A Man’s Guide to Suit Care: Cleaning, Storage & Longevity

A well-fitted suit is more than just an outfit—it’s a statement of confidence, professionalism, and style. Whether you wear suits daily for business or save them for special occasions, proper care determines how long they’ll look sharp and sophisticated.

At Jimmy’s Cleaners and Alterations, we’ve helped countless men maintain, clean, and preserve their suits for years. With the right maintenance habits, your favorite suit can look just as good on its 50th wear as it did on its first.

In this guide, we’ll break down the essentials of suit cleaning, storage, and longevity—so you can protect your investment and always look your best.

1. Why Suit Care Matters

A quality suit isn’t just clothing—it’s an investment. Fine fabrics like wool, cashmere, and silk require thoughtful maintenance to retain their shape, texture, and drape. Improper care can lead to:

• Premature fading or thinning

• Distortion of the jacket’s structure

• Wrinkles that become permanent

• Unpleasant odors or fabric damage

Taking a few extra steps between wears helps you extend the lifespan of your suit and maintain that fresh, tailored look.

2. Cleaning: Less Is More

One of the biggest misconceptions about suits is that they need frequent dry cleaning. In reality, over-cleaning can damage fibers and shorten a suit’s life.

How Often Should You Clean Your Suit?

• Regular wear (2–3 times a week): Dry clean every 2–3 months.

• Occasional wear (once a month or less): Clean twice a year.

• After special events or stains: Clean immediately to prevent permanent damage.

Why Professional Cleaning Is Essential

Home washing or steam cleaning is never recommended for suits. Fabrics like wool, linen, and silk are delicate and require precise cleaning solutions to:

• Remove stains without stripping natural oils.

• Preserve the internal structure and lining.

• Eliminate odors while protecting color vibrancy.

At Jimmy’s Cleaners, our suit cleaning process combines gentle solvents and expert finishing to ensure every garment retains its original form and sheen.

3. Brushing and Airing Between Wears

Most suit care happens between cleanings, not just at the cleaners. After each wear, follow these simple steps to keep your suit fresh:

Brush Away Surface Dirt

Use a natural-bristle clothing brush to remove dust, lint, and debris that cling to the surface. Brush gently in short strokes, working with the grain of the fabric. This prevents buildup and keeps fibers from matting down.

Air It Out

Hang your suit in a well-ventilated area (outside the closet) for a few hours after wearing. This allows sweat and odors to dissipate naturally, reducing the need for frequent cleaning. Avoid spraying cologne or air fresheners directly on the fabric—they can stain or discolor over time.4. Proper Storage: The Secret to Suit Longevity

The way you store your suit directly impacts how long it lasts. A well-kept suit retains its shape and avoids wrinkles, moth damage, and fading.

Use the Right Hanger

Always hang your suit jacket on a broad, wooden hanger that supports the shoulder structure. Avoid thin wire hangers—they cause the shoulders to collapse and leave dents.

Give It Space

Never cram your suit into a tight closet. Crowding leads to wrinkles and fabric compression. Leave enough room for air to circulate freely between garments.

Protect from Dust and Light

Use breathable garment bags made of cotton or canvas. Plastic covers trap moisture and promote mold growth, while sunlight can fade darker fabrics.

Rotate Your Suits

If you wear suits regularly, rotate them throughout the week. Giving each one time to rest helps the fabric recover and maintain its shape.

5. Handling Wrinkles the Right Way

Wrinkles can instantly make even a well-tailored suit look neglected. But ironing isn’t always the solution—heat can scorch delicate fibers.

Use a Steamer

A garment steamer safely removes wrinkles without direct heat contact. Hang your suit and gently steam from a short distance, allowing gravity to relax the fabric naturally.

Avoid Ironing (Unless Absolutely Necessary)

If you must iron, place a pressing cloth between the iron and the suit fabric. Use the lowest possible heat setting and never press directly on seams or shoulder areas.

Professional pressing at Jimmy’s Cleaners ensures crisp lines and a polished finish—without the risk of heat damage.

6. Addressing Stains Quickly

Accidents happen—spilled coffee, ink, or food stains can ruin a suit if not treated properly.

Do Not Rub

Blot the stain gently with a clean, white cloth. Rubbing pushes the substance deeper into the fibers.

Skip Home Remedies

Avoid using water, soap, or vinegar—they can alter color or texture. Bring the suit to Jimmy’s Cleaners immediately for expert stain removal. Our professionals know how to treat different stain types safely based on the fabric composition.

7. Tailoring and Alterations: The Confidence Factor

Even the best suit won’t look right if it doesn’t fit perfectly. Over time, your body may change, but your suit doesn’t. A few small adjustments can make all the difference:

• Taking in or letting out the waist.

• Shortening or lengthening sleeves.

• Adjusting pant hems for ideal break.

• Replacing worn buttons or reinforcing seams.

At Jimmy’s Cleaners and Alterations, our tailoring experts ensure your suit always looks custom-made—because confidence starts with the perfect fit.

8. Long-Term Storage and Seasonal Care

When storing suits for longer periods (like summer or after special events), follow these additional steps:

• Clean before storing: Never store a used suit—body oils attract moths.

• Add cedar blocks or lavender sachets: Natural repellents that deter insects and add a fresh scent.

• Keep away from heat sources: High temperatures can warp the fabric and damage linings.

At the start of each season, inspect your suits for fit and fabric condition. A quick professional cleaning and pressing will have them ready for wear.

9. Signs It’s Time for Professional Attention

Bring your suit to a professional cleaner when you notice:

• Lingering odors

• Visible stains or shine on lapels

• Fabric stiffness or dullness

• Loose seams or fraying edges

These early signs of wear can be corrected before they become major problems.

Jimmy’s Cleaners and Alterations: Your Suit Care Specialists

Your suits deserve the same attention and precision that went into their tailoring. At Jimmy’s Cleaners and Alterations, we offer full-service garment care designed to keep your suits looking their best.

✅ Professional dry cleaning and pressing
✅ Expert stain removal
✅ Tailoring and alterations for a flawless fit
✅ Fabric-safe storage and seasonal maintenance

From boardroom meetings to weddings and formal events, we’ll make sure your suit looks sharp, clean, and confidence-ready every time you wear it.

👉 Visit jimmyscleaners.net or fill out the form below to schedule your professional suit cleaning and alterations. Keep your wardrobe timeless, tailored, and ready for any occasion.