A man’s suit is his calling card, which is why it must look impeccable. Anyone who has finally invested in a quality suit and wants it to last should read to the end. Here are our best tips to extend its life.

1. Cleaning: how often should a suit go to the dry cleaner’s?

Only when it is visibly dirty or stained. Most suits are dry clean only, and the label, or the tailor behind a made-to-measure suit, will confirm it. Dry cleaners use professional solvents, which remove unwanted stains and the bacteria left behind by perspiration. A man with several suits in sensible rotation need not worry about dry cleaning for a good few years.

2. Ironing: why is steam the better option?

Not in the literal sense: the point here is steaming. A suit benefits from a light steam after every wear, which helps the cloth recover its original shape. Modern garment steamers are very useful and relatively inexpensive. For an alternative, the suit can hang in the bathroom during a shower, and the steam will relax the cloth naturally. An iron is best kept away from the suit, especially from the structured areas (chest and shoulders). In an emergency, a cloth between the soleplate and the wool will at least prevent scorching.

3. Storage: what kind of hanger does a suit need?

Once the suit comes off, it belongs on a hanger. The back of a chair is out of the question, and a coat hook is worse still. The hanger should be cedarwood with broad arms, so that the cloth can return to its original shape. For long-term seasonal storage (six months or more), we recommend a zipped garment bag, which keeps out dust and moths.

4. Rotation: should the same suit be worn two days running?

Ideally, no suit should be worn two days running. The same rule applies to shoes. Clothes and shoes need “rest”: time for perspiration to evaporate and for their original shape to return.

5. Alterations: when should a suit go back to the tailor?

Weight gained or lost, and a suit that no longer fits, should not be ignored. A suit that no longer follows the line of the body looks wrong and feels uncomfortable. A visit to the tailor for alterations extends its life. It is a minimal investment with lasting results. The tailor can also help if a seam comes undone. With made-to-measure, it pays to ask about after-sales service from the outset. It may well prove useful.

In short, with the 5 tips above, a quality suit can last a lifetime. None of them should be neglected, as each plays its part in the care of a suit. Most men, if honest, can name at least one suit lost to neglect.