Bespoke suits are more than just clothing; they represent craftsmanship, style, and individuality. Proper storage is essential to maintain their quality and longevity. In this guide, we’ll explore effective techniques for storing bespoke garments, ensuring they stay in pristine condition for years to come. Whether you own bespoke suits, jackets, or trousers, applying the right storage methods is key to preserving their beauty and fit.
Bespoke clothing is specially crafted to fit individual measurements and style preferences. Because of this, it requires careful storage to avoid damage and maintain its shape. Proper techniques will help prevent issues like moth damage, wrinkles, or fabric deterioration, ensuring your investment in bespoke menswear pays off for years to come.
1. Choosing the Right Hangers
Padded Hangers for Bulky Garments
When storing bespoke suits or coats, using high-quality padded hangers is crucial. Unlike standard plastic or wire hangers, padded hangers help retain the suit’s shape, preventing the shoulders from stretching or losing definition. Opt for wide, padded hangers with a soft covering to avoid creasing.
Velvety Hangers for Suits
For lighter fabrics like silk or cotton, consider using velvety hangers. These hangers provide a non-slip surface, ensuring garments stay in place without risk of slipping off. This is particularly useful for bespoke shirts, which are often lighter and more susceptible to movement on standard hangers.
Avoiding the Use of Wire Hangers
Wire hangers can deform the shoulder padding of bespoke jackets and suits. Avoid using them at all costs. If wire hangers are your only option, ensure you wrap their edges with fabric to prevent direct contact with your garments. This simple precaution can make a significant difference in maintaining the overall shape and integrity of bespoke clothing.
2. The Right Storage Environment
Temperature and Humidity Control
Bespoke garments thrive in a controlled environment. Ideally, store your suits and jackets in a cool, dry place. Avoid areas prone to extreme temperature fluctuations, such as attics or basements. High humidity can lead to mold and mildew, while extremely dry conditions can cause fabrics to dry out and crack. A relative humidity of about 45-55% is ideal for preserving fabrics.
Light Exposure
Direct sunlight can fade and weaken fabrics over time. To protect your bespoke garments, store them in a dark, well-ventilated closet. If your wardrobe lacks this feature, consider investing in garment bags made from UV-protective fabric that can shield your clothing from harmful rays.
Avoid Storing in Plastic
While plastic covers may seem convenient for storage, they can trap moisture and inhibit airflow, leading to mold growth and unpleasant odors. Stick to breathable fabric garment bags that offer the protection your bespoke suits need while allowing for proper ventilation.
3. Utilizing Breathable Garment Bags
Importance of Breathability
Investing in high-quality breathable garment bags is key to protecting bespoke suits during storage. These bags allow air circulation while preventing dust and dirt from settling on your clothing. This is especially important when storing garments for an extended period.
Material Matters
When choosing garment bags, look for materials such as cotton or a cotton blend, as these fabrics offer breathability while keeping the suit protected. Avoid plastic garment bags that can trap moisture, leading to undesirable conditions for your bespoke garments. Over time, moisture can lead to mold growth and fabric deterioration, putting your investment at risk.
Size and Fit
When selecting garment bags, ensure they are the right size for your bespoke suits. A bag that is too tight can cause creasing, while one that is too loose might not provide adequate protection. Look for tailor-made options that cater specifically to bespoke menswear, ensuring the best fit for your suits and jackets.
4. Folding and Storing Trousers
Proper Folding Techniques
For bespoke trousers, proper folding is essential to prevent creasing. Follow these steps to fold trousers correctly:
- Lay the trousers flat on a clean surface.
- Fold them in half lengthwise, aligning the legs.
- Fold the trousers expertly at the knee to reduce creasing.
- Once folded, place them in a breathable storage container or drawer.
Avoid hanging trousers full length as this can lead to stretch marks. If space allows, investing in a trouser hanger with clips can help preserve their shape while keeping them organized.
Alternatives for Trouser Storage
If you prefer to hang your bespoke trousers, use a dedicated trouser hanger with clips that grasp only the waistband. This prevents distortion and ensures that your trousers maintain their tailored appearance.
Avoid Storing Trousers for Too Long
While bespoke trousers are designed for longevity, it’s important not to leave them folded for extended periods. If you’re not planning to wear them for a while, consider using a hanger to keep them in shape, even if you’re storing them in a drawer.
5. Cleaning and Maintenance
Proper Cleaning Before Storage
Before storing bespoke suits for an extended period, ensure they are clean. Follow your bespoke tailor’s guidance on dry cleaning to prevent damage. Always remove lint and debris from your suits using a lint roller or brush before cleaning. This helps maintain the fabric’s appearance and prevents dirt from settling into the fibers during storage.
Minimize Dry Cleaning
While frequent dry cleaning is not advisable, getting your bespoke suits professionally cleaned before long-term storage will ensure they are free from stains or odors. However, consult your bespoke tailor to determine the best cleaning practices specific to your garment’s materials.
Spot Cleaning
If you notice minor stains or spills, address them immediately using spot cleaning techniques as appropriate. Blot the area gently with a clean cloth and a mixture of water and fabric cleaner suitable for your bespoke fabric. Avoid rubbing too hard to prevent damaging the fibers.
Use a Steamer
Instead of ironing, which can crush the fabric and create unwanted shiny spots on bespoke suits, opt for a steamer. Steaming your suits can help remove wrinkles and freshen them up without risking damage. This gentle approach is particularly effective for delicate fabrics often found in bespoke clothing.
6. Organizing Your Closet for Easy Access
Categorizing Bespoke Clothing
A well-organized closet is vital for easy access to your bespoke garments. Arrange your bespoke suits, shirts, and trousers in categories, grouping similar pieces together. This makes it easier to find what you need and prevents unnecessary handling, which can lead to wrinkles and wear.
Seasonal Rotation
Consider rotating your bespoke clothing with the changing seasons. Keep winter suits and heavier jackets at eye level and store lighter fabrics toward the back. This helps to minimize unnecessary movement of garments you do not currently use.
Use Quality Storage Solutions
Invest in quality wooden or fabric storage boxes to protect your bespoke garments from dust and damage. Label boxes clearly to keep everything organized so you can easily find items when needed. Not only does this improve accessibility, but it also contributes to the longevity of your bespoke clothing.
7. Conclusion
Storing bespoke garments properly is essential for maintaining their quality and extending their lifespan. By following these techniques—using padded hangers, breathable garment bags, and maintaining an optimal environment—you can protect your investment in bespoke suits and clothing. Regular maintenance checks, cleaning before storage, and protecting against pests will keep your bespoke menswear in excellent condition for years.
For stylish options, visit Rosie Hong for a wide range of bespoke suits and (trousers) tailored to perfection. Explore our full collection of bespoke garments at Rosie Hong to invest in the timeless quality of bespoke tailoring while ensuring your garments remain as stunning as the day you purchased them.