It’s one of the most common questions we hear at the counter. The short answer: less often than most people think. A quality suit is built to last, and cleaning it after every wear can wear it out faster.
The general rule
For a suit worn regularly, a professional cleaning a few times per season is usually plenty. A suit you wear only occasionally may need cleaning just once or twice a year. Shirts are different: they touch your skin and should be laundered after every wear.
Bring it in sooner if you notice
- A visible stain or spill
- Odors that don’t air out overnight
- Shine on the seat, elbows or cuffs
- The fabric feels limp or has lost its shape
- You’re about to store it for the season
Keep it fresh between cleanings
- Rest it. Give a suit a day or two off between wears so the fibers can recover.
- Brush it. A soft clothes brush removes dust and lint before they settle in.
- Hang it properly. Use a shaped hanger and empty the pockets so the jacket keeps its form.
- Steam it. Light steaming relaxes wrinkles without the wear of a full cleaning.
- Clean the pieces together. Always clean the jacket and trousers at the same time so they age evenly and stay a match.
When it is time for a cleaning, The Elementals Laundry can clean and press it so it’s ready for your next meeting, wedding or interview. And if a suit no longer fits your life, our consignment program can find it a new owner.