Storing Your Suit

Storing your suit properly is crucial for preventing wrinkles, creases, and any long-term damage. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to store a suit to keep it looking sharp:

Never Wear a Suit Two Days in a Row

The first rule of suit care is to avoid wearing the same suit two days in a row. Just like your body needs time to rest, your suit also needs a break. Wearing a suit repeatedly without giving it time to air out can cause the fabric to lose its shape and structure. Suits can take a lot of stress, and they need time to recover. Rotate your wardrobe so that each suit has time to breathe and regain its natural shape.
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Use the Right Hanger

When it comes to storing a suit, the hanger you use plays a vital role in maintaining its form. Always opt for a curved, wooden hanger, as opposed to thin, wire ones, which can distort the shoulders of your suit and cause creases. A wooden hanger provides a broader, more natural curve that mimics the shape of your shoulders. Additionally, the wood material helps absorb moisture, which can prevent mildew growth and preserve the fabric.
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Give Your Suit Space to Breathe

It’s important to hang your suit in such a way that air can circulate around it. Avoid overcrowding your closet with too many garments, as this can cause your suit to lose its shape. Suits need space to breathe and maintain their form. Make sure there’s enough room between your suit and other garments to prevent any unwanted pressure or creases.
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Avoid Plastic Bags

While dry cleaners often return suits in plastic bags, this is actually not the best way to store them long-term. Plastic traps moisture and can cause your suit to develop an odor or lose its freshness. Instead, opt for garment bags made from breathable fabric or a cotton dust bag to keep dust off your suit while allowing it to breathe.
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Store Suits in a Cool, Dry Place

The temperature and humidity levels in your closet are also important for preserving the fabric of your suit. Store your suits in a cool, dry area away from direct sunlight, which can fade colors and weaken fibers over time. High humidity can lead to mildew growth, so it's essential to keep your closet well-ventilated. If you're storing a suit for an extended period, consider using silica gel packs or moisture-absorbing crystals to keep the air dry.
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Keep Suits Away from Fragrance

When storing your suit, avoid placing it near any strong-smelling products like perfumes or scented candles. The scent from these products can absorb into the fabric of your suit, and it can be difficult to remove later. It's best to store your suits away from any source of fragrance to maintain their fresh, clean fabric scent.

Dry Cleaning vs. Home Care

While proper storage is key to keeping your suit in excellent condition, regular care and cleaning are just as important. When it comes to maintaining the longevity of your suit, there are two primary options: dry cleaning and home care.
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Dry Cleaning: When Is It Necessary?

Dry cleaning is often seen as the go-to option for keeping your suit clean. However, it’s important to understand that dry cleaning is not something you should do after every wear. In fact, over-dry cleaning can lead to unnecessary wear and tear on the fabric.

Here are the key instances when dry cleaning is recommended:

Visible Soiling or Stains: If your suit has visible dirt or stains, it’s time to dry clean it. The cleaning process removes these stains without causing harm to the fabric.
Odors: If your suit has absorbed odors (from smoke, food, or sweat), dry cleaning can help refresh it and remove those lingering smells.
Special Occasions: After wearing your suit for a big event, it’s a good idea to give it a professional cleaning to ensure that it’s fresh and well-maintained.

However, unless the suit is visibly soiled or has an odor, it’s best not to dry clean it after every use. Over-dry cleaning can weaken the fibers and shorten the lifespan of your suit.

Home Care: Gentle Maintenance Between Cleanings

In between dry cleaning sessions, you can maintain your suit with gentle home care. Here are some simple steps to ensure your suit stays fresh without the need for frequent dry cleaning:

Spot Clean: For small stains, use a gentle fabric cleaner or a damp cloth to blot the affected area. Avoid rubbing, as this can damage the fabric.
Air Out: After wearing your suit, hang it up in a well-ventilated area to air out any moisture or odors. A little fresh air can do wonders for keeping your suit fresh between wears.
Brush Off Lint: Use a lint brush or a fabric comb to remove any lint, dirt, or pet hair. This will help prevent the buildup of particles that can damage the fabric over time.
Steam, Don’t Iron: If your suit needs a little freshening up, avoid using an iron, as this can leave creases or scorch the fabric. Instead, use a garment steamer to remove wrinkles. Steaming is gentler on the fabric and helps maintain your suit’s natural drape.
Rotate Your Suits: As mentioned earlier, avoid wearing the same suit two days in a row. This allows the fabric to rest and recover, preventing excess wear.

NEVER attempt to launder your suit in a washing machine or hand wash it at home. Suits are made from delicate fabrics such as wool, silk, or fine cotton, and machine washing or hand washing can cause irreparable damage. Always rely on professional dry cleaning for any deep cleaning needs.

Quality Suits in Dallas, TX

At Culwell & Son, we understand the value of a well-maintained suit. Whether you choose a custom suit made to your exact measurements or an off-the-rack option from our carefully curated collection, we ensure that each suit is crafted for lasting style and comfort. By taking the proper steps to care for your suit, you can ensure it stays looking sharp and fresh for years to come. Visit us today to find your perfect suit and follow this guide so it always looks its best!

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6319 HILLCREST AVE., DALLAS, TX 75205

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How to Care For and Store Suits Properly