How To Series: How to Care for A Wool Suit

This one goes out to all the guys in the audience. I'm sure most of you, if not all of you, own a nice wool suit. (If you don't, go out and get one immediately because it's a staple to your closet!) The one thing I'm guessing is that not one of you knows how to properly care for it. If you've been throwing it in the wash* or dry-cleaning it regularly, you're doing a great disservice to your clothes.

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Rule number one, and the one you might find most surprising, your suit only needs to be dry-cleaned about twice a year. Extensive cleaning, on any garment not just suits, wears the fibers down reducing their strength and luster.

Rule 2: After wearing, dust the suit off and remove food stains with a stiff, wool bristle brush. There are great websites offering menswear accessories that are both functional and attractive.

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Rule 3: Be sure to brush the suit lengthwise. This is in tune with the direction (weave) of the threads and won't break them. It's similar to shaving in the direction of your facial hair to avoid ingrown hairs.

Rule 4: Hang your suit on a contoured hanger to maintain the shape of the shoulders. Make sure it's also thick enough to hold the weight of both pieces of your suit. Use the clamp hanger for your pants, which should be hung upside down to hold the crease through the center of the leg.

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Rule 5: Always store suits uncovered (more breathable) and away from direct heat (this one's fairly obvious, no?)

Rule 6: Try to let your suit "hang out" for at least 24 hours before and after wearing. This allows the wrinkles time to fall out and helps the suit keep its shape. 

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If you want a more detailed account of how to care for your suit, go here or here. Either site is an excellent resource for information. There's even an entire section devoted to shoe care!

--Happy cleaning guys!--

 
* As a general rule, your suit should never be submerged in water.


hanger image(s) courtesy of google product search