How to Get Wrinkles Out of a Suit at Home: 3-Step Expert Guide

Your suit should look just as sharp at the end of the day as it did when you first put it on. Unfortunately, wrinkles have a habit of creeping in, especially after wear or improper storage. But that doesn’t mean you need to rush to the dry cleaner.

There are effective ways to remove wrinkles at home that don’t involve pressing, harsh chemicals, or damaging heat. This guide will walk you through how to de-wrinkle your suit safely, when to avoid dry cleaning, and how fabric choice plays a big role in suit maintenance.

Why Dry Cleaning Isn’t Always the Best Option

Dry cleaning may feel like the obvious solution when your suit needs refreshing. But overusing it can be harmful.

Here’s why:

• Dry cleaners often mishandle suits. Pressing can cause creases in the wrong places, especially if the lapel isn’t positioned correctly.

• Excessive heat can damage the fabric. Over time, it can lead to shine, puckering or bubbling, especially with solid fabrics.

• It weakens the suit’s natural structure. The more you dry clean a suit, the more you wear down its shape.

You should only dry clean a suit if it’s dirty or has a noticeable smell. Otherwise, it’s better to preserve the quality of the fabric with more gentle care.

How to Steam a Suit at Home in 3 Easy Steps

This method is safe, simple, and effective for most high-quality suits:

1. Run a Hot Shower: Turn on your shower using hot water and close the door to let the bathroom fill with steam.

2. Hang the Suit Correctly: Hang your jacket on a well-fitted hanger, never too wide or too narrow. For the trousers, use a clip hanger and suspend them from the cuffs so the weight of the waistband helps pull the fabric straight.

3. Let Steam Do the Work: Allow the steam to surround your suit for 15 to 20 minutes. This will help relax the fibres and release wrinkles, especially in the sleeves and inner thigh area.

This method works best with quality fabrics like wool or worsted wool. Just be sure the garments don’t get wet.

Can You Iron a Suit to Remove Wrinkles?

Ironing is not recommended for most suits. It may flatten the fabric, damage textured weaves or create a shiny finish on the material.

If you absolutely must iron your suit:

• Use the lowest heat setting

• Place a cotton pressing cloth between the iron and the suit

• Apply light pressure only

However, steaming is nearly always the safer and more effective method.

When to Take a Suit to the Dry Cleaner

Some wrinkles are too deep or set to be handled with steam alone, especially if your suit has been exposed to rain or packed tightly for long periods.

In that case, take your suit to a trusted dry cleaner, but be specific. Ask them to press the suit, not dry clean it. Pressing involves heat and steam only, without using any solvents or chemicals.

Keep in mind:

• Even high-end dry cleaners can make mistakes

• Hand-finished services are often overpriced

• Over time, all dry cleaners can degrade a suit’s shape

Use dry cleaning sparingly, and only when absolutely necessary.

Fabric Matters: Choosing Wrinkle-Resistant Suits

The best way to avoid wrinkles altogether is to choose fabrics that hold their shape better.

Here’s what to look for:

• English wool fabrics are slightly heavier and wrinkle less than Italian or domestic options

• 9 to 11 oz weight is ideal for year-round use and tends to resist creasing

• Avoid synthetic blends like polyester, which don’t breathe well and can feel stiff

• A small percentage of mohair (under 15%) can help improve structure without sacrificing comfort

Tell your tailor you’re looking for low-wrinkle fabrics. A well-chosen material will make long-term suit care much easier.

When you work with a bespoke tailor, you can choose from fabrics designed to wrinkle less and last longer. Learn more about our bespoke process.

The Right Suit Needs the Right Care

A high-quality suit doesn’t need constant dry cleaning or ironing. With the proper hanger, occasional steaming and smart fabric choices, your suit can look fresh and elegant every time you wear it.

Suit care is just as much about prevention as it is about treatment.

Looking for a Suit That Holds Its Shape All Day?

At Alan David Custom, we handcraft garments from premium fabrics that are built to last and to stay sharp. First-time clients receive an exclusive discount on their first bespoke suit.

Book a fitting or explore our custom tailoring blog to learn more.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to get wrinkles out of a suit?
Hang your suit in a steamy bathroom for 15-20 minutes. The steam gently relaxes the fabric and removes wrinkles without damage.

Can I iron my suit at home?
Ironing is not ideal for suits. If necessary, use a pressing cloth and low heat with minimal pressure.

How often should I dry clean a suit?
Only when the suit is visibly dirty or has an odor. For most wearers, once every 3-4 months is plenty.

Is steaming better than dry cleaning?
For wrinkle removal, yes. Steaming is gentler and doesn’t damage the structure or finish of the suit.

Which fabrics wrinkle the least?
English wool, 9-11 oz weight, and blends with a small percentage of mohair wrinkle less and recover shape more easily.