Suit Care: How to Clean, Store, and Maintain Your Suits for Longevity

When you invest in a good suit, a tailored outfit worn for professional, formal, or special occasions. Also known as a business suit, it’s more than just fabric and buttons—it’s an extension of your presence. But without proper suit care, even the best-made suit can lose its shape, color, and structure in just a few months. Most people think dry cleaning is the answer, but over-cleaning actually damages fibers. The real secret? Knowing when to clean, when to brush, and how to store it right.

Suit care isn’t one-size-fits-all. A wool suit needs different treatment than a cotton or linen one. Wool breathes well and resists wrinkles, but it traps odor and dust. That’s why a soft-bristled brush used after every wear makes a bigger difference than monthly dry cleaning. For suits worn in humid climates or during travel, hanging them in a well-ventilated closet for 24 hours can refresh them without water or chemicals. And if you notice a stain? Don’t reach for water. Blot it gently with a clean cloth—rubbing spreads the stain deeper into the fibers.

Storage matters just as much as cleaning. Hanging your suit on a wide, padded hanger keeps the shoulders from sagging. Never use wire hangers—they distort the fit. Keep suits away from direct sunlight and damp areas. Moths don’t care how expensive your suit is—they’ll eat wool faster than you can say "dry cleaning bill." Cedar blocks or lavender sachets help, but only if they’re not touching the fabric directly. And never cram suits into a tight closet. They need room to breathe.

Some suits need dry cleaning—like those with delicate linings or structured shoulders—but most only need it once or twice a year. Between cleanings, spot clean with a damp cloth and mild soap, or use a steamer to remove wrinkles and odors. A steamer is gentler than an iron and won’t flatten the natural texture of wool. And if you’re unsure? Check the care label. It’s not just a suggestion—it’s the manufacturer’s guide to keeping your suit alive.

When you treat your suit like something you wear, not just something you own, it lasts longer, looks better, and actually saves you money. Think of it like a good pair of shoes: you don’t wash them after every walk, but you do clean them regularly and store them right. The same logic applies here. The posts below cover everything from how often to dry clean your suit, to what fabrics hold up best over time, to how to fix a stretched lapel or a faded color. Whether you own one suit or ten, these tips will help you get more life out of each one.