While lots of info exists outlining how to properly care for your suit, do your know what to do with the other pieces in your wardrobe? At SAO Sartorial, we not only want you to acquire elegant outfits but to also maintain them. That’s why we’re keen on educating our clients about TLC for their gentleman’s closet. Our in-house experts share their best head-to-toe care tips—from suits to shoes. Dig in.

Caring for Your Hats

Whether you are wearing our carbon cowboy hat or wide pencil brim fedora, avoid putting these in the wash or using excessive water. Instead, use a brush with soft bristles, starting at the front of your hat and moving toward the back, going counterclockwise as you work. Use short, consistent strokes in the same direction, and warm water and vinegar to tackle dirt or stains. Yet to experiment with hats? Shop our collection to add style to your wardrobe.

TLC for Shirts

The shirt presents some flexibility with in cleaning options; While some may prefer to have their shirts dry-cleaned, you can also machine wash them. If you choose the latter, be sure to use the delicate cycle. Use warm water for white shirts and cold water for colored shirts.

You can iron them immediately after washing or tumble dry on low heat first. This method saves money, but may achieve less perfection than dry cleaning. If budget allows, take your shirts to the cleaner and opt for minimal to no starch.

If you need custom dress shirts, SAO offers high-quality Bespoke and MTM options with a precision fit, hand-sewn details, and extensive customization options akin to sartorial elegance. If you need custom Sao shirt services , book your fitting today. 

Style Don’ts:

Never wear your white shirts more than once without cleaning. They quickly accumulate dirt, making it nearly impossible to remove once it sets.

How to Properly Care for Your Suit Jacket

To preserve the jacket, you should always hang it on a wide shoulder hanger and use a suit brush or lint roller to remove lint. If you do not plan on wearing the jacket for a while, have it cleaned and cover it with a garment bag. 

Do not have your jackets dry cleaned more than three times in 2-4 months. The chemicals will expedite the breakdown of the fabric. Instead, utilize your suit brush and have the garment properly steam pressed. You will find that steam pressing is a great way to properly care for your suit and other bespoke outfit long term. If you iron your jacket using  too much direct heat, you will damage the thread and may even create a sheen effect. 

If you have to wear a suit often, invest in a few MTM and bespoke pieces. It’ll save you money in the long run and you’ll have variety to style with. Don’t know where to start? Worry not, we’re here to get you started, book your appointment with the ultimate gentleman’s bespoke style today and we’ll get you started.

How to Care for Your Suit Trousers 

For your slacks, follow the same cleaning and caring method as your suit. For cotton, linen, cotton blends, denim, etc. Feel free to toss them in the washer in warm to cold water and hang dry if you have the time. Always store wool trousers on a proper pant hanger by the hem.

Shoe Care

The absolute very first thing you should do with a new shoe purchase is to spray them with an all-weather protectant.

~The SAO Expert Team

Secondly, when storing, be sure to use shoe trees made of cedar to maintain shape and absorb moisture.

Cleaning is pretty simple if kept up. The first step is to remove any dirt or dust. Leather requires polishing and leather treatments at various times. As for suede, you can achieve a clean look with a rubber eraser and a coarse brush. Try using warm water and vinegar when removing deep stains. Likewise, you can get the dirt off of canvas shoes with warm water and a bit of soap.

Keep Your Wardrobe Clean and Crisp

Now that you know how to care for your outfits head-to-toe, be sure to remain vigilant in your upkeep efforts. Don’t forget to visit our Instagram page, we have frequent updates to remind you when you forget, and and the latest style updates to keep your style fresh.