The Art of Suit Maintenance - Louis Copeland
The Thread

L'art d'entretenir un costume

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Key Highlights

Your suit is an investment, and proper care is essential to maintain its appearance and longevity. Learn the art of suit maintenance to keep your ensemble looking its best for years to come.

  • Cleaning Up: Avoid excessive dry cleaning and opt for steaming or pressing to remove wrinkles and preserve your suit's fabric and buttons.

  • Press to Impress: Proper pressing is key to maintaining your suit's elegance. Invest in a steamer or opt for professional pressing to avoid damaging the fabric.

  • Hanging Out: Choose sturdy wooden hangers to preserve your suit's shape and appearance. Proper hanging allows your suit to settle back into its original drape while allowing moisture to evaporate.

  • Swap it Up: Rotate your suits throughout the week to allow natural wool fibers to rest and recover, prolonging their longevity.

  • Brush Up: Use a clothes brush to remove dust and debris from your suit, keeping it looking fresh and clean.

  • On the Go Packing Tips: Pack your suit carefully to maintain its appearance while traveling. Turn it inside out, align the shoulders, and roll it up to prevent wrinkles and creases.

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May 25, 2022

The Art of Suit Maintenance

So, after much deliberation, you’ve spent a not unsubstantial sum on a new suit, had it altered to ensure a perfect fit and have been rewarded with a handsomely-fitting two- (or three-) piece suit that will take you anywhere.

All that remains is the small matter of caring for your suit — and that extends to more than merely hanging it up after each wear – it’s something that many men overlook; but is hugely important in ensuring that it, not just looks its very best, but continues to do so for years to come.

What’s involved? Thankfully, suit care is simple once you have the know.
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Cleaning Up

Regular dry cleaning may seem like a suit saver, but it's actually a last resort for preserving your suit's longevity. The chemical process of dry cleaning can be harsh on buttons and should only be used when absolutely necessary. Instead, opt for steaming or pressing to remove wrinkles without subjecting your suit to unnecessary wear and tear. Remember, less dry cleaning means a longer lifespan for your suit.
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Press to Impress

Your suit shines brightest when it's properly pressed. Avoid the temptation to use an iron, as it can damage the fabric and leave an undesirable sheen. Instead, consider investing in a steamer; it's a cost-effective solution that pays off in the long run. Alternatively, opt for professional pressing at the dry cleaners for a flawless finish. Remember, regular pressing maintains your suit's elegance without the need for frequent dry cleaning.
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Hanging Out

Hanging your suit isn't just about tidiness; it's about preserving its shape and appearance. Choose sturdy wooden hangers over flimsy metal ones to maintain your suit's pristine form. A well-hung suit will naturally settle back into its original drape, particularly around the shoulders, while allowing moisture to evaporate. Invest in quality hangers to ensure your suits always look their best.
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Swap it Up

Wearing the same suit daily? It's time for a change. Rotating your suits throughout the week allows the natural wool fibers to rest and recover, prolonging their longevity. Aim for at least three suits in your weekly rotation to ensure you always look sharp and your suits stay in top condition.
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Brush Up

Wearing the same suit daily? It's time for a change. Rotating your suits throughout the week allows the natural wool fibers to rest and recover, prolonging their longevity. Aim for at least three suits in your weekly rotation to ensure you always look sharp and your suits stay in top condition.

On the Go Packing Tips

Unless you have a specialized suit suitcase, packing your suit requires finesse to maintain its appearance. Turn the suit inside out, align the shoulders, and carefully roll it up, ensuring seams and lapels are aligned. Following these steps ensures your suit stays sharp, prolonging its lifespan and appearance. While it may demand more time than draping it over a chair, the payoff in longevity makes it worthwhile. Now, where's that trusty wooden hanger?