If there’s one thing I’ve learned over the years, it’s that a good suit is an investment. It’s not just about looking sharp—it’s about feeling confident and polished. But here’s the thing: as much as we focus on buying the perfect suit, we often forget the importance of taking care of it. Trust me, I’ve been there—rushing to get dressed for an event, pulling out a wrinkled, dusty suit that hasn’t seen the light of day in months. Not exactly the vibe you want, right?
So, after a few suit mishaps (and a lot of Google searches), I decided it was time to figure out how to properly care for a suit. Turns out, it’s not that hard once you get the hang of it. Here’s my personal guide to keeping your suit looking fresh and ready for action.
1. Hang It Like You Mean It
This is the number one rule I wish I’d followed sooner. How you hang your suit makes a HUGE difference. Invest in a good, sturdy hanger with wide, curved shoulders to keep the shape of the jacket. I used to think any old hanger would do, but the truth is, those flimsy wire hangers can stretch and distort your suit over time. Now, I hang mine on wooden or padded hangers, and honestly, it’s like night and day.
Pro tip: Give your suit some breathing room in your closet. Crushed between other clothes, it’s more likely to wrinkle, and no one wants to iron a suit at the last minute.
2. Let It Breathe (Seriously)
I used to make the rookie mistake of throwing my suit right back in the closet as soon as I got home from an event. Big mistake. After wearing it, your suit needs time to air out. I now hang it in a well-ventilated spot for a few hours before putting it away, which helps prevent odor build-up and keeps it feeling fresh.
Fun fact: Suits are made from natural fibers like wool, which need a little time to relax after wearing. Let your suit recover—it’ll look better for it.
3. Brush It Off
I know, I know—it sounds old-fashioned, but brushing your suit is an underrated move. Dust, dirt, and tiny particles love to cling to your suit, and over time, they can dull the fabric. I bought a soft-bristled garment brush, and now I give my suit a quick brush after wearing it. It’s surprisingly satisfying, and it keeps the fabric looking clean and sharp.
Bonus tip: Always brush in downward strokes to avoid damaging the fibers.
4. Steam, Don’t Iron
This was a game changer for me. I used to think ironing was the way to go when my suit got wrinkled. Spoiler: It’s not. Too much heat can damage the fibers and give your suit a shiny, worn-out look. Instead, I switched to steaming, which relaxes the wrinkles without harsh heat. A handheld steamer works wonders for freshening up a suit in a pinch.
Quick tip: If you don’t have a steamer, hang your suit in the bathroom while you take a hot shower. The steam from the shower will help release the wrinkles. Plus, it’s like a mini spa day for your suit.
5. Dry Clean, But Not Too Often
I used to think suits needed to be dry-cleaned after every wear, but it turns out that’s a fast way to ruin them. The chemicals used in dry cleaning can break down the fabric over time. Now, I only take mine to the dry cleaner a few times a year or when it really needs a deep clean (like after a wedding or a particularly sweaty event).
Pro tip: In between dry cleanings, I spot clean any minor stains with a damp cloth and a bit of mild soap. It’s easier on the fabric and saves me a trip to the cleaners.
6. Rotate Your Suits
If you’re wearing the same suit day in and day out, it’s going to wear out faster. I learned this the hard way when I had one go-to suit that ended up looking worn down way too quickly. Now, I rotate between a few suits to give each one a break, allowing the fabric to recover and last longer.
Bonus: Rotating your suits also gives you a chance to mix things up style-wise. It’s a win-win.
7. Store It Right
If you’re not wearing your suit regularly, you’ve got to store it properly. I used to leave mine hanging in the closet for months, but now I’ve invested in a breathable garment bag. Unlike plastic covers (which can trap moisture and cause mildew), a breathable fabric cover keeps your suit protected from dust while allowing air to circulate.
Pro tip: Make sure your suit is clean before storing it long-term. Any dirt or stains left on the fabric can attract moths or cause permanent damage.
8. Watch Your Pockets
It’s tempting to stuff your suit pockets with keys, phone, wallet, and whatever else you need, but this can quickly stretch and distort the fabric. I now keep my pockets as empty as possible, and I carry a slim wallet to minimize the bulge. If I need to carry more, I opt for a briefcase or bag instead.
Small detail, big impact: Overstuffed pockets can ruin the clean lines of a suit, and once those bulges set in, they’re hard to fix.
9. Shoes Matter Too
I know this isn’t technically suit care, but it’s worth mentioning: the right shoes can elevate your suit game to the next level. Keep your dress shoes polished and in good condition. Scruffy shoes can drag down the whole look, no matter how well-kept your suit is.
Final Thoughts
Caring for a suit is all about the little things. From proper hanging to brushing and the occasional dry clean, these simple steps can keep your suit looking sharp for years. And honestly, there’s something satisfying about knowing you’ve taken care of a good investment. Plus, it feels pretty great to put on a well-maintained suit and walk out the door looking like a million bucks.
So next time you slip into your favorite suit, give it the care it deserves. Your future self (and your wallet) will thank you.
