Bespoke Suits and Wardrobe Caring

I wake up to find the shirt I want to wear rumpled and the shoes I planned on scuffed, and I wish for a valet. These days are certainly the exception to the rule though. While a hundred years or so ago the idea of a true gentleman polishing his own oxfords would have seemed preposterous, I firmly believe that the modern gent knows not only how to purchase and wear nice clothes, but how to care for them as well.

There should in fact be a certain pleasure in caring for the things one enjoys, even if that care is ironing or scrubbing. Personally, I find polishing my own shoes cathartic, and enjoy the quiet time it give me free from the hustle and bustle of school, friends, etc. Polishing a pair of shoes takes me about thirty minutes if I want to get the toe to a decent level of shine, and I find those thirty minutes immensely relaxing and invigorating, not to mention the satisfaction I get in looking at the gleaming toe-caps the next time I put the shoes on, knowing my labor went to good use.

The other, activities are ironing and pressing. Whether it is getting that perfect crease down the center of a pair of trousers or keeping a shirt wrinkle-free, ironing is a necessary part of getting that clean, crisp look many of us strive for. Now I don’t mean too clean, but not I-slept-in-my-double-cuff-shirt casual either. A good, adjustable steam iron makes this requisite process far less tedious, and the results far better.

If your suits need a bit of help, taking them to a tailor for a steam and adjustment is best, and definitely keep dry cleaning to an absolute minimum. A small personal steamer, or even the steam from your iron, is a good quick-fix, but eventually your suits will need a proper tuneup no matter how well you care for them. A lint brush or roller keeps you from looking like you rolled around on the floor, but it won’t help the shape of a shoulder.

Taking good care of your wardrobe doesn’t just mean active things such as polishing and steaming, but also good upkeep as well. Keeping things on the proper type of hanger, keeping suits and coats in garments bags off season, and hanging your silk ties (rolling knit ones to avoid stretching them out) are easy ways to take a beautifully made piece of clothing and make it last like one. For the modern man, who takes pride and pleasure in cultivating his taste and appreciation of the fine things in which he indulges himself, there seems to me to be no excuse for him to not be his own gentleman’s gentleman.

If you like to know more about taking good care of your wardrobe, please go to TailorU's website.