Cancel Culture…of the suiting kind

The ‘Suit Delusion’...a term we have coined to describe one who has held on to their suit past its used by date without noticing or just flat out denying its obvious decrepit state. You see, unlike a fine red wine and much like a Ferrari - the value of your suit generally depreciates the moment you wear it. 

Let’s talk Cancel Culture...although the concept of ‘cancelling’ a person is not one that I condone, a culture of ‘cancelling’ your old suit that possesses no redemptive value is definitely one I can get behind. 

So what are the signs of a tired suit? 

Worn out crotch

The months to years of accumulated friction and moisture usually causes this common issue. There’s nothing less attractive in a boardroom than a partially exposed thigh or butt skin cup caking out near the nether regions. 

SOLUTION: always consider buying 2 pairs of trousers with your suit purchase. Limit dry cleaning. Do not wear the same pair of trousers consecutive days. Consider buying a lower thread count wool (super 110s) for more durability.

Ripping on the pockets

It’s no secret, men generally thrash their suits and one of the first things to go is the stitching of your trouser pocket seam. Whether it’s the serrated edging of your keys, the pocket opening getting caught on door handles or your heavy wallet, a ripped pocket look is an SMH moment.

SOLUTION: Apply a besom jetted pocket to your next trouser, it has reinforced stitching on each seam end.

Oil stains on jacket or pants

Let’s be honest, when you see a stain on a suit people will assume it’s either the fries you clumsily dropped on your suit during Friday night drinks or that oily slice of pizza you inhaled whilst inebriated. Dry cleaning your suit can only do so much and even then, you want to avoid this as it compromises the integrity of the fabric. 

SOLUTION: Spot clean using a tide to go pen for an instant solution *Caution* only use sparingly or better yet conduct yourself in a gentlemanly manner at all times, there’s nothing more contradicting than a grub in a well tailored suit.

Balling of wool

Although it may look like you have rubbed a brillo brush on your wool jacket, the main cause of this issue is a result of over dry cleaning or constant wearing of a backpack. The fabric at this point is beyond repair. 

SOLUTION: If this is a common issue you see with your suits try opting a nailhead pattern throughout the fabric- it makes the wool more malleable and durable.

Deformed shoulder padding

Usually a result of the constant use of a flimsy wire hanger or using your office chair as a substitute hanger. The shoulder padding may form a shape likened to the Swiss Alps. The hallmark of a well kept suit is the sharp smooth finish of the shoulder flowing to the arms. 

SOLUTION: Simple...invest in a quality suit hanger - hang it like its life depends on it.

Tin Man effect

Usually occurring with any cheap wool blended synthetic like polyester fabric-overheating in the dry cleaning process causes this ugly look. Not a good first impression when you look like the tin man in a meeting.

SOLUTION: GET A NEW SUIT.