A bespoke suit is an investment in craftsmanship, style, and longevity. With the right care, it can last you decades – maintaining its drape, shape, and elegance for years to come. Follow these expert tips from the master tailors at Germanicos to make your bespoke suit look its best every time you wear it.
1. Dry Clean Sparingly
- Only dry clean your bespoke suit when absolutely necessary – typically once or twice a quarter.
- Over-cleaning can damage the natural fibres and shorten the life of the fabric.
- Always use a specialist cleaner familiar with wool and canvas-constructed suits.
2. Steam, Don’t Iron
- Steaming relaxes the fibres and removes wrinkles without flattening the fabric.
- Avoid direct ironing as it can scorch or add unwanted shine.
- A gentle steamer will keep the cloth supple and maintain the suit’s natural structure.
3. Use the Right Hanger
- Always hang your suit on a broad wooden hanger that supports the shoulders.
- Avoid wire or plastic hangers which distort the shape.
- Fasten the top button when hanging to help the jacket retain its form.
4. Store in a Breathable Garment Bag
- Use a cloth garment bag, never plastic – plastic traps moisture and can cause mould.
- Store in a cool, dry wardrobe with enough space for air circulation.
- Avoid sunlight exposure which can fade natural wool colours.
5. Rotate Your Suits
- If you wear suits regularly, rotate them – never wear the same one two days in a row.
- This gives the wool time to recover and prevents premature wear or stretching.
6. Brush and Air After Each Wear
- Use a soft clothes brush to remove dust, lint, and surface dirt.
- Let the suit air on a hanger for a few hours before returning it to the wardrobe.
- This keeps the fabric fresh and odour-free without overcleaning.
7. Handle Trousers With Care
- Unclip braces or belts after each wear to prevent fabric pulling.
- Hang trousers upside down by the hems using a trouser hanger with grips.
- Steam the crease occasionally to maintain its sharpness.
8. Watch Out for Overloading Pockets
- Avoid putting heavy items in your jacket or trouser pockets – it can distort the shape.
- Keep essentials light: a handkerchief, wallet, or slim phone only.
9. Protect From Moths
- Natural wool attracts moths. Use cedar blocks or lavender pouches in your wardrobe.
- Clean and rotate garments regularly – moths target still, rarely moved items.
10. Repair, Don’t Replace
- Small issues like loose buttons or light fraying can be repaired easily.
- Bespoke suits are built to last – our tailors can refit or restitch rather than replace.
- Maintaining your bespoke garment adds decades to its life.
Final Thought
A Germanicos bespoke suit is made to be worn and admired for years – treat it well and it will reward you tenfold.
If you’d like to explore the craft behind true bespoke tailoring, read our related article: What Are the Benefits of Bespoke Suits
1300 TAILOR (824567)
