Edinburgh Tailoring Company – Important Notice!

Bespoke tailoring is an investment. With the right care, your garments will keep their shape, colour and structure for many years. Below is our guidance on how to maintain your garments properly. These recommendations apply to all suits, jackets, trousers, shirts, overcoats and bespoke denim produced by Edinburgh Tailoring Company.

Our guidance is based on decades of experience. It is designed to protect your garments and to help you get the best long term performance from them.

1. Dry Cleaning

**(Important Please Read)**

Dry cleaning is not recommended unless absolutely necessary. The chemicals, heat and pressing methods used by cleaners can affect colour, shrink cloth, distort canvassing, damage linings and create shine.

If you do choose to dry clean your garments, it is at your own risk. Edinburgh Tailoring Company accepts no responsibility for any issues that arise as a result of dry cleaning.

If you must use a dry cleaner:

  • Use a reputable specialist, not a budget chain.
  • Provide clear verbal instructions. Do not rely on them reading labels.
  • Request hand pressing only.
  • Request low heat.
  • Ask them to avoid chemical spot treatments.
  • Never allow machine pressing on jackets or trousers.
  • Avoid frequent cleaning. Less is always better.

Dry cleaning damage voids the one year quality guarantee if any damage results.

2. Routine Cleaning at Home

Most garments can be kept fresh and clean without dry cleaning.

Brushing

Use a soft clothes brush to remove dust, lint and light marks after each wear. Brush gently with long strokes following the cloth grain.

Airing

Hang garments in a cool, ventilated space for at least twenty four hours after wearing. This allows the fibres to relax and release odours.

Steam Instead of Pressing

A household steamer is far gentler than any iron. Use short, controlled bursts and allow the cloth to fall naturally. Do not push or stretch the cloth while steaming.

Spot Cleaning

For small marks, dab gently with a clean damp cloth.
Avoid rubbing. Avoid detergents. Avoid household stain removers.

3. Pressing and Wrinkles

If a garment needs pressing:

  • Use light to medium heat only.
  • Use a pressing cloth between the iron and the garment.
  • Never press directly on the cloth.
  • Do not press canvas, chest areas or lapels unless you know how.
  • Do not press trouser creases aggressively.
  • Avoid steam irons on high settings.

If in doubt, bring the garment to us for advice.

4. How to Store Your Garments

Proper storage is essential for maintaining shape and longevity.

Jackets and Coats

Always hang on wide shouldered wooden hangers. Slim hangers will distort the shoulder and collar.

Trousers

For best results, hang by the hems or waistband using clamp hangers with felt grips.

Avoid Plastic Covers

Only use breathable garment bags for short periods. Long term storage in plastic traps moisture and can damage cloth. ETC provides an ideal suit bag when you collect your suit.

Avoid Overcrowded Wardrobes

Crushed garments lose shape faster and crease more easily.

5. General Wear and Tear Guidance

Normal wear will naturally affect any garment, regardless of quality.
This includes:

  • Friction wear on trouser thighs
  • Seat tension from sitting
  • Elbow wear on jackets
  • Pocket wear from keys or heavy items
  • Button stress from repeated force
  • Lining wear over time

These are considered normal and are not covered by the one year guarantee.

Repairs for wear and tear can be carried out as a chargeable service.

6. Travelling With Your Garments

If travelling:

  • Use a proper suit carrier.
  • Do not fold jackets tightly.
  • Remove garments from the carrier as soon as possible and allow them to hang.
  • Steam lightly if creases appear.

Before long trips, we recommend a quick in studio press to ensure the garment starts the journey in the best possible condition.

7. Storage Between Seasons

For seasonal items:

  • Clean and brush before storing. Edinburgh Tailoring Company sells clothes brushes that are perfect for this use.
  • Use cedar blocks or natural moth deterrents.
  • Store in a cool, dry, ventilated wardrobe.
  • Do not store in lofts, attics, basements or damp cupboards.

8. Trousers and Denim Specific Care

Trousers

  • Rotate trousers if you own multiple pairs.
  • Avoid wearing the same pair every day to reduce friction wear.
  • Rest trousers for twenty four hours between wears.

Denim

Our bespoke and raw denim will fade and shape naturally. Please watch the video on our Denim page for guidance.
We recommend:

  • Wash sparingly.
  • Cold wash only when required, inside out.
  • Never tumble dry.
  • Expect natural fading and creasing over time.

9. Shirts

To keep your shirts in the best condition:

  • Gentle machine wash.
  • Remember to remove any collar bones or cufflinks before washing.
  • Button the top and cuffs to protect the placket.
  • Low spin.
  • Hang dry.
  • Press while slightly damp for best results.

Avoid commercial laundry services unless they use low heat pressing methods.

10. When to Contact Us

You are welcome to contact us if:

  • You need advice on caring for a particular cloth
  • You are unsure how to clean or press a garment
  • You want recommendations for reputable cleaners
  • You would like a professional press or refresh
  • You notice something unusual within your one year guarantee window

We’re always happy to help with guidance.

Closing Note

Proper care extends the life of bespoke garments dramatically. These guidelines exist to help you protect your investment and enjoy your clothing for many years.

If you need personalised advice, please contact us by email. We are always here to help you look your best.