Table of Contents
Caring for Tailored Suits: Our Comprehensive Guide
A tailored suit is a timeless investment that exudes elegance and sophistication. To ensure your wool suit remains in impeccable condition for years to come, it’s crucial to follow proper care and maintenance techniques.
You will quickly see that for caring for tailored suits is both rewarding and easy.
In this article, we will provide you with a comprehensive guide on how to caring for your tailored suit, covering topics such as avoiding dry cleaning, stain removal, spare trousers, steaming, regular brushing, and proper hanging methods.
As you wear your new tailored suit, it will begin to shape itself to your body and you will fit better over time. It is important to keep in mind that bespoke clothing differs from ready-to-wear in that the shape of the garment will change as it is broken in.
Avoid Dry Cleaning Tailored Suits
Avoid dry cleaning whenever possible. Dry cleaning, while sometimes necessary, can be harsh on wool fabrics and strip them of their natural oils and lustre over time. To reduce the frequency of dry cleaning, consider spot cleaning and airing out your suit regularly. Use a soft cloth and a mild detergent or spot cleaner to gently remove small stains or spills. Always spot test in an inconspicuous area first.
Caring for Tailored Suits:Stain Removal
In the event of a stain, act quickly. Blot the affected area gently with a clean cloth or paper towel to absorb any excess liquid. Avoid rubbing, as it can push the stain deeper into the fabric. For water-based stains, use a mixture of mild soap and lukewarm water to dab the stain. For oil-based stains, sprinkle some corn starch or talcum powder on the affected area to absorb the oil, and then gently brush it off.
Invest in Spare Trousers
To extend the life of your wool suit, consider purchasing an extra pair of trousers. Trousers often experience more wear than the jacket, so having a spare pair allows you to alternate them, minimizing wear and tear and preserving the suit’s overall appearance.
A good idea is to get both pairs of trousers at the same time. If you order the spare pair a year or two later there is a strong possibility that the cloth will be taken from a different bale. This can mean slight variations in colour or shade. If you get both pairs of trousers at the same time, you can guarantee that they are both from the same bale of cloth.
Having two pairs from the start also allows you to rotate the trousers which should mean that both pairs age at the same rate as each other and at the same rate as the jacket.
Steam Your Suit
Steaming is a gentle and effective way to freshen up your wool suit, remove wrinkles, and eliminate odours. Hang your suit in a well-ventilated area and use a garment steamer on a low setting, maintaining a safe distance to prevent excessive moisture from saturating the fabric. The steam will help relax the fibres and restore the suit’s shape. Always allow the suit to air dry completely before wearing or storing it.
Garment steaming cabinets are not normally found in a domestic setting but if you have one, use it for your suit to keep it fresh and crease free. Alternatives to this are hanging your suit in the shower cubicle and turn the hot shower on. Steam it, don’t spray it – you don’t want the water to spray onto your suit, just the steam. Afterwards, hang it in a warm dry room and allow it to dry naturally.
Hand steamers that you can buy online are ideal for occasional steaming of suits and shirts. They do not take up much room and produce great results.
Regular Brushing
Wool fibres tend to attract and retain dust and lint. To keep your suit looking sharp, invest in a garment brush with soft bristles. Brush the suit gently after each wear, paying close attention to areas prone to lint, such as the shoulders and back. This will help remove surface dust and debris, keeping the suit looking clean and fresh.
Regularly brushing your suit will keep it looking its best. Brushing removes dirt, dust, and lint and redistributes natural oils in the fibres, which prolongs the life of the suit. We recommend brushing your suit after every wear and using a high-quality, pure bristle brush.
Proper hanging is crucial to caring for tailored suits and maintaining the shape and structure of your the suit. Invest in quality wooden hangers that provide ample support for the shoulders. Avoid wire or plastic hangers, as they can cause the shoulders to stretch or deform over time. When hanging your suit, leave enough space between garments to allow air circulation and prevent wrinkles.
Wool likes to breathe, so try not to cram your suits into the wardrobe. If possible, leave a gap between each of your suits to allow the air to circulate. This will prevent stale air getting trapped in the fibres and musty odour developing.
To protect your suit from moths, use cedar wood coat hangers or hang lavender in your wardrobe.
Summary
Caring for tailored suits is essential for preserving their elegance and longevity. By following these care tips, including avoiding excessive dry cleaning, mastering stain removal techniques, investing in spare trousers, steaming instead of ironing, regular brushing, and proper hanging methods, you can ensure your wool suit remains in impeccable condition, ready for any occasion. Remember, a well-cared-for wool suit will reward you with timeless style and years of enjoyment.