A well-tailored suit is an investment. And like all investments, it will pay for itself over time – as long as you get the most out of it. Proper storage is one of those things that’s often overlooked when owning suits. In this article, we’ll go over the best ways to store suits, so you can ensure yours will look as good as new for years. And most importantly, good storage will mean that it’s ready to put on straight away, which is vital if you need it at short notice.
Why Store a Suit?
There are plenty of reasons why people store suits:
- Business life has gone more casual nowadays – some employees will dress down most of the time, but might keep the suit for important events or meeting clients, which might be few and far between.
- In private life, it’s not unusual to never wear suits at all, except for weddings, religious ceremonies and funerals, or perhaps things like court appearances. They might see years between wear.
- Even devoted suit-wearers will change their suits as the seasons change. Typically, they’ll have a lighter suit for summer and a heavier one for winter. That could mean six months of storage.
- Fashions change, but they also cycle. The trend for very narrow trousers might be on the wane, for example, but there’s every chance it’ll be back in a few years. Why not carefully store your suit instead of buying a new one every few seasons?
Know your Suit’s Fabric
Suits come in a variety of fabrics, each with its own care needs. Wool, for example, benefits from breathable storage to avoid trapping moisture. Cotton and linen suits are often worn because they are lightweight and cool, but the downside is that they can wrinkle easily and should be stored with particular attention to shape. Silk is a rare and delicate fabric, and requires gentle handling and protection from exposure to light.
Take a look at your label to find what yours is made of – some suits might even have storage tips alongside washing instructions.
Cleaning Before Storing
Before tucking your suit away, ensure it is immaculately clean. Residual stains or oils can attract pests like moths, silverfish or carpet beetles to feast. And stains that are left to crystallise and soak into the fabric can cause irreversible damage.
Dry cleaning is usually recommended for suits, though it should not be overdone as it can weaken the fabric fibres. If you opt for cleaning at home, focus on carefully following laundering instructions specific to the fabric type.
Most importantly, however, is that the suit must be thoroughly dry before storage to prevent mildew. Make sure your suit’s components have been thoroughly aired in a dry environment or outside, and that they are kept separate during the drying process.
Choosing the Right Hanger
Now we move onto the storage itself. And that starts with the right hanger. Wooden or plastic hangers with broad, curved shoulders are ideal; they support the suit’s weight evenly, maintaining its shape. Quite often, the suit will come with a hanger, which will have the right shoulder element and a bar for your trousers, which should have some means of preventing slippage.
Avoid wire hangers at all costs – they can deform the suit’s shoulders and leave unsightly folds or marks. The same applies to regular wooden or plastic hangers with narrow shoulders – they’re not designed for suits. Investing in quality hangers is a small price to pay for maintaining the look of your suit.
Storing in a Garment Bag
A breathable garment bag is your suit’s best ally. New suits often come with their own storage bag, although sometimes they are just you get the suit from shop to home, and aren’t meant to be a long-term solution. There are excellent breathable storage bags available for a few pounds.
Opt for materials such as cotton, which allows air circulation and shields against dust while preventing the compression of delicate fibres. Plastic might be tempting for their convenience, but they can trap moisture and lead to musty odours or mildew. Keeping your suit in a suitably ventilated bag ensures it remains fresh and ready to wear.
Storage Location
The environment in which you store your suit is just as important as how it is stored. A cool, dark, and dry location is best. For most people, that will mean a wardrobe, which it’s fair to say has stood the test of time. However, avoid wardrobes placed against external walls, as these can be prone to wide temperature variations and dampness, which can jeopardise your suit.
Prolonged exposure to sunlight can fade even the most robust fabrics, while humid conditions encourage mould and mildew. If you’re not able to store your suit in a wardrobe, dry and find a place where it’s dark, such as under stairs, and away from kitchens and bathrooms, from where water vapour could get in.
Handling Wrinkles and Odours
Wrinkles can be particularly pesky but are best tackled with a steamer rather than an iron, which might scorch or leave unwanted impressions on the fabric. A steamer gently relaxes the fibres, smoothing wrinkles without contact.
For odours, natural fresheners such as cedar blocks or lavender sachets can work wonders without overwhelming the fabric with heavy fragrances. If you’re not wearing your suit for months or years at a time, occasionally airing the suit can stave off mustiness.
Regular Checks and Maintenance
Even when stored, suits benefit from a little attention from time to time. Regular inspections for signs of damage – be it from insects or environmental factors – let you nip it in the bud, and take preventative action. If suits are stored long-term, consider re-folding or rotating them to prevent stress on shoulders and folds in trousers. A little maintenance goes a long way towards preserving your suit’s pristine condition.
With all this in mind, you should have a suit that will last you years, and be ready to put on with a moment’s notice. It only takes a few minutes to get right, but the benefits go way beyond your wallet.