How to Care for Your Suit

1. Take it Off.

The first step to keeping your suit game strong is rotation. A bit of time off the body and on the hanger helps a suit keep its shape. Plus, a day or two airing out will allow you to put off cleaning (more on that later).

2. Keep Your Cargo Load Light.

Loading up your pockets (internal, external and pants pockets) not only throws off the silhouette of the suit, but over time can alter the shape of the suit and stretch out pocket liners. Instead, make do with less. If you're wearing a slim suit, just bring the essentials: credit card, cash, I.D., phone and house keys. Your suit will thank you.

3. Give it a Quick Brush.

Clothes brushes remove debris, dirt, and whatever else the city might have thrown at you. It's the easiest way for a quick clean and extends the life of the natural fibers of the suiting material.

4. Store it.

Opt for a round shouldered hanger (wood is best) to both hold the shape of the suit and allow it enough space to air out. Whatever you do, don't put off hanging up your suit. Piles of T-shirts aren't a big deal, but piled up wool that's equal to a month's rent isn't a good look.

5. Pick Up a Steamer.

Dry irons are too hot and can burn the fabric's fine fibers. Steaming opens up the fibers to prevent funky smells and takes out minor stains and marks.

6. Put Off Dry Cleaning.

It might sound counterintuitive—when you're dressed to the nines, you want to look your absolute best. But dry cleaning is hard on suits. Each time a suit is dry cleaned, it shortens its lifespan. So only take your suit to the cleaners if a noticeable funk remains, even after you've aired it out, or there's a stain that can't be spot cleaned with a bit of water.