A good suit is an investment, and cleaning it the wrong way can shrink the fabric, dull the finish or wreck the shape of the jacket. Here is how to clean a suit, how often to dry clean it, and what you can safely do at home.
Can you wash a suit?
Most tailored suits should be dry cleaned, not machine washed. A suit jacket has structure inside it (canvas, padding and shoulders) that water and agitation can distort. A small number of suits are labeled machine washable, so always check the care label first. If it says dry clean only, do not wash it. Our care symbols guide explains how to read the label.
How often should you dry clean a suit?
Less often than you might think. Dry cleaning is gentle but repeated cleaning wears on fabric over time. There is no single schedule, but clean a suit when:
- it has a visible stain or spill,
- it has an odor that airing does not remove,
- it looks dull or shiny from wear, or
- you have worn it several times and it feels heavy or dirty.
How to look after a suit between cleanings
- Brush it. A soft clothes brush removes surface dust and lint.
- Air it out. After wearing, hang it somewhere with airflow before putting it away.
- Use a proper hanger. A wide, shaped hanger keeps the shoulders from collapsing.
- Steam out wrinkles. Light steam is gentler than pressing at home.
- Rotate your suits. Letting each suit rest between wears helps it keep its shape.
- Treat spills quickly. Blot gently rather than rubbing, and bring it in rather than treating it yourself.
What to avoid
- Do not put a suit jacket or trousers in the dryer.
- Do not scrub stains. Rubbing can spread a mark or damage the fabric.
- Do not iron directly on wool or delicate fabrics without a pressing cloth.
Suit dry cleaning in DFW
At Top Hat Cleaners, dry cleaning starts at $5.25 for a shirt and $5.99 for pants. Suits, jackets and other business wear are priced on the same basis, and we confirm the price after inspecting the garment. Every garment is inspected and cleaned by a method suited to its fabric, then pressed and checked. See how dry cleaning works and our price guide.
Pickup and delivery is free on qualifying orders of $45 or more, which suits easily reach when you send a few. Same-day service may be available at select locations, so call 214-348-0666 if you have an event.
Ready to book? Schedule a pickup or call 214-348-0666.
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Top Hat Cleaners picks up and delivers across Dallas-Fort Worth. Dry cleaning, wash & fold laundry, pressing, and specialist saree care, with free pickup and delivery on qualifying orders.
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