Hear the church bells ringing? Spring wedding season is upon us, which means it’s time to dust off your finest attire! Even if you’re not saying “I do” or standing up by the happy couple’s side, your formalwear still needs to be ready to impress. Wrinkled suits, musty gowns, and last year’s champagne stains are not part of the dress code. But don’t worry — we’ve got you covered with the best tips for keeping your tuxedos, suits, and dresses looking flawless all season long.
Related: How to Maintain Designer Clothes
Clean It Before You Store It
Formalwear should always be cleaned before storage. Even if your suit or gown looks clean, invisible stains from sweat, deodorant, lotion, or perfume can set and oxidize over time, leading to discoloration or damage. Cleaning formalwear garments before they enter the closet will prevent any “new” stains or nasty surprises from making an appearance when you need to use your formal clothes again.
For delicate fabrics like silk, chiffon, or wool blends, dry cleaning is the safest option. If you’re wondering how to clean a tuxedo or how to clean a wedding dress, professional cleaning ensures that stains are removed without damaging the fabric. Dependable Cleaners specializes in formalwear care, using gentle, fabric-friendly cleaning methods to remove stains and refresh your garments without damage.
Related: How to Clean and Care for Cocktail Dresses
Steaming vs. Ironing: What’s Best?
Wrinkles are the enemy of elegance, but not all fabrics can handle the heat of an iron. Steaming is the best way to smooth out tuxedos, suits, and delicate gowns without risking burns or shine marks. A handheld steamer works well for quick touch-ups (and a steamy bathroom can work in a pinch), but if you’re dealing with stubborn creases, professional pressing can make a monumental difference.
If you must iron, always check the care label first and use a low-heat setting with a pressing cloth for added protection.
Store Formalwear the Right Way
Tossing a suit or gown in the back of your closet in a plastic garment bag is a surefire way to trap moisture and odors. Instead, use breathable fabric garment bags and store formalwear in a cool, dry place.
For suits and tuxedos, invest in wide-shoulder wooden hangers to maintain your jacket’s shape. Gowns should be hung on padded hangers or folded with acid-free tissue paper in between layers to prevent creasing.
Spot Clean Carefully
Accidents happen — especially at parties! When wine spills, bits of colored frosting, and other rogue elements are in play, quick action is key. Blot (don’t rub!) the stain with a clean cloth and cool water. Avoid using DIY stain removers, as some chemicals can damage delicate fabrics. When in doubt, bring your formalwear to a professional dry cleaner for expert stain removal.
Refresh Between Wears
If you’re attending multiple weddings this season, you’re going to need a wardrobe refresh between events. Hanging your suit or gown in a well-ventilated area overnight helps air it out. Lightly misting the fabric with a fabric freshener can also help eliminate light odors.
For a full refresh, professional dry cleaning keeps your formalwear looking, smelling, and feeling like new — so you’re always wedding-ready!
Dependable Cleaners: Your Formalwear Care Experts
When it comes to caring for tuxedos, suits, and gowns, trust the experts at Dependable Cleaners. Our specialized cleaning and pressing services ensure your formalwear stays crisp, clean, and wedding-ready all season long. Plus, with same-day service, free pickup & delivery, and convenient 24-hour self-serve kiosks, we’re standing by to help make you one of the best-dressed guests at any outing you have on your schedule.
Got a big event coming up? We’ll help you turn heads! Call your Dependable cleaning partner at 303-777-2673, or visit one of our convenient Denver area locations.
