Caring For Your Custom Tailored Suit
We strongly believe, a well fit, hand-tailored custom suit is an investment. It needs to be cared for to lengthen its durability and longevity. If a suit is well cared for, it will perform well, and look great for its entire lifetime. Aside from the occasional spill or leaky pen, a suit endures everyday factors such as humidity, exposure to pollutants and perspiration. A suit that has not been cared for well enough may also shorten its lifespan, affecting shape, texture and even colour. In this article, we outline the steps you can take to e sure the longevity of your suit.
When the threat of permanent damage seems dire, enlisting the expertise of a trusted dry cleaner is the best course of action. However, as the popular saying goes, ‘prevention is better than cure’. The following simple steps will proactively help in preserving your suit.
The Brush Is Your Friend
Before you hang your suit away it should be given a quick brush. Brushing your suit is an effective method for removing unwanted dust, particles and dirt prior to settling into the fabric, which caused a loss of the suit’s integrity over time. A clothes brush made from natural fibres or animal hair is your best bet. A lint roller is not recommended because the adhesive material may stick to the fabric, and cause considerable damage.
Airing
A suit should not disappear into the wardrobe immediately after it has been brushed. It is better to let it air for a while by an open window or in a bathroom. Keep your suits in a place where they can breathe. Our suits are made from natural fibres, which require the circulation of air to stay fresh. Be aware that keeping a suit in an airtight bag for storage might seem like a good idea, but don’t be surprised to find mould or even moths eating at your favourite blazer.
Avoid The Heat
The slight sheen that you might see on the shoulders and lapels of your suit is caused by over-pressing or careless dry cleaning. The exposure to high heat causes the natural fibres to actually melt and smoothen, thus creating a shine. Never iron your suit directly, and be sure to stress low heat when dropping it off at the dry cleaner.
Save The Club Soda For Cocktails
The best way to counteract a fresh stain is to immediately blot the surface with a dry white cloth. Using water only causes the stain to set more quickly. Despite the obvious inclination to do so, scrubbing just damages the fabric. All stubborn stains should be addressed by a professional cleaner.
Prepare For All Seasons
If you reside in a geographical area that has four distinct seasons, it is important to have your suits dry cleaned before storing them (that is, if you put them away in a suit bag at the beginning of spring or fall).