In our first four Business Dressing columns, we discussed putting together a business wardrobe. Acquiring the wardrobe items you need can be quite a costly endeavor. So it seems appropriate that this week, we will focus on caring for your wardrobe in order to maximize your investment.

Let’s first discuss caring for your wool suits. It is important to understand that the chemicals used in the dry cleaning process tend to strip wool of many of its natural properties. By following some basic guidelines, you can minimize trips to the dry cleaners and prolong the life of your suits. First, if possible, wear a particular suit only once each week. This way, there will be enough time between wearings for the suit to hang properly and regain its original shape. Hang trousers from the bottom on clips – the extra weight in the waistband will stretch the trousers and help to remove creases. Jackets should be hung on a padded hanger. This will help to maintain their shape. If your suit is only wrinkled after being worn, have a tailor steam press it. A stained suit should by all means be cleaned.

There are several options in caring for your 100% cotton dress shirts. For longest life, we recommend that you use a cold-water wash setting, and then tumble dry the shirts on a delicate cycle. Use a warm iron to press the shirts while they are still slightly damp. We advise you to request light starch if you prefer to have your shirts professionally laundered.

Caring for your silk neckties is relatively simple. When removing your tie at the end of the day, reverse the steps that you used to tie the knot. Then, hang the necktie on a tie rack, allowing it to return to its original shape and help remove wrinkles. The biggest enemy of the necktie is an unwanted stain. If it becomes stained, blot the spot as quickly as possible with a clean, dry cloth. Unless the stain is oil based, you can also go over it with a damp cloth. If you are fortunate, that will work. If the stain remains, have the necktie dry cleaned by someone who has a great deal of experience with ties. Silk is delicate. Cleaning and pressing a silk tie is an acquired skill.

Since knit shirts are made from a variety of fabrics, we suggest that you read the label on the individual garments to determine how best to care for them. If the label recommends hand washing, use a mild detergent (Woolite is a good choice) in lukewarm water. Soak the garment for several minutes and rinse. Be sure to eliminate all suds. Do not wring or twist the garment. Instead, roll the garment in an absorbent towel and gently wring the towel. Then, remove the garment and lay it down flat to dry. To best keep a knit’s original shape, they should never be put on a hanger. Instead, fold knit garments flat for storage.

If you have any additional questions, please email us at PFadvisor@paulfredrick.com Next week we will begin a two-part discussion on selecting the dress shirt that is right for you.

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