Frequently Asked Questions

Less often than you think. Over-cleaning damages suits faster than wearing them.

General Rule: 2-4 times per year

• Regular wear (1-2x/week): Dry clean every 3-4 months
• Occasional wear (1-2x/month): Dry clean 2x per year
• Rare wear (special occasions): Dry clean once per year or after stains

Between Dry Cleans:

• Steam: A handheld steamer removes wrinkles and freshens fabric without chemicals. 5 minutes does the job.
• Brush: A soft clothes brush removes dust and surface dirt after each wear.
• Air out: Hang your suit in fresh air (not direct sunlight) after wearing.
• Spot clean: Address stains immediately with a damp cloth. Blot, don't rub.
• Rest days: Don't wear the same suit two days in a row. Fabric needs 24-48 hours to recover.

Why Not More Often?

Dry cleaning uses chemicals that break down fibers over time. A well-cared-for suit should last 10-15+ years. Over-cleaning cuts that in half.

When You MUST Dry Clean: Visible stains, noticeable odor, before long-term storage, after heavy wear in hot/humid conditions.

Fabric-Specific Notes: Wool is most forgiving. Linen shows stains more easily. Cotton can sometimes be gently hand-washed.

Proper storage keeps your suit looking new for years. Poor storage destroys it in months.

The Essentials:

1. Wooden or Padded Hangers (Not Wire)
Wire hangers create shoulder bumps and distort shape. Wooden hangers (cedar is best) maintain shoulder structure. Hanger should match your shoulder width.

2. Breathable Garment Bags (Not Plastic)
Plastic traps moisture and promotes mildew. Canvas or cotton bags allow air circulation and protect against dust.

3. Cool, Dark, Dry Location
Avoid direct sunlight (fades color), humidity (promotes mold), and heat (breaks down fibers). Climate-controlled closet is ideal.

4. Cedar or Lavender (Not Mothballs)
Cedar blocks naturally repel moths. Lavender sachets also work. Mothballs work but leave chemical odor.

Long-Term Storage Checklist:
- Dry clean before storing (food residue attracts pests)
- Empty all pockets
- Hang on proper wooden hanger
- Button the top button (maintains shape)
- Place in breathable garment bag
- Add cedar blocks to closet
- Check every few months

Trouser Storage: Hang from cuffs using trouser hangers with clips, OR fold over a padded hanger bar. Don't hang from waist (stretches fabric).

Seasonal Rotation: Store winter suits in summer, summer suits in winter. Give each suit rest periods.

Yes, you can pack a suit in a suitcase without destroying it. Here's how.

Option 1: Garment Bag (Best)
If your airline allows, use a folding garment bag. Suit stays hung with minimal folding, fits in overhead bin, arrives nearly wrinkle-free.

Option 2: Suit Folder
A hard-sided suit folder protects during travel. Fold jacket once (inside out), place in structured folder.

Option 3: The Roll Method (Suitcase)

Jacket:
1. Turn jacket inside out
2. Pop one shoulder inside the other (like a sleeping bag)
3. Fold in half lengthwise
4. Roll loosely from bottom up
5. Place in center of suitcase, surrounded by soft items

Trousers: Fold along crease lines, roll from waist to cuffs.

Option 4: Wear It
Simplest solution: wear the suit on the plane. You control the fit, it doesn't get crushed.

At Your Destination:
- Unpack immediately
- Hang in bathroom during hot shower (steam removes wrinkles)
- Most hotels have steamers available
- Hang overnight before wearing

Fabric Considerations:
- Wool: Most resilient, bounces back from wrinkles
- Linen: Wrinkles easily (but that's part of its character)
- Wool-polyester blends: Most wrinkle-resistant for travel

Pro Tip: Request a steamer when booking your hotel. 10 minutes of steaming restores any travel-worn suit.