Storing suits properly is essential to maintaining their appearance and longevity. Whether it’s for everyday use or for special occasions, you’ll want to keep your suits looking sharp and in good condition. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to store your suits effectively.
1. Choose the Right Hanger
The first step in storing a suit is choosing the right hanger. Use a wide, contoured suit hanger made from wood. These hangers are designed to support the shoulders of your suit jacket without causing it to lose shape.
2. Hanging the Suit Jacket
When hanging your suit jacket, follow these steps:
- Fasten the top button of the jacket.
- Place the jacket on the hanger so that the hanger fits snugly in the shoulders.
- Make sure the jacket is hanging straight without any folds or creases.
3. Hanging the Trousers
For trousers, you can use either a clamp hanger that grips the trousers by the waistband or a hanger with a bar designed for draping trousers. If you opt for the latter, do the following:
- Fold your trousers along the creases.
- Drape them over the hanger bar.
- Make sure the trousers are evenly hung to prevent creasing.
If you’re using a clamp hanger, clamp the trousers from the bottom hem rather than the waist to avoid leaving marks on the fabric where they’re most visible.
4. Use a Garment Bag
After you’ve hung your suit properly, place it in a breathable garment bag. This will protect your suit from dust, dirt, and moths, without trapping moisture inside, which can lead to fabric damage.
5. Store in a Cool, Dry Place
Find a place in your closet or storage area that is away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and humidity. These elements can fade fabric, cause mildew, or warp the material over time.
6. Give Suits Space
Do not pack your suit jackets and trousers too tightly in the closet. Suits need space to avoid wrinkling and to ensure that air can circulate around them.
7. Refresh Your Suit
If a suit hasn’t been worn for a while, it could use some refreshing. Allow it to air out outside of the garment bag for a few hours before wearing. If needed, steam the suit to remove wrinkles and odors—never iron directly on the suit fabric.
8. Consider Cedar Blocks or Lavender Sachets
You can use cedar blocks or lavender sachets in your storage area to repel moths and provide a pleasant scent. Avoid using mothballs, as they have a strong chemical smell that can be difficult to remove from fabric.
9. Seasonal Storage
If you are storing suits that you won’t wear for an entire season, such as heavy winter suits during the summer, consider a climate-controlled storage unit if your home isn’t suitable.
10. Rotate Your Suits
If you have multiple suits, rotate which ones you wear regularly. This will help reduce wear and tear on any single suit and extend the life of all your suits.
Additional Tips
– Brush your suit with a garment brush after wearing it to remove any dust or dirt.
– If a suit becomes stained, take it to a professional cleaner as soon as possible to avoid setting the stain.
– Never store a suit that isn’t completely dry, as this can lead to mildew.
By following these steps, you’ll ensure that your suits stay in top condition, ready for your next meeting, event, or occasion. Always handle them with care, and they will serve you well for years to come.