How to Maintain a Wool Suit
If a wool suit is a recent addition to your wardrobe, it will probably soon become a staple. You can use it for many occasions, ranging from interviews, to business meetings, to weddings. In fact, you will probably soon realize you need more than one suit. Because of its vital role in men's fashion, a wool suit needs proper maintenance to keep its appearance and extend its life. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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After wearing, wait at least 24 hours before placing the suit back in the closet. Some experts even recommend waiting three days. When you hang a wool suit in a closet right away, the moisture in the wool does not have a chance to evaporate.
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Do not wear the same suit every day. Doing so increases folds and creases in the elbows, waist and knees. It also increases the need for cleaning beyond what is recommended. Alternating suits allows each to be maintained in optimal condition.
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Hang the suit on a good-quality suit hanger made of sturdy wood. Suits hung on wire hangers lose their shape because such hanging distorts the shoulders. Furthermore, wire hangers may not sustain the weight of the suit and it may drop it to the floor.
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Be sure that there is enough space in the closet. You don't want to crush the suit and wool needs to breathe.
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Use a clothes brush after every wearing. Removing dust with a brush prolongs the life of the suit. Dust degrades the wool.
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Follow the instructions on the care tag. If it says "dry clean only," do not put your suit in a washing machine. Dry cleaning allows proper spot removal, the chemicals used will usually not shrink or harm the fabrics and the professional pressing will maintain the look of the suit. If you use a washing machine, your wool suit may shrink, the fabrics may distort or be damaged, and your home ironing may not be adequate.
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Dry clean only when necessary. If your suit needs just a press, ask for it explicitly. Excessive dry cleaning is generally defined as more than four times a year. Dry cleaning excessively will degrade the fabric.
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Tips & Warnings
Use only trusted dry cleaners. Dry cleaners who use too much cleaning solution or clean at too high a temperature can potentially ruin your suit.
References
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