How to Care for a Custom Suit

A custom suit is more than just an outfit; it’s a statement of style and sophistication. Caring for such a prized possession can be broken down into three main pillars: proper storage, careful cleaning, and minimizing wear and tear. This guide on custom-suit care is packed with expert advice. It will help you navigate each aspect, ensuring your suit remains a timeless piece in your wardrobe.

1. Proper Storage & Usage:

• The Right Hanger: Hangers are vital in maintaining your custom suit’s shape. A good suit hanger has broad shoulders, supporting the jacket correctly. This keeps the jacket in shape and helps smooth out any wrinkles from daily activities. If you regularly wear suits to work, consider keeping a quality hanger at your office. This way, you can hang your jacket properly instead of draping it over a chair, which might distort its shape.
• Air It Out: After wearing your suit, let it breathe for a day or two before storing it in a cloth suit bag. This helps release any trapped moisture and keeps the fabric fresh. This will help stop your suit from holding onto any smells it picks up throughout the day.
• The Cloth Suit Bag: A cloth suit bag is essential for protecting your suit. Unlike plastic bags, cloth allows air to circulate, letting your suit breathe. This airflow helps guard against moths and wrinkles. These bags take up a bit of space, so if you’re short on closet space, prioritize your favorite custom suits for this “special treatment.”

2. Cleaning and Maintenance:

• Brushing is Key: Think of brushing your suit like combing your hair. It helps remove dirt and keeps it looking neat. Especially for wool suits, brushing after every wear is crucial. A suit brush, preferably with natural and soft bristles, can effectively remove dirt and unseen particles that wear down the fabric over time. Brushing your suit after every wear will extend the suit’s life. 
• Limit Dry Cleaning: While it’s tempting to dry clean your suit often, this process can be harsh on the fabric. The chemicals and heat used in dry cleaning can harm the fibers and reduce the suit’s lifespan. It’s best to reserve dry cleaning for significant stains you can’t remove with safe methods. Limit dry cleaning as much as possible to prevent excessive harm to your custom suit’s fibers.
• Address Stains Promptly: Act quickly if you spill something on your suit. Dab (never rub) the stain with a damp cloth to prevent it from setting. You can use a mild detergent for tougher stains to remove the stain. After applying the wet cloth to the suit, remember to hang it up to dry after. If neither removes the stain, it may be time to consider getting professional help.

3. Minimizing Wear and Tear:

• Rotate Your Suits: Even if you love wearing your favorite custom suit constantly, sometimes it needs a break. Wearing the same suit every day will cause damage to the fibers quicker than letting it rest between uses. If you must wear a suit daily to work, getting multiple to rotate between may be worth it. By rotating multiple suits, you ensure each one lasts longer.
• Traveling with Your Suit: If you’re traveling and want to minimize wrinkles and creases in your suit, use a quality hanger and garment bag to protect your suit. Sometimes, we don’t have enough space to hang a garment bag, like when traveling on a plane. In this case, fold your suit properly to reduce as many wrinkles as possible. Once you reach your destination, hang it up and lightly steam out any wrinkles. You can do this with a small steamer or hang it in the bathroom while you shower to let the steam from the water help remove the wrinkles.

Conclusion:

A custom suit is a reflection of personal style and elegance. You ensure its longevity and pristine appearance by understanding and implementing the three pillars of custom suit care— proper storage, cleaning, and minimizing wear. With the appropriate care, your suit will always be at the ready for you to make a statement, no matter the occasion.

Common FAQs for Custom Suit Care

• How many times should I wear a suit before cleaning it?

  • Depending on your activity level and the environment, you can wear a suit anywhere from 2-6 times before it needs cleaning. However, by airing it out, hanging it correctly, and brushing it, you can help increase the times you can wear a suit before it needs to be cleaned.

• Should I iron my suit to remove wrinkles?

  • It’s better to use a steamer for suits as it’s gentler on the fabric. If you must iron, use a low setting and always place a cloth between the iron and the suit to minimize heat damage.

• What’s the best way to store suits I don’t wear often?

  • For suits that aren’t in regular rotation, store them in a cool, dry place in a breathable cloth garment bag to protect against dust, moths, and moisture.

• Is it okay to wear the same suit to back-to-back events?

  • While it’s okay, it’s advisable to let the suit breathe and recover for a day or two between wears to ensure the fabric maintains its integrity.

• What should I do if my suit gets wet in the rain?

  • Hang it in a well-ventilated area to dry naturally. Avoid using direct heat sources like heaters or hairdryers to dry it, as they can damage the fabric.

• How can I ensure my suit maintains its shape over time?

  • Use wide-shouldered hangers for storage, rotate between suits to prevent over-wearing, and ensure proper cleaning and maintenance routines.

• Are there specific brushes for suits?

  • Yes, suit brushes typically have soft, natural bristles that are gentle on the fabric. They effectively remove dirt and particles without causing damage.