Tuxedo Care and Maintenance 101

For most of us, buying a tuxedo is a significant investment. Most men only buy one or two, or they opt for renting tuxedos when they’re needed. If you’ve decided to buy a tuxedo, you need to know how to take care of it. Taking proper care of your tuxedo can keep it fresh for years to come. Here’s some advice for taking care of your tux: 

Cleaning and Storing a Tuxedo

The event is over, and you’re getting ready to put your tuxedo back in the closet. Unlike your casual clothes, it’s not just a matter of hanging it up until next time you’re ready to pull it out. 

First, spot clean the tuxedo. This means carefully taking care of any apparent stains. After you’ve spot cleaned it to the best of your ability, take it to the dry cleaner. Paying for dry cleaning services will help you preserve your tuxedo in the long run. Once you pick up your tuxedo, the next step is storing it properly. Hang it up in a breathable garment bag, making sure it’s in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.  

Ironing or Steaming

The last thing you want to do is ruin your tuxedo. Therefore, steaming is often the preferred method for removing wrinkles. There’s no direct contact with the material, which greatly reduces the risk of damage. If you do choose to iron your tuxedo, choose a low to medium setting, and place a clean, damp cloth between the iron and the tuxedo itself to avoid direct contact. Make sure you’re ironing on a flat, stable surface that’s clean and free of residue. 

Removing Stains

When your tuxedo becomes stained, your first reaction may involve some cursing. Once you’re over the initial shock, here are the steps you should take:

• Check the care label.
• Try removing it by blotting it with water, using light pressure.
• Use a light stain remover like diluted distilled vinegar or lemon juice.
• Take it to the dry cleaner for a full cleaning. 

Be careful to avoid hot water and harsh chemicals, which can cause further damage to your tux. 

Alterations and Repairs

Part of caring for your tuxedo is making sure it still fits and that any damage is repaired. The last thing you want is to ruin your tuxedo because a small tear turned into a larger one. For any alterations or repairs you need, go to a reputable tailor. While you may be able to sew a button onto a shirt yourself, your tuxedo is a larger investment that you want to preserve. Paying a tailor now means avoiding the risk of further damage. 

When you own a tuxedo, you need to take care of it. With the right maintenance and cleaning processes, your tuxedo will stay fresh for years to come. The Lapel Project is here to help you make your tuxedo shine. We aim to make men’s fashion accessible, affordable and flexible with tuxedo customization options. Connect with us online to get started.