How to Care for a Wool Suit: Brushing, Steaming, Storage and Cleaning

Wool is one of the most forgiving cloths you can wear. It breathes, recovers its shape and resists odour naturally. With a few simple habits a good wool suit will stay sharp for many seasons. Always check the care label on your garment first — it is the final word for that specific cloth.

Rest it between wears

Wool fibres relax and recover overnight. Wearing the same suit on consecutive days stops that from happening and wears the cloth faster. Give each suit at least a day off, hang it up as soon as you take it off and empty the pockets so the jacket keeps its line.

Use the right hanger

A wide, shaped wooden hanger supports the shoulders of the jacket. Thin wire hangers create dents and drag the shoulder forward. Hang trousers by the hem from a clip hanger, or fold them over a padded bar along the crease. Leave space in the wardrobe so the cloth is not crushed.

Brush, don’t wash

A soft clothes brush is the most useful tool you can own for a wool suit. Brushing lifts dust and surface dirt before it works into the weave. Brush downwards, following the grain of the cloth, after every few wears and always before storing the suit.

Steam out the creases

Hanging a suit in a steamy bathroom after a shower removes light creases. A hand-held garment steamer does the job faster. If you must use an iron, set it to the wool setting and press through a damp cotton cloth so the wool never touches the hot plate — direct heat can leave a permanent shine.

Dry clean sparingly

Dry cleaning uses solvents and heat that, over time, can affect the cloth and the inner construction of a jacket. Clean a wool suit only when it is visibly stained or has absorbed smoke or odour that airing will not remove — for most people that is a few times a year. Have the jacket and trousers cleaned together so the colour stays even.

Deal with spills straight away

• Blot, never rub. Rubbing pushes the stain deeper into the weave.
• Use a little cold water on a clean white cloth for most food and drink spills.
• For grease or anything you are unsure of, take the suit to a professional cleaner and tell them what caused the mark.

Store it properly between seasons

Before putting a suit away, brush it and make sure it is clean — moths are attracted to food residue and body oils. Store it in a breathable cotton garment bag rather than plastic, which traps moisture. Cedar blocks or lavender sachets help deter moths.

Travel without the crumples

Fold the jacket inside out, shoulder into shoulder, and lay it on top of your other clothes. Hang it up as soon as you arrive and let gravity, or a steamy bathroom, do the rest.

Our men’s three-piece suits, including the classic slim-fit three-piece wool suit, are made in 100% wool, so all of the above applies. Browse men’s suits or contact us if you have a question about a specific cloth.