Caring for quality menswear comes down to 5 major rules: selective dry cleaning, steaming instead of conventional ironing, storage on cedar hangers, rotation between wears and periodic alterations at the tailor. With these basic principles, a made-to-measure suit or any premium garment can keep its impeccable look for years.

1. Cleaning: when should a suit go to the dry cleaner?

A suit needs cleaning only when visible stains or dirt appear. Most suits are dry clean only, meaning they must go to the dry cleaner, where special detergents remove stains and the bacteria caused by sweat. Before resorting to it, it is worth reading the label or asking the tailor who made the suit. Other garments rarely need dry cleaning. For washing at home, they should be turned inside out and washed in lukewarm water: 30 to 40 °C for cotton (including denim), 30 °C for linen and the same for synthetics. We do not recommend machine-washing anything made of wool. A low-spin programme protects the fabric. After washing, the tumble dryer is best avoided, as clothes will either stretch or shrink. They should dry naturally and, where possible, flat, so that gravity does not pull them out of shape.

2. Ironing: why does steaming beat the iron?

Conventional ironing is not recommended for a suit; a steamer is the better tool. Steaming after each wear helps the cloth recover its shape. Without a steamer, one trick is to hang the suit in the bathroom during a shower. The steam relaxes the fabric naturally. Ironing is best avoided, especially in the structured areas (chest and shoulders). In an emergency, a cloth placed between the soleplate and the wool at least prevents scorching. Most creases on a jacket come from not taking it off in the car. That is why it pays to keep a hanger on the back seat, ready for the jacket before getting behind the wheel.

3. Storage: which hanger, and why?

After wearing, a suit should not be left on a chair or a narrow hook. Ideally, it goes on a cedar hanger with broad shoulders that preserve the jacket’s shape. For longer, seasonal storage, a zipped garment bag protects it from dust. If the garment bag holds little appeal, the suit should at least be kept in a well-ventilated space, safe from pests.

4. Rotation: why not wear the same suit two days running?

The same suit should not be worn on two consecutive days. Fabrics need time to air and return to their original shape. The rule applies to shoes as well. Alternating pieces extends their life and keeps them looking well kept for longer. Clothes and shoes deserve a rest of at least two or three days between wears. Clothes treated with respect return the favour.

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

Weight gained or lost, and a suit that no longer sits as it should, signal the time for alterations. A suit that no longer follows the line of the body looks careless and can even be uncomfortable. A tailor can make small adjustments, so that favourite pieces stay in use longer. It is a minimal investment with lasting results. The tailor can also help if a seam comes undone. For made-to-measure garments, it is worth asking about after-sales services from the outset. That can prove useful down the line.

A well-maintained suit, then, is a reliable ally for a long time. Careful cleaning, correct pressing, proper storage and alterations are the essential steps to keeping it impeccable. Following this advice ensures a groomed, elegant look every time it is worn. One last truth: just when it seems nobody notices, everybody does.