A suit is an essential garment (or set of garments) that every man should own in his wardrobe. Even if your job doesn't require you to wear a suit, chances are you'll eventually need to wear one. Whether it's a wedding, formal party, or just a social gathering, suits are the de-facto standard for men's formal wear. It's a classic, elegant outfit that really enhances a man's image. But one of the things you'll need to decide when choosing a suit is the material. Suits are made using a wide variety of materials, ranging from cotton and linen to corduroy and wool. Each material has its own strengths and weaknesses. Linen suits, for instance, are incredibly lightweight, making them ideal for the hot summer months. Corduroy and wool, on the other hand, are thicker with a greater insulating value, making them the preferred choice for the cooler fall and winter months. While most men are familiar with the general care and maintenance required for cotton and linen suits, few know the nuances of a wool suit. So today we're going to take a closer look at
wool suits, revealing how to properly clean, maintain and care for them.
Read the Care Label!
I know this probably sounds like common sense, but it's still worth mentioning that you should always check -- and follow -- the care instructions on your wool suit. Different manufacturers use different techniques when making their wool suits. As such, some suits may require special care to preserve their shape, color and structural integrity. But the only way you'll know whether or not your wool suit requires special care is by checking the care label. Located on the inside of the jacket's neck collar, this small label reveals the recommended way to clean and care for the suit. Keep in mind that even if a cleaning method or technique isn't listed here doesn't necessarily mean that it's not suitable. The care label is simply the manufacturer's recommendations on how to clean and care for the wool suit. With that said, it's usually a good idea to heed the manufacturer's recommendations, simply because he or she probably knows the best way to maintain and care for the suit.
Choose a High-Quality Wool Suit
Don't assume that all wool suits are made of equal quality. Some manufacturers use low-quality wool -- or even fake synthetic wool -- in the construction of their men's suits. Even if it looks similar to the real thing, these low-quality wool suits pale in comparison. They'll wear down faster, with their color fading, fabric unraveling, and buttons coming undone. Furthermore, you may notice stitching and other elements exposed with a low-quality wool suit. There's nothing you really do to fix this, other than choosing a high-quality wool suit. If you're in the market for a new wool suit, consider buying one from the suit experts here at
StudioSuits. We offer one of the largest selections of high-quality men's suits at prices that simply can't be beat. And if wool isn't your preferred choice of material, you'll be pleased to hear that we offer men's suits in other fabrics, including cotton, linen, tweed and more. Feel free to clink on the aforementioned link to browse through our wide selection of high-quality men's suits.
Brush it
Wool is an excellent fabric for use in men's suits, thanks in part to its unique combination of characteristics like softness, strength and style. In fact, many men will agree that wool suits offer a superior level of comfort when compared to suits made of other materials. But like all wool garments, wool suits have a tendency to attract and accumulate dust and debris. The soft texturized surface catches dust, at which point it lingers on the surface until cleaned. This doesn't necessarily mean that you have to take your wool suit to the dry cleaners, however. In most instances, you can clean surface dust and dirt on a wool suit by brushing it. Don't just use any brush to clean your wool suit. Rather, use a special stiff-bristle wool brush. As the name suggests, this type of brush is designed specifically for use on wool clothing, including suits. It catches dust, line and other debris, easily removing them from your suit. You can find wool brushes available for sale at most retail department stores as well as some online specialty stores.
Hang it Up
Of course, it's a good idea to get into the habit of hanging up your wool suit when you aren't wearing it. Ideally, wool suits should be hung on a thick, heavy-duty hanger that's capable of supporting its weight. Being that wool suits are heavier than cotton or linen suits, you'll typically need a bigger hanger for this purpose. You should also use the clamp hangers for your wool pants, hanging them upside down so the crease remains secure through the leg. Doing so will go a long ways in keeping your wool suit clean and wrinkle-free.
Let Your Wool Suit Breathe
No, that's not a typo. Wool suits should be a stored in a manner that allows them to breathe. If you place your wool suit in a plastic bag, it prevents the fabric from breathing, in which case moisture may linger inside, causing damage to the delicate wool fabric. A better choice is to hang up your wool suit along with your other garments in a closet or similar area where there's plenty of breathing room.
Spot Clean
If you happen to spill your morning coffee -- or anything else -- on your wool suit, try not to panic. Instead, take a damp washcloth and gently blot the stained area until the liquid comes out. Wool isn't as porous as other fabrics, meaning it's easier to clean. But it's important to blot the stained area, as rubbing it may dig the stain deeper into the fabric. If this doesn't work, you can always take your wool suit to the dry cleaners.
