How to Care for Your Made-to-Measure Suit: A Comprehensive Guide
Investing in a made-to-measure suit is a decision that pays off in style, confidence, and longevity. To ensure your suit remains in pristine condition for years to come, proper care is essential. Here’s a comprehensive guide to cleaning, storing, and maintaining your suit.
1. Cleaning Your Suit
While suits don’t require frequent washing, periodic cleaning is necessary to maintain their appearance and freshness. Follow these tips to clean your suit effectively:
Spot Cleaning:
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Use a clean, damp cloth or a mild stain remover for small spills or marks.
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Dab gently—never rub—to avoid damaging the fabric.
Dry Cleaning:
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Limit dry cleaning to once or twice a year to prevent fabric wear.
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Always choose a trusted dry cleaner with experience in handling high-quality suits.
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Inform the cleaner about any specific stains or fabric sensitivities.
After Each Wear:
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Brush your suit with a clothing brush to remove dust and debris.
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Allow it to air out on a hanger for a day before storing.
2. Properly Storing Your Suit
How you store your suit plays a significant role in its longevity. Avoid common pitfalls with these storage tips:
Use the Right Hanger:
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Opt for a wide, padded hanger to maintain the suit’s shape.
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Avoid wire hangers, which can distort the shoulders.
Store in a Garment Bag:
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Use a breathable garment bag to protect your suit from dust and moths.
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Avoid plastic bags, which can trap moisture and cause fabric damage.
Rotate Your Suits:
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If you own multiple suits, rotate them to avoid overuse of a single piece.
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Give your suit time to rest and recover its shape between wears.
3. Maintaining the Fabric
Maintaining the quality of your suit fabric ensures it remains sharp and professional over time.
Pressing and Ironing:
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Use a steam iron or a garment steamer to remove wrinkles gently.
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Avoid direct heat on delicate fabrics; use a pressing cloth for added protection.
Dealing with Pilling:
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Remove fabric pilling with a lint shaver or fabric comb.
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Be gentle to avoid pulling or tearing the fibers.
4. Addressing Repairs
Small damages, if left unattended, can worsen over time. Here’s how to handle them:
Loose Threads and Buttons:
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Secure loose buttons with a needle and thread to prevent loss.
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Trim any loose threads to keep your suit looking neat.
Minor Tears:
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Consult a professional tailor for small repairs.
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For immediate fixes, use fabric glue or an iron-on patch as a temporary solution.
5. Traveling with Your Suit
Travel can be challenging for suits, but proper packing minimizes wrinkles and damage:
Garment Bags:
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Use a quality garment bag for short trips to keep your suit wrinkle-free.
Folding Tips:
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Turn the jacket inside out, fold it in half, and lay it flat in your luggage.
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Roll trousers instead of folding to reduce creases.
The Final Word
Caring for your made-to-measure suit doesn’t have to be complicated. With regular maintenance, proper storage, and mindful cleaning, your suit will remain a reliable staple in your wardrobe for years to come. At Landon Sterling, we’re proud to craft suits designed to last. By following these tips, you’ll get the most out of your investment while always looking your best.