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How Do I Care for a Suede Blazer?

A.M. Boyle
A.M. Boyle

A suede blazer can be a wonderful complement to any wardrobe, but a person must take particular steps to care for it if he or she wants it to retain its classic appearance. To properly care for a suede blazer, an individual should follow three main steps: protection, prevention and proper cleaning. An individual must properly protect the garment from the elements. The person wearing the garment must exercise caution to avoid damage by manmade and natural causes. Finally, the blazer must be dry cleaned by a professional who has the knowledge and skills necessary to handle the garment appropriately.

The best way for an individual to protect a suede blazer is with a commercial waterproof suede protector. There are many brands of suede protectors available on the market, and most come as an aerosol or pump spray. An individual can usually find suede protectors in shops that sell leather and suede products and in shoe stores or furniture stores. When applied correctly, a waterproof suede protector will repel water as well as various stains, thus avoiding irreparable damage to the blazer.

Man with hands on his hips
Man with hands on his hips

Suede blazers can be easily damaged by inappropriate exposure to the elements. As a preventative measure, an individual should avoid exposing his or her suede blazer to rain or moisture of any type. Water can cause irreversible damage to suede. Further, an individual should avoid exposing the blazer to harsh sunlight for any length of time, because bright sunlight will bleach the suede. Additionally, a person should wear a scarf or high collar so that the blazer does not come into direct contact with his or her neck. Natural body oils will stain the fabric.

As another aspect of prevention, an individual should avoid exposing a suede blazer to any kind of chemical residue. For instance, a person should not apply hairspray or perfume while wearing the blazer, because those substances can cause staining and spotting. Additionally, because suede is not a resilient fabric, a person should avoid placing heavy objects in the pockets so as not to stretch the garment out of shape. Also, even if a suede blazer should get wet, a person should never dry the garment in a dryer, because doing so will destroy the texture and likely cause the garment to become misshapen.

In order to properly care for a suede blazer, a person should have it professionally cleaned on a regular basis. At least once a year, a person should take the blazer to a reputable dry cleaner that has experience cleaning suede garments. In between dry cleanings, the owner of the blazer should periodically brush it with a non-scratching brush that has stiff bristles. This will remove excess dust and dirt, and it will keep the garment looking new. By following these simple steps, a person can maintain his or her suede blazer in top form and get many years of enjoyment out of the garment.

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      Man with hands on his hips