the trousers. If you wear suits often, consider ordering a second pair of trousers.
5. Traveling With a Suit
Wrinkles are caused by friction, not folding.
A simple trick is using a plastic dry-cleaning bag or smooth plastic layer—it reduces friction between folds.
Best practices:
Plastic layer first, then fold minimally
Don’t pack too tightly
Hang immediately upon arrival
High-twist wools, hopsack, and heavier fabrics (300g+) travel best.
6. Long-Term Storage
Keep it simple:
Use a breathable garment bag
Leave space between suits
Add cedar blocks for moth protection
Never store a dirty suit. Brush it first, clean if needed, and ensure the storage space is dry and moth-free.
7. Spot Cleaning Basics
If something spills:
Blot gently—don’t rub
Use cold water for minor stains
Let air dry, then brush
Avoid home stain removers or soaking wool. For wine or serious stains, blot immediately and take it to a professional cleaner.
Good suit care isn’t complicated—it’s about restraint.
Let wool do what it’s designed to do, and your suit will reward you with better drape, longevity, and appearance over time.