Protect Your Investment with Proper Suit Care
A bespoke suit is an investment — one that should last 15–20 years with proper care. Yet most men unknowingly damage their suits through improper storage, over-cleaning, and neglect. In this guide, our master tailors share the care techniques that keep a suit looking sharp for decades.
The Golden Rules of Suit Care
Rule 1: Don’t Dry Clean Too Often
This is the most common mistake. Dry cleaning uses harsh chemicals that strip the natural oils from wool fibers, causing them to become brittle and lose their luster. A suit should be dry cleaned only when visibly soiled or after 5–7 wears.
Between cleanings, use these maintenance techniques:
- Air it out — After wearing, hang your suit in a well-ventilated area for 24 hours. This allows moisture and odors to dissipate naturally.
- Brush it — Use a natural bristle suit brush to remove surface dust and lint. Brush downward following the fabric grain. Do this after every wear.
- Spot clean — For small stains, dab (don’t rub) with a damp cloth and mild soap. Test on an inconspicuous area first.
Rule 2: Hang Properly
How you store your suit between wears matters enormously:
- Use wide, shaped hangers — Thin wire hangers cause shoulder dimples and distort the jacket shape. Invest in wide, contoured hangers that mimic shoulder shape.
- Button the top button — This maintains the jacket’s shape on the hanger. Leave lower buttons undone.
- Use a suit bag — A breathable cotton or canvas suit bag protects from dust while allowing air circulation. Avoid plastic bags, which trap moisture.
- Give it space — Don’t overcrowd your closet. Suits need room to breathe.
Rule 3: Rotate Your Suits
Wearing the same suit every day accelerates wear. Wool fibers need time to recover their shape after being stretched by body heat and movement. Rotate between at least 2–3 suits to extend the life of each.
Dealing with Common Issues
Wrinkles
Light wrinkles usually fall out within 24 hours of hanging. For persistent wrinkles:
- Use a garment steamer (not an iron) — hold 6 inches from the fabric and steam lightly
- Hang the suit in a steamy bathroom — the moisture relaxes the fibers
- For travel wrinkles, hang the suit in the hotel bathroom while you shower
Pilling
Small fabric balls (pills) are normal with high-quality wool. Remove them with a fabric shaver or lint roller — never pull them off by hand.
Lining Rips
A torn lining should be repaired promptly to prevent the damage from spreading. This is a simple repair for any competent tailor.
Odors
Hang the suit in fresh air for 24 hours. For stubborn odors, sprinkle baking soda on the fabric, let sit overnight, then brush off. Avoid spraying cologne directly on the fabric.
Travel Tips
Traveling with a bespoke suit requires care:
- Roll, don’t fold — Roll the jacket loosely from the bottom, placing tissue paper between folds. This minimizes creases.
- Use a garment bag — A structured garment bag protects the suit during transit.
- Steam on arrival — Hang the suit and steam lightly to remove travel wrinkles.
- Pack lightly — Place the suit on top of other items in your suitcase to avoid crushing.
When to Visit Your Tailor
Even the best-made suit needs occasional maintenance:
- Button repair — Loose or missing buttons should be replaced immediately
- Hem adjustment — Trousers may need re-hemming if the original stitching loosens
- Waist adjustment — Weight fluctuations of 5–10 lbs can usually be accommodated by taking in or letting out the waist
- Lining repair — A competent tailor can replace a worn lining, extending the suit’s life by years
The Regal Stitch Care Promise
Every Regal Stitch suit comes with our Perfect Fit Guarantee — free alterations for life. If your body changes, your suit changes with you. We also offer professional cleaning, pressing, and repair services to keep your suit in peak condition.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I dry clean my suit?
Only when visibly soiled or after 5–7 wears. Over-cleaning damages wool fibers and shortens the suit’s life. Use brushing and airing as your primary maintenance methods.
Can I iron my suit?
Avoid direct ironing on the outer fabric — it can create shine and damage fibers. Use a garment steamer instead, holding it 6 inches from the fabric. If you must iron, use a pressing cloth between the iron and the fabric.
How should I store my suit long-term?
For seasonal storage, clean the suit first (stains attract moths). Wrap in a breathable cotton bag, add cedar blocks or lavender sachets (moth deterrents), and store in a cool, dry place. Avoid plastic bags.
My suit got wet in the rain. What should I do?
Hang it immediately in a well-ventilated area. Do not use a dryer or direct heat. If the fabric is water-resistant wool, it will usually recover its shape after air-drying. For severe water damage, consult your tailor.
Keep Your Suit Looking Its Best
Proper care is the difference between a suit that lasts 3 years and one that lasts 20. Follow these guidelines, and your bespoke suit will reward you with years of impeccable style. If you need repairs, adjustments, or professional care, contact Regal Stitch.