A well-made bespoke wool suit should last 10+ years of regular wear if you treat it right. We treat every Arden & Wolfe garment before it leaves our Perth studio with a final inspection, but a few simple habits at home will keep your suit looking new for years.
1. Brush after every wear
Invest in a natural-bristle suit brush. After each wear, hold the suit by the hanger and brush top-down from shoulder to hem, then across the lapels. This lifts surface dirt before it settles into the fibres. Wool has natural self-cleaning properties — a quick brush often replaces the need for a dry clean.
2. Never hang on wire
Use a wooden or padded hanger with broad shoulders. Wire hangers from the dry cleaner distort shoulder shape over time. A good hanger is the single best investment for suit longevity — try our recommended Butler Luxury Cedar Hanger.
3. Rest 24 hours between wears
Wool needs to recover its shape after wear. Rotate between suits and let each rest for at least 24 hours. This reduces creases and lets moisture from your body evaporate.
4. Dry clean rarely
Dry cleaning uses harsh chemicals that break down wool fibres. Most bespoke tailors recommend only 2-3 dry cleans per year for an everyday suit. Spot-clean small stains with a damp cloth, or steam with a garment steamer rather than reaching for the dry cleaner.
5. Steam, don't iron
Direct iron contact flattens wool's natural texture and sheen. Use a garment steamer for gentle wrinkle removal. If you must iron, use a pressing cloth and iron on the inside of the garment — never directly on the lapel or outer fabric.
Bonus: store flat in summer
During Perth's hot summers, store your heavier wool suits in breathable suit bags or cotton pillowcases. This prevents moth damage and protects from dust. Cedar blocks are natural moth deterrents.
Following these five habits means your Arden & Wolfe suit will look sharper longer than off-the-rack alternatives costing twice as much.