The question of home laundering suits involves understanding the potential damage to garment construction, fabric, and interfacings. Suits are often constructed using delicate materials and tailoring techniques not designed to withstand the rigors of a washing machine. Attempting to machine wash a suit can result in shrinkage, distortion, and damage to the inner structure. For example, the heat and agitation can cause glued interfacings to detach, leading to bubbling and a misshapen garment.
Proper suit care preserves the investment in quality tailoring and extends the garment’s lifespan. Traditionally, dry cleaning has been the recommended method for cleaning suits due to its gentler approach. This method uses chemical solvents rather than water and agitation, minimizing the risk of damage. However, the development of modern washing machines with delicate cycles and the availability of gentle detergents has led to renewed interest in home laundering for certain suit types.
