Q: How Many Times Can I Wear the Same Suit in One Week?
Dear Men’s Health Style,
I'm just starting to build my professional wardrobe. Right now
it's still pretty slim, with only one charcoal and one navy blue suit.
I'm wondering how many times I can wear the same suit in one week. And
how long can I go before cleaning it (assuming I don't spill
anything)?
Thanks,
Chris
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Hi Chris,
Thanks for writing. Here at Men’s Health, we’re proponents of dressing for the job you aspire to rather than just the one you already have, so looking sharp in a well-tailored suit is proactive professional thinking.
You’re already ahead of the game, since your go-to suits are charcoal and navy blue. A solid fabric in a low-key color is key to being able to wear a suit more than once a week. In fact, with the right mixing, we estimate you can wear the same suit at least three times a week. Think of your suit as the neutral foundation and mix up the underpinnings you wear with it. That means a solid shirt and a striped tie one day, a checked shirt with no tie and pocket share the next. As long as your shirt, tie and general color scheme appears different each day, so will your look—regardless of the tailored base.
Of course, you can also break up each suit and get even more bang for your buck. Pair the charcoal jacket with a navy or black pants. Even a pattern will work. The navy might look great with gray or tan pants as well as a Prince of Wales plaid. When you’re feeling casual, navy looks great with white jeans or a bright chino (Kelly green, raspberry and bright blue works especially well with this hue).
One thing to keep in mind: All of this effort will be wasted if the suits aren’t already perfectly fitted to your shape. (Not sure how your suit should fit? Here’s a celeb who does.) If you’re not starting with a tailored foundation, you’ll want to spend your first paycheck on a trip to the tailor.
As for cleaning, typically you should only dry clean your suit about once or twice a year, or when it is soiled. If you're wearing a suit an average of three times per week, you'll obviously want to clean it a little more regularly. Once every month or two should be fine. Hang it on a suit hanger and eliminate wrinkles with steam from your shower and you'll get more mileage between cleanings.
Want your style questions answered? Email us at MHstyle@rodale.com.
—The Men’s Health Style Team
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