If like me you work in a company that allows you to wear your own casual clothing then wearing a suit will feel somewhat unfamiliar and possibly even uncomfortable if one is not accustomed to it. However if you are in a profession that requires you to wear a business suit then it is important that you keep your suit maintained well and intact. This is more difficult than people think because over time business suits go through plenty of wear and tear, and can looked worn very quickly.
Depending on the kind of material your business suits are, it is always vital to know exactly how to clean them, store them and how to press them effectively. Some suits can lose its shape and take on a shiny appearance, which is usually the first sign of worn out material. Even if you have had your suit custom-made or made to measure it is still subjected to the elements and can cause damage to the material.
Fortunately there are cost effective and simple methods for keeping your business suits in good condition, wherever you may have purchased it from. The key is finding the suit which is not man-made and managing to buy a quality suit made from 100% wool. Man-made fibres only last a few wears as they take in airborne particles and moisture from the person wearing the suit. Furthermore they lose their shape much faster than any other 100% genuine fibres.
Some natural or genuine fibres do not cost a lot, however they are more expensive than man-made fibre suits which is why some people may prefer to buy cheaper suits. This does not mean that one would need to buy a designer business suit, but one that is made of the best quality material. They are also likely to last a long time and do not require too much effort to keep in good condition. Suits that have been made to measure are usually made from a better fibre with stronger stitching.
When cleaning your suit it is better to dry clean them once per year, because the chemicals used will damage the fabric and cause the stitches to weaken, and eventually fall out. Most people do not know this but taking your suit to the dry cleaners will only increase its chances in becoming shiny. Any stains on the suit should be dealt with automatically rather than taken to the dry cleaners. However on the contrary, a suit should never be washed in a normal washing machine, especially if they are 100% wool as they will shrink and will never be the same when they come out.
Similarly one should never use a hot iron to press the suit straight. One can use a steamer or have the dry cleaners steam it for you. The same steamers used to steam the curtains, because they are mild for the fibre and will not damage it. Brushing the suit lightly in a downward motion will keep the suit clean, using a good clothes brush. This should be done whilst it is hanging and then hung immediately after using a wide shoulder hanger and via the hem of the trousers.
Simple things to remember is to never wear the suit jacket whilst driving as this will crease the jacket, therefore it should be hung on the back of the suit. It is always a good idea to have multiple business suits so you can alternate wearing them – this keeps it fresh and well maintained. Business suits need to be handled carefully and never kept in a plastic bag, because this will not allow the fibre to breathe.
Anna Stenning is an expert on maintaining business suits to the highest standards without it costing the earth. For more information visit http://www.matrixuniforms.co.uk/
