As a dapper man, you know the value of a good suit. Yes, they can be quite an investment, so it is important to know how to take good care of your suits.

Whether it’s for a job interview, a special occasion, or just a night out, a suit can make you feel confident and stylish.

But owning a suit also comes with some serious responsibility. You need to take good care of it to keep it looking like new after many wears and many years.

In this blog post, I’ll give you six simple tips on how to keep your suits looking fresh for a very long time.

Let’s do it.

Hang and air out your suit after wearing it

After wearing your suit, it’s important to hang it up in a well-ventilated area, but not outside exposed to the elements.

This allows any moisture or sweat to evaporate and prevents bad smells from developing and settling in your suit.

Make sure to hang it on a sturdy hanger (see more about hangers below), that won’t cause shoulder bumps.

Letting it breathe like this will also help any wrinkles to naturally fall out.

I would personally try to let my suits air out for at least a full day before putting them back in my closet.

The important take away from this is do not simply take off your suit after a long day, put it in its hanger and back in the closet. Don’t do this.

Use a garment brush or lint roller to remove debris

A suit can attract all sorts of debris, from dust to pet hair. And as a pet owner, believe me, pet hair is everywhere and there is not escape from it getting attached to your clothes.

To keep your suit looking sharp, use a garment brush or lint roller to remove any debris.

This will also help prevent any dirt from becoming embedded in the fabric. It may sound like it’s nothing, but that’s not true, dust is not pleasant on fabrics and it does show.

A quick brush or roll before wearing your suit can make a big difference.

It is not a big investment, but it makes a huge difference in how well preserved your suits will stay.

Invest in a proper suit hanger to avoid wrinkles and misshaping

Speaking of good investments…

Have you ever hung up a suit on a flimsy plastic hanger or a wire hanger, only to find that the shoulders became misshapen or the fabric wrinkled? Please tell me you’ve never dont this.

Please.

This happens because those hangers don’t provide enough support for the weight and shape of a suit. Investing in a proper suit hanger can make all the difference in keeping your suit looking sharp and well-maintained.

A good suit hanger should have a shape that mimics the natural curve of your shoulders, allowing the jacket to hang properly and maintain its shape.

This is why a hanger with wide, curved shoulders is ideal for a suit. It will prevent the shoulders from becoming misshapen or stretched out over time, and also help to avoid unsightly wrinkles and creases.

In addition to the shape of the hanger, the material it’s made from is also very important.

A wooden hanger is a great choice because it’s sturdy and can support the weight of a suit without bending or breaking. It also helps to absorb moisture, which can prevent mold or mildew from forming on your suit if you tend to leave it in your closet for extended periods of time.

You know how moldy those closets can get sometimes.

It may seem like a small detail, but a good quality suit hanger can make a big difference in how your suit looks and feels when you wear it.

Read: 10 Proven Tips for Dressing to Impress in Your Next Job Interview

Spot clean and dry clean only when necessary

Let’s face it, accidents happen.

Maybe you spilled some coffee on your suit during your morning commute (been there, done that), or maybe you got caught in the rain on your way to an important meeting.

Whatever the case may be, it’s important to spot clean any stains as soon as possible to prevent them from setting in.

To spot clean a stain, you’ll need a damp cloth and a mild detergent. Gently dab the stain with the cloth, being careful not to rub or scrub too hard, as this can damage the fabric of your suit.

If the stain is particularly stubborn, DO NOT PANIC! Take it to a professional cleaner who can handle it with care.

When it comes to dry cleaning, it’s important to only do so when it is absolutely necessary.

This is a very common error that many men make. Taking their suits to the cleaners after every single wear. Not ideal.

While dry cleaning can be an effective way to remove stains and refresh your suit, it can also be harsh on the fabric and cause it to lose its shape over time. Instead, opt for spot cleaning whenever possible and only take your suit to the dry cleaner if it’s really needed.

Use a steamer to keep your suit wrinkle-free

Speaking of cleaning your suits, and also ironing your suits. Now it’s a good time to bring up the marvel that is a good steamer.

Ironing a suit can be a daunting task, and it’s easy to make mistakes that can damage the fabric or leave unsightly creases. A better option is to use a steamer to remove wrinkles and keep your suit looking sharp.

Steamers work by using high-temperature steam to relax the fabric, making it easier to smooth out any wrinkles. They’re also gentler on the fabric than traditional irons, which can be too hot and can cause the fabric to become shiny or even burn. I’d say the former is more painful than the latter, but both definitely hurt a lot. 😉

When using a steamer, be sure to hold it a few inches away from the fabric to avoid any water droplets that may form. Steam the fabric in sections, starting with the shoulders and working your way down. Be sure to use a consistent motion and avoid lingering on any one spot for too long.

Using a steamer is a quick and easy way to keep your suit looking fresh and wrinkle-free, without the risk of damaging the fabric. It’s a great investment for any dapper man who wants to keep his suits looking their best.

Read: How to Style a Suit for a Spring or Summer Wedding

Rotate your suits and give them a break between wears

As much as we love our suits, we can’t wear them every day.

Not only would that be a bit weird, but it’s also not good for the suit itself. Wearing the same suit too often can cause it to lose its shape and wear out more quickly.

It’s like the old saying goes: “absence makes the heart grow fonder.” In this case, absence makes your suits last longer.

By rotating your suits and giving them a break between wears, you allow the fibers to relax and breathe.

This not only helps the suit keep its shape but also prevents any odors from developing.

And they do develop, we’re human after all.

So, how often should you rotate your suits? Well, a good rule of thumb is to wait at the very least a day between wears, but ideally more. Give it a week of rest and you’ll have no reason to be concerned.

This gives the suit ample time to recover and prevents any creases or wrinkles from forming. Plus, it gives you the perfect excuse to show off your other dapper suits in your collection.

Nice!

By following this simple tip, you’ll not only keep your suits looking like new but also extend their lifespan. And who wouldn’t want that?

Conclusion

By following these simple tips, you can keep your suits looking sharp and new for years to come.

Of course, everyone has their own tricks and tips, so Id’ love to hear from you.

What are your secrets for keeping your suits in top shape?

Do you have any horror stories of suit disasters that we can learn from?

Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!

Cheers,

Ed.