How to Care for a Custom Suit: The Ultimate Guide to Keeping Your Suit Looking Sharp
A custom suit is more than just clothing—it’s an investment in your personal style, confidence, and professionalism. Whether it’s tailored for work, a wedding, or a special event, taking proper care of your suit ensures it stays in impeccable condition for years to come. In this guide, we’ll break down the best ways to clean, store, and maintain your custom suit so you always look sharp.
How Often Should You Clean a Custom Suit?
When it comes to how to care for a custom suit, many people assume frequent dry cleaning is necessary—but that’s not the case! Over-cleaning can wear down fabrics and shorten the lifespan of your suit. Here’s what you need to know:
- Dry Clean Only When Necessary – Ideally, you should dry clean your suit 3-4 times a year. Unless there are visible stains, excessive dry cleaning can weaken the fibers.
- Choose a Specialist – Always go to a professional dry cleaner who specializes in luxury and designer garments. They understand the delicate fabrics and construction of a high-end suit.
- Spot Cleaning for Small Stains – If you notice a small stain, try spot cleaning with a damp cloth and mild soap before heading to the dry cleaner.
- Air It Out – After wearing your suit, let it air out for 24 hours before storing it. This helps release moisture, odors, and prevents fabric breakdown.
Proper Suit Storage: Why It Matters
Storing your custom suit correctly is key to keeping its structure, preventing wrinkles, and protecting it from damage. Here’s how to do it right:
- Use the Right Hanger – Always use a cedar or contoured wooden hanger to maintain the shape of your jacket. At Artful Tailoring, we provide high-quality wooden hangers with every custom suit purchase.
- Invest in a Breathable Garment Bag – Avoid plastic covers, as they trap moisture and can lead to mildew. Instead, store your suit in a breathable garment bag to keep dust and moths away. Be sure to use the one we give you with your custom garments.
- Give Your Suit Space – Avoid cramming suits too closely together in your closet. Allow space for air circulation, which helps prevent wrinkles and keeps fabrics fresh.
- Hang Pants Properly – Pants should be hung at the waist with soft clamp-style hangers to avoid creasing.
How to Prevent Wrinkles and Keep Your Suit Fresh
A well-maintained suit should always look crisp and polished. Here are some essential maintenance tips to prevent wrinkles and keep your custom suit looking new:
- Steam, Don’t Iron – Light steaming is the best way to remove wrinkles. If ironing is necessary, always use a protective cloth between the iron and the fabric to prevent damage.
- Brush Your Suit Regularly – Using a garment brush after each wear removes dust, lint, and debris that can settle into the fabric.
- Rotate Your Suits – If you wear suits often, avoid overusing the same one. Rotating between multiple suits helps extend their lifespan and reduces wear and tear. You should really only be wearing your suit once every two weeks for longevity.
Handling Minor Repairs & Long-Term Suit Maintenance
Even with the best care, your suit may need occasional maintenance. Here’s how to keep it in top shape:
- Watch for Small Repairs – Keep an eye out for loose buttons, minor stitching issues, or interior lining wear. Addressing these small fixes immediately prevents larger problems.
- Professional Alterations – If your suit no longer fits perfectly, don’t leave it sitting in your closet. At Artful Tailoring, we offer expert alterations to keep your suit fitting like new.
- Store Seasonal Suits Properly – If you’re storing a suit for months at a time (such as a winter suit during summer), make sure it’s clean and protected in a garment bag before placing it in long-term storage.
Final Thoughts: Make Your Custom Suit Last
A custom suit is a long-term investment, and with the right care, it can last for years without losing its shape or quality. By following these essential cleaning, storage, and maintenance tips, you’ll ensure your suit always looks impeccable.
At Artful Tailoring, we don’t just create exceptional custom suits—we help you care for them too! Whether you need alterations, garment care advice, or a brand-new tailored suit, visit our shop to experience the best in craftsmanship and service.
Looking for a new custom suit? Stop by Artful Tailoring today!