Suit Care Tips
We wanted to take a moment to share some valuable tips on how to care for your suits to ensure they remain in pristine condition. Proper maintenance can significantly extend the life of your garments and keep you looking suave. From ideal storage solutions to the best cleaning practices, these insights will help you make the most out of your investment.
1. Use Quality Coat Hangers
To properly hang a suit and maintain its shape, use high-quality, wide coat hangers. As a heavy and structured garment, suits benefit from being hung correctly. Invest in hangers that are thick and broad enough to support the shoulders and preserve the jacket's structure.
Cedar wood hanger in courtesy of https://www.amazon.sg/HANGERWORLD-17-7inch-Hangers-Shoulders-Non-Slip/dp/B01MXMU74N
At The Feather House, we provide wooden wide hangers for every commissioned suit so that our customers can store their suits properly. Avoid thin and narrow wire hangers, as they can deform the suit and create unwanted pressure marks. Wooden or padded hangers are preferred, as they help manage moisture and prevent mold.
2. Hang them up
After wearing your suit, hang it up in dry air for at least 24 hours to let moisture evaporate and the fibers relax. Wool’s natural wicking properties help draw out moisture, so airing it out will prevent odors and keep the suit in optimal shape. Simply letting it breathe for a day will help maintain its drape and freshness for future wear.
3. Keep them rotating
Your suit needs rest just like you do. Hang it up and let it recover for 24-48 hours between wears to minimize trips to the dry cleaner. Aim to wear each suit no more than twice a week to ensure it maintains its shape and freshness. It's a popular option to commission 2 pairs of trousers with 1 jacket, as they tend to wear out first, to help your suit age more evenly.
4. Cleaning
Cleaning your suit after every wear is unnecessary and can wear out the fabric faster. Minor stains can be treated with a damp cloth and mild detergent. Dab softly on the stain and let it clear naturally. Never scrub the stain as it can damage the fabric. Always test any detergent or cleaner on a hidden spot first. If unsure, please consult your tailor so that they can advise you accordingly.
Never machine wash or dry your suit, as it can damage its shape and fabric. Instead, opt for dry cleaning and always wash the jacket and pants together. In Singapore, where humidity and heat are constant, we recommend having your suit dry-cleaned after about 10 wears, though this should be adjusted based on how the suit is used. Excessive dry cleaning can damage fabric fibers and reduce the longevity of the suit.
See how sad our brother looks here? Probably thrown his suit into the washing machine.
A tip to finding reliable dry cleaners would be to consider asking your tailor for their recommendations before sending your suit for cleaning. Ideally, wear each suit no more than twice a week to allow the fibers to rest.
5. Team steam
Steaming your suit is the most effective way to freshen its appearance and maintain its condition, rather than washing it. Steaming helps remove wrinkles, rejuvenates the fibers, and lightly cleans the suit. It also helps in deodorizing and sanitizes the suit. Unlike ironing, which can scorch and flatten the fabric, steaming is gentle and preserves the suit's quality. If necessary, use an iron on high steam with a protection guard or clean, dye-free cloth as a barrier, but steaming is preferred. Invest in a portable garment steamer for convenience.
Wouldn’t advise you to stand in a steaming hot place like this lady.
We hope these tips help you keep your suits looking sharp and in excellent condition. Proper care not only extends the life of your garments but also ensures you always present your best self. Remember, a well-cared-for suit can enhance your confidence, making each wear a pleasure. If you have any questions or need personalized advice, feel free to reach out to us at The Feather House. We’re here to help you look and feel your best. Hope this helps!
Cheers~
The Feather House