Ask the Tailor: How Should I Care for My Suit?

by Peter White
Photo by Michael

Each month we ask our expert tailors to address one of your most frequent questions. This month we’re exploring the issue of how you should care for your suit.

A bespoke tailored suit is an important investment. It’s a clear sign, both to yourself and the people around you, that you believe you’re worth it. 

Of course, once you’ve made such an important investment you’ll want to make sure you look after it. A well cared for suit will serve you faithfully for many years to come. 

Time off for good behaviour

When you feel great in a suit it’s natural to want to wear it as much as possible. We certainly understand that! Just remember that your suit will need resting time. Having a few suits in rotation is ideal, and you may wish to consider getting a second pair of trousers. 

Dry clean only when necessary

Dry cleaning is the best option when it comes to laundering your premium tailoring. Do remember though that the chemicals involved in the process can be wearing on natural fibres. Protect your suit by only dry cleaning when really necessary. In between times you can use a clothes brush to freshen it up and lift small marks. 

Be honest about alterations

Is your suit feeling a little tight? If it’s been a few years since it was fitted, you’d be wise to take it back to your tailor for an alteration or two. When your suit is on the tight side it can put undue pressure on the seams.

Give your suit prime hanging space

We hope it goes without saying that you should always hang your tailoring. (Yes, even after a really late night). But the way you hang your suit is also important. Make sure you choose a good quality sturdy hanger with some shaping to it. Also avoid cramming your suit in right next to other garments. Give it some breathing space!

Make friends with the steam iron

A careful steam with a good iron will go a long way. This is a great way to get rid of small marks and ensure your suit stays sharp. Set the heat according to your tailor’s instructions and go gently.

Next month we’ll be asking our tailors to weigh in on the great fabric debate: should you choose lightweight or heavy duty? Sign up to our newsletter to make sure you don’t miss it.

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Considering Bespoke?

Every commission begins with a conversation. Here are answers to some of the questions we're often asked.

Business suits start from £999 for single or double breasted, and from £1,299 for a three-piece with waistcoat. Wedding suits start from £999, averaging around £1,500 depending on cloth and detailing.

The standard turnaround is 10 weeks from first fitting to collection. An express service is available in 5 weeks for an additional fee.

Yes. Alongside the York and London showrooms, Mullen & Mullen serves Sheffield and Manchester by arrangement, with fittings available at a client's home or office.

An independent, family-run business with over 50 years of combined experience in the industry, we pride ourselves on exceptional value: quality that speaks for itself without the inflated price tag. Fittings are in person and unhurried, built around a conversation about how a garment should look, fit, and feel, from a standout velvet jacket to a quietly sharp business suit.

The York showroom is at Unit 3, Middlethorpe Business Park, Sim Balk Ln, YO23 2BD, open by appointment Monday to Saturday, 9:30–5:30.

The London showroom is at 35 Sackville Street, Mayfair, W1S 3EG, open by appointment only.

Yes. Fittings can take place at a client's home or office instead of a showroom, at no extra call-out fee.

Bespoke shirts start from £180, made from English and European mill cloths with a choice of over 60 collar and cuff styles.

A bespoke suit is cut to a client's own measurements rather than a standard size, through a multiple-fitting process designed to get the fit right before it's finished. Cloth, lining, buttons, and detailing are all chosen individually rather than fixed in advance.

This individual approach also means better quality and longevity. A bespoke suit is made to fit and move with you, making it a garment built to last for years, not seasons.

Yes, alongside our bespoke suits, we also make bespoke shirts, overcoats, velvet dinner jackets, and shooting attire. Whatever the garment, the same approach applies: an unhurried, in-person fitting process built around getting the look, fit, and feel exactly right.