How to Care for Your Bespoke Garments

How to Care for Your Bespoke Suits, Jackets and Shirts

Simple Habits to Keep Your Bespoke Tailoring Looking Its Best

When you invest in a bespoke piece, you’re not just buying clothing — you’re investing in craftsmanship, artistry, and something made just for you. With a little care, those garments will last for years, looking and feeling as good as the day they were finished. Here’s how to make sure they do.

1. Dry Cleaning: Important, but Go Easy

Dry cleaning has its place — but too much of it can do more harm than good. The solvents and heat used in the process can slowly break down the delicate fibers in fine wools, cashmeres, and blends.

Unless your garment is actually dirty or you’ve had a spill, there’s no need to send it out. Most of the time, a good brush and a little air are all you need.

As a general guide:

  • Wool, cashmere, and wool blends: Dry clean only when visibly soiled or after a spill — usually once or twice a year if you wear it every couple of weeks. Otherwise, keep it fresh with regular brushing, airing out, and gentle steaming.

  • Linen and silk suits: These tend to lose their shape faster, so 3–5 cleanings per year should do the trick.

Learn more about the meaning of super numbers here

2. Finding a Cleaner You Can Trust

Not every dry cleaner understands bespoke tailoring. The pressing alone can make or break a garment — too much heat or pressure can flatten a lapel roll or leave shiny marks that never come out.

Good cleaners maintain their pressing equipment (the pads, hoses, and covers that touch your clothes) and replace them regularly. If they don’t, old equipment can leave impressions or even scorch the fabric.

Look for a cleaner who works with fine bespoke tailoring or comes recommended by a tailor. The right one will treat your garments with care and know when not to press too hard.

3. Home Care: Steam, Don’t Over-Press

For home maintenance, a steam station is your best friend — ideally one that can also serve as an iron. The key is to find a model with an expansion tank that holds plenty of water and provides consistent steam pressure.

Our favorite is the Rowenta Perfect Steam Pro. It’s powerful, reliable, and perfect for at-home garment care.

Here’s how to use it:

  • Jackets: Hang your jacket and hold the iron about 2–3 inches away. Give it three or four passes of steam over the entire garment. This will release wrinkles and kill bacteria and odors.

  • Trousers: Hang them upside down by the hem and do the same — it’ll help the creases fall back into place and freshen them right up.

Steaming like this not only keeps your pieces looking sharp, it also means you can go longer between dry cleanings.

4. Everyday Habits That Make a Difference

A few small things make a big impact:

  • Brush regularly with a natural bristle brush to remove dust and lint.

  • Hang properly on a wide, contoured hanger that supports the shoulders.

  • Air out garments after wearing — especially wool suits.

  • Rotate your pieces to give the fabric time to rest.

  • Store smart in breathable covers — never in plastic.

5. When Pressing or Steaming

If you do press garments at home, always use a pressing cloth and keep the heat low. Too much pressure or moisture can distort the canvas and interlining that give bespoke pieces their shape.

In most cases, a quick steam does the job — it revives the natural drape without the risks of heavy pressing.

6. Caring for Shirts

Shirts are a little simpler. They’re made to be washed more often and can be laundered after each wear.

At home:

  • Wash cold with like colors.

  • Tumble dry on low.

  • Iron on medium heat.

If you’re dropping them at the cleaners, ask them to launder, not dry clean, and to use no or light starch. It keeps the fabric soft and helps your shirts last longer.

7. Storing Your Garments Long-Term

Before storing your suits or jackets for the season, make sure they’re clean and fully dry. Moths love natural fibers — but what really attracts them is any leftover oil, food, or perspiration.

Use cedar blocks or lavender sachets to keep moths away, and store garments in breathable cloth bags so air can circulate.

In Closing

Your bespoke garments are built to last — but they rely on you to help them do it. Treat them with the same care they were made with: dry clean sparingly, steam thoughtfully, and store them well.

With a little attention, your bespoke custom suits, jackets, and shirts will age gracefully, growing more comfortable and more yours with every wear.

TCR Bespoke