How to Care for Your Suit: Tips from Gotstyle Stylists
Caring for your Suit
A well cared-for suit is an investment, not just a purchase. The difference between a suit that looks sharp for decades and one that fades quickly often comes down to how you treat it between wears.
Here’s a breakdown of premium care techniques, some well known, others lesser talked about, that keep your suits looking new, structured, and ready for anything.
Let It Breathe After Wearing
Right after you take it off, hang your jacket and trousers separately on proper hangers. Don’t rush it into a closed garment bag. Letting air circulate helps fabrics release moisture and prevents stale odours.
Aim to give each suit at least 24 hours off before wearing it again.
Brush It Gently, Every Time
Dust, lint, and particles collect during wear, and left unchecked, they abrade the fibers over time. Use a soft-bristled cloth or natural-bristle clothes brush and sweep downward, following the grain.
This simple daily step reduces the need for frequent cleanings.
Spot Clean Before It Becomes a Stain
If something spills or rubs off, act quickly. Blot gently with a clean damp cloth. For tougher marks, use a drop of mild soap mixed with water but always test on an inconspicuous seam first. Never rub.
If the stain persists, get professional help before it sets.
Steam Rather than Iron
Heat and pressing can flatten your fabric’s structure. Instead, steam to relax wrinkles and revive the drape. Hold the steamer a few inches away and let gentle steam do the work. A bathroom steam from a hot shower can suffice in a pinch.
Avoid pressing directly unless you have a pressing cloth. This approach helps preserve the texture and avoids shine.
Rotate Your Suits
Wearing the same suit too often strains the fibers, especially at elbows, knees, and seat. Let each suit rest 48 hours between use if possible. In practice, aim to never wear a suit on back-to-back days.
This downtime lets the material recover and prevents permanent creases or weakening.
Choose the Right Hangers & Storage
Use wide, contoured wooden hangers (or cedar) that mimic shoulder shape. These preserve the silhouette and help absorb moisture.
Avoid plastic covers or non-breathable garment bags. Those trap moisture and can lead to mould or musty smells. Instead, use a breathable cotton garment bag when you must cover the suit.
When storing seasonally, ensure the suit is clean before putting it away. Residual food, sweat, or stains attract pests. A light cleaning before storage acts as insurance.
Mind the Minor Repairs Early
Loose buttons, fraying seams, or a fading hemline might seem small now, but can become big issues fast. Address them early.
Check your suit periodically and fix these issues before they require major alteration.
Occasional Full Cleaning, but Sparingly
Dry cleaning uses solvents that stress fibers, especially wool. Too much cleaning reduces the lifespan of the fabric. Most experts recommend dry cleaning only when necessary—around 2 to 4 times per year depending on wear.
Between full cleans, rely on brushing, airing out, spot cleaning, and steaming.
A Hidden Gem: Cedar & Natural Deodorizing
Tucking cedar blocks or sachets inside pockets or in garment bags helps naturally repel moths and absorb light moisture. Lavender sachets also add a subtle fresh scent without harsh chemicals.
This simple trick doesn’t get talked about much, but it makes a difference over long seasons.
Another lesser-known tip: hang your trousers upside down from the hem in your wardrobe occasionally. This helps gravity redistribute the fabric weight and reduces wrinkling at the knees over time.
Trust the Stylist’s Eye
One of the most overlooked parts of suit care is the human factor. A trusted stylist or tailor sees things you may not; how the drape changes, how fabric behaves mid-wear, how subtle adjustments preserve longevity.
If your stylist offers periodic “maintenance checks” or inspection visits, take advantage of it. These sessions can spot early signs of stress in your garments and allow them to intervene before damage compounds.