A canvas-constructed suit costs ten times what a fused one costs and lasts forty times as long — but only if you treat it the right way. Here's the short version.

1. Rest, then wear

Wool needs 24-48 hours between wears to recover its drape. Two suits in rotation each weekday will outlast one suit worn five days in a row by years, not weeks.

2. Brush, then hang

A horsehair brush, downward strokes, after each wear. Removes dust and the day's grime from the cloth surface, which would otherwise grind into the fibre over time. Then hang on a wide wooden shoulder (not a thin wire) so the shoulder line doesn't collapse.

3. Dry-clean as little as possible

Twice a year, maximum. Every dry-clean cycle strips natural lanolin from the wool. Spot-clean with a damp cloth and a little ammonia for accidents; defer the full clean as long as you can stand it.

4. Steam, do not iron

A handheld steamer freshens cloth without flattening the lapel roll. Direct iron heat on a hand-padded lapel will undo the roll the cutter spent two hours building. If you must iron, use a press cloth and stay off the lapel face.

5. Bring it back when it tires

Year three or so, the trouser bottoms fray, the seat shines a little, the cuff lining might let go. None of these are end-of-life. Bring the suit back; we'll do whichever of the three is needed and the piece goes back into rotation. First refurbishment within five years of delivery is at our cost.