Depending on how frequently you wear it -- and how fast you grow -- a high-quality suit should last
at least five years. Unfortunately, though, many men are forced to retire their suits before this five-year period. Maybe the suit's threading has become unraveled, or perhaps the seams are no longer staying together. Scenarios such as this are all-too-common when you buy cheap, low-quality suits. Thankfully, though, there are ways to extend the life of your suit, some of which we're going to discuss in this blog post.
#1) Check the Care Label
Regardless of the type of suit you buy or own, always check the care label for specific instructions on how to clean and maintain it. Most garments feature a cloth tag sewn into a discreet location, revealing the manufacturer's instructions for maintaining it. Suit trousers, for instance, usually feature a care label inside the rear section of the waistband, and suit jackets usually feature a care label inside the lining of the collar. Because different manufacturers use different techniques to make their suits, it's a good idea to check and follow the instructions listed on the care label.
#2) Limit Dry-Cleaning
Even if your suit says "dry-clean only," you should limit the number of times you have it dry-cleaned. As the name suggests, dry-cleaning involves a water-less technique to clean garments. What you may not realize, however, is that it also involves a plethora of different chemicals. When you have your suit dry-cleaned, it will be exposed to some pretty harsh chemicals. Over time, these chemicals can cause your suit to fade, become stiff and experience other forms of permanent damage. You can still have your suit dry-cleaned but do sparingly to protect against damage.
#3) Remove Wrinkles with Steam, Not an Iron
Wrinkles are bound to form in your suit no matter how hard you try to prevent it. And wearing a wrinkled suit is a serious fashion faux-pas, which is why it's a good idea to de-wrinkle your jacket and trousers before leaving the house. With that said, however, you should avoid using a hot iron on your suit because of the damage it may cause. Traditional clothing irons work to eliminate wrinkles by producing heat. The heat, along with the steam, gradually smooths out wrinkles on a garment. Unfortunately, this can also damage delicate garments, including your suit trousers and jacket. A safer and more gentle solution is to use an actual clothing steamer. Available for about $100 to $200, they are designed to safely remove wrinkles by exposing the garment to steam. Because of this function, they are a better choice to use on a suit than a clothing iron.
#4) Choose a High-Quality Suit
One of the easiest ways to extend the life of your suit is to choose a high-quality suit, such as those offered here at
StudioSuits. Our suits are made using only the finest materials and highest level of craftsmanship. On the other hand, cheap suits are made using low-quality materials and a poor level of craftsmanship. If you want your suit to last (hint: you should), it's recommended that you choose a high-quality suit like those offered here at StudioSuits.
#5) Hang it Up
When you aren't wearing suit, hang it on a durable wooden hanger. Simply tossing it on the dresser or leaving it in a bag increases the risk of damage, which can shorten the life of your suit. However, if you take a few minutes to hang it on a hanger, you'll reduce the risk of damage while also making your suit last longer. Don't use just any cheap hanger for your suit; use a high-quality wooden hanger. You can expect to pay more for a high-quality hanger such as this, but like a suit, it's a smart investment that pays off in the long run.
#6) Get the Right Fit
Don't underestimate the importance of choosing a suit that fits your body. If it's too small, the material may stress when worn. And even if this doesn't cause your suit to sustain any immediate damage, it can certainly cause damage in the long run. The constant stress created when wearing a suit that's too small will eventually wear the fabric to the point of it breaking. This problem is easily avoided, however, by choosing a suit that fits your body type. So, where do you find a suit that fits? Well, you can always buy a suit from local retail store and take it to a tailor for adjusting. Alternatively, another option is to order your suit here at StudioSuits. We offer custom sizing on all suits at no additional charge. You give us the measurements, and we'll give you a perfectly fitted suit. It's just that simple.
#7) Store in a Garment Bag
In addition to hanging your suit up when it's not being worn, you should also store it in a garment bag. Garment bags are designed to protect the enclosed garment from dust, dirt and debris, while also allowing the garment to breathe. They are typically made of a waterproof material and feature small holes that allow air to flow through. Rather than just hanging your suit up in the closet, place it in a garment bag and then hang it up. For the price, a garment bag is well worth the money considering the level of protection it offers.
#8) Take Off Your Jacket... But Watch Where You Place It
Finally, you may want to take off your jacket if it's hot or you otherwise don't want to wear it. Before tossing it across the nearest chair, though, you should check to make sure the surface is clean. Placing your suit jacket on a dirty surface will inevitably make your jacket dirty as well -- and this can shorten its life. Following the eight tips listed here will help to extend the life of your suit.
