A well-made suit is both an investment and an expression of your personal style. Whether it’s cut from pure wool, airy linen, or a luxurious blend of silk and cashmere, the right care ensures it retains its shape, lustre, and drape for years. With over 100 years of experience, we believe that a quality suit can last you a lifetime, but only if properly cared for.
Everyday suit care discipline: rest, brush, hang
No matter which cloth they’re made from, some rules of care apply to every suit:
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Rest between wears: Even natural fibres need recovery time. Rotating suits allows creases to relax and moisture to dissipate.
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Brush lightly: A natural-bristle brush removes surface dust and lint, keeping fibres clean and vibrant.
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Use proper hangers: A broad wooden hanger supports the jacket’s shoulders; trouser clips help gravity ease out creases. Avoid wire hangers entirely.
Fabric-Specific Guidance
Wool Suits: The Workhorse of the Wardrobe
Wool is naturally resilient, breathable, and able to bounce back from creasing - which is why it forms the backbone of most formal wardrobes. However, there are still some rules to bear in mind to ensure longevity.
Care notes:
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Allow at least 24 hours’ rest between wears to preserve the shape of the canvas and fibres.
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Lightly steam or hang in a steamy bathroom to release wrinkles. Avoid frequent dry-cleaning; once or twice a season is enough.
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Store in a breathable garment bag with cedar or lavender to deter moths.
Tailored note: A fully canvassed wool suit should always be pressed by a professional familiar with structured garments to maintain lapel roll and shoulder definition.
Linen Suits: Character in Every Crease
Linen is prized for its natural coolness and texture, particularly in summer, but it demands a lighter touch
Care notes:
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Expect some creasing - it’s part of the charm, not a flaw. Hang immediately after wear to prevent deep folds from setting.
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Spot-clean with a damp cloth when possible; over-cleaning weakens the fibre.
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Steam gently rather than pressing flat to maintain the relaxed texture.
Off-the-rack note: Many ready-made linen suits are unstructured - store them on padded hangers to prevent shoulder collapse, and avoid overstuffing wardrobes.
Wool–Linen–Silk Blends: Balanced Luxury
This blend combines the softness of wool, the crispness of linen, and the sheen of silk. It’s lighter than classic wool but with far better crease resistance than pure linen.
Care notes:
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Air out after each wear; the mixed fibres can hold odours if stored immediately.
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Steam only - never iron directly, as silk fibres can scorch.
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Dry-clean sparingly, using a specialist experienced with delicate natural blends.
Tailored vs off-the-rack: Made-to-measure suits in this blend can be lightly structured - keep them on shaped hangers to preserve shoulder form. Off-the-rack versions may have fused fronts; avoid heavy steaming that could weaken the adhesive.
Suits Containing Cashmere: Handle with Care
Cashmere makes a fine suit even fine, but also adds delicacy. Even a small percentage in a blend warrants gentler treatment.
Care notes:
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Never press directly with heat; use a cloth barrier or opt for professional pressing.
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Avoid hanging in humid rooms - moisture can distort the nap.
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Brush only with a soft, cashmere-appropriate brush to prevent surface pilling.
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Store in breathable fabric covers, away from light and moths.
Tailored note: Hand-finished details such as pick-stitching and soft canvassing can distort under heat. Always specify “low-heat, steam-only” instructions to your cleaner.
Tailored vs Off-the-Rack Suits: Key Differences in Care
| Aspect | Tailored Suits | Off-the-Rack Suits |
|---|---|---|
| Structure | Often fully or half-canvassed; softer shoulders | Frequently fused or lightly padded |
| Care priority | Maintain internal structure; professional pressing recommended | Preserve outer shape; avoid overheating adhesives |
| Storage | Broad wooden hanger; breathable cover | Lightly padded hanger; avoid compression in wardrobe |
| Alterations & maintenance | Periodic re-pressing or minor adjustments keep fit perfect | Gentle care extends lifespan until replacement |
Rule of thumb: The more structured the suit, the more important it is to let it rest and recover. Off-the-rack suits may tolerate travel better, but tailored garments reward patience and professional maintenance.
Whether it’s a pure wool business suit or a breezy linen blend for summer, the principle remains the same: treat your suit as an object of care, not just clothing. Give it space, air and respect, and it will repay you with years of sharp lines and effortless wear.
We take pride in guiding our customers not just in what to wear, but in how to keep it looking its best. For personalised advice on suit care or pressing, our tailoring team is always happy to help.
