Suits
How to care for a suit so it lasts years
By sneakersInn team · Updated
A suit lasts years if you hang it on a wide wooden hanger, brush it after every wear, rest it at least a day between wears, steam out creases instead of pressing hard, and dry clean it only when it's stained or smells, usually two or three times a year. Dry cleaning too often is what wears most suits out.
| After each wear | Every few wears | A few times a year |
|---|---|---|
| Empty pockets | Steam out creases | Dry clean (only if needed) |
| Hang on a wide hanger | Spot clean small marks | Check buttons and hems |
| Brush off dust | Air out in the shade | Re-press trouser creases |
| Rest it for 24 hours | Check for moths and mould |
Why shouldn't I dry clean often?
Dry cleaning uses solvents and heat that strip natural oils from wool and wear down the fabric and the internal structure of the jacket. Over time it makes suits look flat and shiny. Clean only when there is a stain or smell you can't remove by brushing, airing or spot cleaning.
How do I hang a suit properly?
Use a wooden hanger with wide, shaped shoulders that fill the jacket's shoulders. Thin wire hangers create dents. Hang the trousers by the hem from a clip hanger, or fold them over a padded bar along the crease. Leave space between suits so they don't crush.
Why rest it between wears?
Wool needs time to release moisture from sweat and for creases to fall out. In Accra's humidity, a suit worn two days in a row stays damp, smells sooner and loses its shape. If you wear suits often, rotate two or three.
How do I remove creases?
Steam. A handheld steamer or the steam from a hot shower releases most creases. If you must iron, use a pressing cloth (a clean cotton cloth) between the iron and the suit to avoid shine, and never press the jacket lapels flat.
How do I clean small stains?
Blot (don't rub) with a clean damp cloth and a little mild soap, working from the edge of the stain inwards. Test on an inside seam first. Oil stains and wine are best left to a good dry cleaner, quickly.
How do I protect a suit from humidity and mould?
- Store it in a breathable cotton garment bag, never plastic.
- Keep wardrobes ventilated; leave the door open sometimes.
- Use cedar blocks or silica gel packs to absorb moisture and deter moths.
- Air suits in the shade before storing them after the rainy season.
See how to keep clothes looking new in humid weather.
How do I make the trousers last as long as the jacket?
Trousers wear out first because they rub when you sit and walk. Don't wear the suit trousers on their own every week, empty your pockets, wear a belt or braces so they don't drag, and consider a second pair if available.
How do I care for a linen suit?
Linen can often be hand washed gently, depending on the label and the jacket's structure. Steam rather than iron at high heat. See linen suits.
Questions
How long should a good suit last?
With care and rotation, a quality wool suit can last many years. A suit worn daily without rest wears out much faster.
Should I keep the plastic bag from the dry cleaner?
No. Take it off as soon as you get home; plastic traps moisture.
Where do I start if I don't own a suit yet?
See the 5 types of suits every man needs and clothing care 101.