After only 15 years? Not sure your suit lifespan expectations are realistic, especially if the suit has been worn regularly. Time to buy a new suit.

 

That discussion may be a new thread. What is a realistic expectation of a suit's life? I buy high quality fabrics, MTM in a timeless style, i.e. nothing fashion forward but more traditional. My summer weight wool suits are typically worn once or twice per month for six or seven months before switching over to winter weight. I do have summer weight suits that are going on 20 years that haven't started to develop a sheen. I have winter weight suits that are going on 25 - 30 years.

 

Heloise says to use vinegar:

 

After only 15 years? Not sure your suit lifespan expectations are realistic, especially if the suit has been worn regularly.

Wow!! I'm pleased if a jacket or a pair of trousers lasts five years. That's if they're worn regularly for work and gereral use.

Time to buy a new suit.

Probably, yes. Could be be tired of the look of it anyway?

I did keep a suit once for 20 years, only because it got worn for weddings, funerals and the occasional job interview. Got rid of it, not because it was worn out, but because it was looking rather dated, reminded me of Duran Duran.

 

Wow!! I'm pleased if a jacket or a pair of trousers lasts five years. That's if they're worn regularly for work and gereral use.

Probably, yes. Could be be tired of the look of it anyway?

I did keep a suit once for 20 years, only because it got worn for weddings, funerals and the occasional job interview. Got rid of it, not because it was worn out, but because it was looking rather dated, reminded me of Duran Duran.

I think the whole concept of trad is that the look is timeless, never reaaly goes out of style (or never is really in "style").

 

Orgetorix,

Thanks for responding to the question, I think you and I may have the same understanding of the concept of trad.

I'll give this a try.

 

I think the whole concept of trad is that the look is timeless, never reaaly goes out of style (or never is really in "style").

I know what you mean, try to get something that's classic and timeless. Not fashon forward or whatever.

I'd never even heard of trad when I bought the suit in 1985. In fact I'd became aware of it, when I joined AAAC.

 

I think the whole concept of trad is that the look is timeless, never reaaly goes out of style (or never is really in "style").

Somewhat of a myth, one could argue. But then I do try to be just a tad 'in style'. I find it refreshing.

 

I think the whole concept of trad is that the look is timeless, never reaaly goes out of style (or never is really in "style").

LOL. While the style may be timeless, the fabric or hide the garment/shoes may be made of never is!

 

After only 15 years? Not sure your suit lifespan expectations are realistic, especially if the suit has been worn regularly. Time to buy a new suit.

Yes, indeed.

 

FiscalDean:

Can it possibly be that you don't own a copy of the PDF instant downloadable The Encyclopedia of Men's Clothes? Where you could find:

SHINE. Just sitting on a garment or resting your jacket's arms on a chair or desk can compress the fibers and cause a shine. Also too much dry cleaning can damage a garment by drying out the natural oils in the fabric, thus shortening the life and sometimes giving a shine to the fabric. If you already have some shine on your garment you may want to experiment with an ironing cloth. It's a damp cloth (like a linen or cotton kitchen towel) that is placed on top of the garment so that the iron doesn't touch it directly. Or place the damp towel over the shine and use a steamer to remove the shine. The damp cloth adds extra steam and protects the fabric from shine. If it's a stubborn shine a little white vinegar may be used on the shine before the steam.

 

FiscalDean:

Can it possibly be that you don't own a copy of the PDF instant downloadable The Encyclopedia of Men's Clothes? Where you could find:

SHINE. Just sitting on a garment or resting your jacket's arms on a chair or desk can compress the fibers and cause a shine. Also too much dry cleaning can damage a garment by drying out the natural oils in the fabric, thus shortening the life and sometimes giving a shine to the fabric. If you already have some shine on your garment you may want to experiment with an ironing cloth. It's a damp cloth (like a linen or cotton kitchen towel) that is placed on top of the garment so that the iron doesn't touch it directly. Or place the damp towel over the shine and use a steamer to remove the shine. The damp cloth adds extra steam and protects the fabric from shine. If it's a stubborn shine a little white vinegar may be used on the shine before the steam.

Andy,

Mea Culpa or the more popular "my bad". I'll have to check it out. Thanks for the useful info.

 

Brushing them vigorously before and after wear with a good (Kent Cashmere Brush) will also help minimize the inevitable shine. If it's a tough, tightly spun tropical you may need to use a slightly rougher brush.

But your pants have given you good service. And ultimately, their time is drawing near.

Edit: Probably not worth the bother, but I've found that if you work in an office and have a chair in which you always sit, placing a pad with a rougher surface over a smooth one also reduces the rate of shine. I seem to remember that felt pads were once sold for this purpose.

 

I just want to know who made the suit that is only NOW developing this problem! Oxxford perhaps?

 

I just want to know who made the suit that is only NOW developing this problem! Oxxford perhaps?

It's a MTM from English American Tailors

 

Nice work then. I hope I am so lucky!