Pear Tree Clothing Alterations
Care Journal · September 2026 · 5 min read
A well-fitted suit keeps its shape because the cloth can recover between wears. In a Florida summer, that recovery takes a little more help: humidity keeps fibers damp, heat speeds up wear, and closets rarely breathe.
Rest it between wears
Give a suit at least a day off after wearing it. Hang it somewhere with air around it before it goes back in the closet, so the moisture it absorbed during the day can leave the cloth. Rotating between two or more suits is the single easiest way to make them last.
Hang it properly
- Use a wide, shaped hanger that fills the shoulders of the jacket. Wire hangers leave dents that are hard to press out.
- Empty the pockets — keys and phones pull the jacket out of shape.
- Hang trousers by the hem or folded over a padded bar, so the crease stays sharp.
- Store suits in breathable cotton garment bags, not the plastic bag from the dry cleaner.
Brush and steam more, dry clean less
Frequent dry cleaning wears cloth faster. A clothes brush after each wear removes the dust that abrades fibers, and a steamer takes out most wrinkles and freshens the fabric. Save dry cleaning for actual stains or odors.
Keep the closet dry
A closet on an exterior wall in Florida can hold a surprising amount of moisture. A moisture absorber or a small dehumidifier helps, and cedar blocks discourage moths. Never leave a suit in a hot car — the heat can distort interfacing and the fused parts of a jacket.
When to bring it to us
- The jacket or trousers no longer fit the way they did — weight changes are the most common reason a good suit stops being worn.
- A lining has torn, a button has come loose, or a seam has opened.
- The trousers are too long or too short for the shoes you wear now.
Every garment is assessed in person at our Lakewood Ranch atelier, and the assessment is complimentary.