How to Take Care of Your Suit/Jacket Before and After Your Event
Have a formal event coming up?
We're here to help! Read below to learn more about finding your perfect fitting suit, ironing your suit, storing your suit and cleaning your suit, and more in this laundry tips – suit care guide.
Finding Your Fit
While the colour and materials matter, the fit of your suit is the most critical aspect of how polished and professional you will look. Here's how to ensure a perfect fit:
1. Shoulders: The suit should fit snugly on your shoulders without any gaps or tightness.
2. Chest: Button the jacket and ensure there's enough room to slip your hand between your chest and the fabric.
3. Sleeves: Your jacket should end at your wrist, exposing about half an inch of your shirt cuff.
4. Pants: The hem should lightly touch your shoes without creating excessive folds. You may need to tailor this to achieve the effect.
Tip: Consider getting your suit tailored for a truly personalized and polished look.
Pre-Event Preparation
1. Ironing Your Suit
Ironing a suit can be tricky. If you are doing it at home, follow these tips to keep your suit wrinkle-free without damaging the fabric:
>> Use a Steam Iron: Have you wonder why most shops use steam iron instead of pressing their clothes? It's because steam is a lot gentler than direct heat and helps to remove wrinkles effectively.
>> Iron on Low Heat: ALWAYS set the iron to a low (or medium) heat setting, and avoid pressing directly on delicate fabrics like wool or silk.
>> Place a Cloth Barrier: If you want a professional look, use a pressing cloth between the iron and the suit to prevent scorching or shine marks.
2. Storing Your Suit Before the Event
Proper storage prevents wrinkles and keeps your suit look sharp:
>> Use a Suit Hanger: A sturdy hanger maintains the shape of the jacket and prevents sagging.
>> Cover with a Garment Bag: Unless you are using your jacket almost immediately, you should protect your suit from dust and accidental spills by using a garment bag.
>> Avoid Overpacking: If you are travelling with your suit, pack your suit in a garment bag and do NOT overpack other clothes inside the bag to prevent creases.
Post-Event Care
Dry Clean Your Suit
To keep your suit in its best shape for years to come, clean your jacket after your event before returning it to your closet, especially if you wore the suit all day long.
While you could spot clean small stains and freshen up your suit at home as needed, you will need to take your suit to a professional dry cleaner like My Locker laundry when it's ready for a full leaning before keeping it for the next event.
Ready for your regular suit cleaning? Get started with My Locker Laundry.