Can I wash the jacket to my suit in the washing machine?

You can wash a suit jacket in a washing machine, but it’s generally not recommended. Suit jackets are normally made from delicate fabrics like wool, linen or blended fibres. They also have structured padding, canvas layers and linings that can lose shape or shrink when exposed to water, fast spinning or heat. Even on a gentle cycle, a washing machine can ruin the jacket’s fit, causing puckering, misshaping or fabric damage that can’t be easily repaired.

Instead of machine washing, the safest solution is dry cleaning, as it protects the jacket’s internal structure while removing sweat, odours and stains. For light maintenance, you can also air your jacket after use, gently brush off dust, and use a garment steamer to refresh it without applying direct heat.

If your jacket is labelled “machine washable”, use cold water, a delicate programme and a laundry bag. Lay the jacket flat to dry, never tumble dry and reshape the shoulders while it’s still damp.

However, for the best results and to extend the life of your suit, professional laundry care is worth it. Specialist laundry and dry cleaning services like Hello Laundry ensure your jacket is cleaned safely without damage to the material or structure.