No matter where or when you last wore your tuxedo, it required maintenance. Regular maintenance will protect it from damage so that you can continue wearing it in the future.
Caring for Your Tuxedo
Here are some of our top tips for cleaning and preserving your tux:
1. Identify the Fabric of Your Tuxedo
There are dozens of types of tuxedos, with many different types of fabrics. Linen is popular for tuxedos worn in the summer months. Others are made of cotton, cashmere, tweed, wool, and velvet. For fabric-specific care instructions, take a look at our fabric care guide.
2. Brush After Wearing
Your tuxedo will pick up dust and dirt during your wear, and if you wear it for just a short amount of time, it may not need a full dry cleaning. Use a tuxedo brush to remove dirt and debris from the surface. Lightly brush the entire exterior of your tux with the brush.
3. Use a Steamer
Generally done prior to wear, steaming your tux can remove light wrinkling and refresh the fabric. Do not use an iron! A steamer is specifically designed to remove wrinkles gently for delicate or expensive fabrics. Hold 6-10 inches away from your fabric and slowly hover over the fabric until the wrinkle releases.
4. Dry Clean Your Tuxedo
The majority of tuxedos are dry-cleaned only. This is because the lining inside the coat is fragile and can be damaged easily. Machine washing on a tumble setting will likely ruin your tux.
Handling Minor Stains
A tiny guacamole stain on the front of your quote may not merit a trip to the dry cleaner, especially if it happens right before your event. Even though your tux is fragile and should be treated with care, you can treat small, minor stains at home. In the event of a stain, use a clean white cloth and mild dish soap. Dampen the cloth and add a small drop of dish soap and dab onto your garment. When you take your tux to be dry cleaned, mention the stain so that can treat it appropriately.
Storing Your Tuxedo
After a wear, it is necessary to take some steps to ensure the longevity of your piece. As tuxedos are only really worn on nice occasions, it’s likely you’ll want to preserve it as best you can. Shoving it in a box in the back of your closet is NOT going to help with preserving it. The price tag on a tux is enough to make you want to never buy another. So, let’s take good care of the one you have. Here are some of our storing tips to keep it fresh and clean for your next wear.
- Hang on a solid wood hanger
- Store in a breathable garment bag
- Store in a dark, cool place
- Store with cedar blocks or mothballs
Don’t let the maintenance scare you; tuxedos can last a lifetime if they are cared for properly. Following our tips will ensure a lasting and pristine tux. Contact us for more information or professional tuxedo cleaning services.
