When you invest in a custom suit, you’re getting something that’s been tailored to fit your body and style. Whether it’s for work, a wedding, or just looking sharp day to day, that kind of craftsmanship deserves some attention. Taking the time to properly care for your suit means it will last longer, look better, and feel right every time you put it on.
In this guide, we’ll go over some simple, practical steps you can take to keep your suit in great shape—whether it’s made of wool, linen, or a blend. We’ll also talk about storage, cleaning, and when it’s time to bring it back to us to tailor.
Daily Care Tips to Keep Your Suits Looking Sharp
A little attention after each wear can make a big difference in how long your suits last and how good they look. Here are a few tips to help you take proper care of your custom suits:
Brush It Regularly
After each wear, take a few minutes to brush it regularly using a soft-bristle clothing brush. This removes dust, lint, and any debris that might settle into the fabric. It also helps keep the fibers smooth and lets the wool or linen breathe.
Hang It the Right Way
Use a wide, sturdy wooden hanger that supports the shoulders. Avoid flimsy hangers or metal ones—they can mess with the shape over time. Hang the suit in a closet with space around it so it can air out naturally.
Rotate Your Suits
If you wear suits often, avoid using the same one two days in a row. Give each one a break between wears. This helps the garment rest and recover its shape, especially in the pants and shoulders.
Don’t Overload the Pockets
Pockets aren’t made for holding bulky items. Stuffing them with your phone, wallet, or keys can cause stretching or permanent creases. Try to keep the pockets light and empty them after each wear.
How to Store a Bespoke Suit the Right Way
Proper storage is just as important as how you wear or clean your suit. It keeps the fabric in good condition and protects the shape of your tailored pieces.
Start with the right hanger—something wide and curved that mimics your shoulders. This keeps the structure of the jacket intact. Avoid folding your jacket over the back of a chair or laying it across a bed. Those habits may seem harmless but can lead to creases or a saggy fit.
Your custom suit should be stored in a breathable garment bag if it’s not in regular rotation. Skip the plastic bags from the dry cleaner—those can trap moisture and lead to mildew or musty smells. Go for cloth bags that allow air to move through the fabric.
Finally, pick a cool, dry place to hang your custom suits, away from direct sunlight. Too much heat or light can fade blazers, shirts, or trousers, especially if they're made of wool or linen. A little space and airflow go a long way when it comes to keeping your suits looking sharp.
When to Dry Clean Your Custom Suit
It might sound surprising, but you shouldn’t dry clean your custom suit very often. The chemicals used in the process can be tough on delicate fabrics, especially if your suit is made from wool or has a bespoke construction. Dry cleaning too often can wear down the inner structure and shorten the life of your suit.
Instead, spot clean small stains as soon as you notice them. A damp cloth and gentle blotting can usually take care of light marks. For wrinkles, use a steamer instead of an iron. Steam is gentler on the fibers and helps bring the garment back to shape without flattening the texture or shine.
When you do take your suit to be cleaned, make it count. A good rule of thumb is to dry clean your suit only a few times a year—maybe after a long season of wear or before a big event. Always take it to a cleaner who knows how to handle custom suits, especially if your suit includes linen, blazers, or delicate shirts that require special care.
When to Take Your Suits and Shirts to the Tailor
Even the best-made custom suits need a little attention now and then. Maybe the pants feel tighter after the holidays, or the sleeves on your blazer are starting to feel too short. When that happens, a quick visit to your tailor can help bring everything back into balance.
We can make small changes that help your suit stay sharp—adjusting the waist, fixing a loose seam, or replacing a button that’s come undone. If you wear your dress shirts often, they might need similar tweaks to keep the fit comfortable.
Don’t wait too long to bring something in. Small fixes are usually quick and affordable, and they help you get more life out of your custom pieces.
Seasonal Care for Wool Suits and Custom Wardrobes
Columbus & Cincinnati weather means you probably aren’t wearing the same suit all year round. Whether it’s hot and humid in the summer or freezing cold in the winter, your custom wardrobe needs a little adjusting with the seasons. Here’s how to take care of your wool suits, linen pieces, and other seasonal items:
Rotate Fabrics Based on the Weather
Lightweight linen and cotton suits are great for summer, while heavier wool suits work better in the winter. Keep your off-season suits stored properly and give your current favorites room to breathe.
Clean Before Storing Long-Term
Before putting away any suit for a few months, have it cleaned—either with spot treatment or by taking it to a dry cleaner you trust. Dirt and oils left behind can set in over time or attract moths.
Use the Right Storage Materials
Store your off-season custom suits in a breathable garment bag with a little extra room around them. Use cedar blocks or lavender sachets to keep insects away naturally—no harsh chemicals needed.
Check for Wear and Tear
Changing seasons are a great time to look over each of your suits, shirts, and trousers for damage. A small rip, missing button, or loose seam is easier to deal with before you actually need to wear the item again.
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Taking care of a bespoke or custom suit doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s really just about a few good habits—brushing it, storing it the right way, giving it space to breathe, and getting help from your tailor every now and then.
When you put time into looking after your suits, they’ll last longer and fit better. Whether you’re getting ready for a formal event or just heading to work, it’s nice to reach for something that still feels like it was made just for you.
Call Trevor Furbay today if you have more questions about custom suit care. We can explain how to take care of a certain fabric, how often to clean your tuxedo, and more. Our teams in Cincinnati, Columbus and Harbor Springs are here to help you keep your wardrobe in top shape.