Advice from the experts: caring for your tuxedo

“My care tip would be to always keep your tuxedo in a breathable cotton suit bag, dry clean it very sparingly and ensure to give it a good run down with a clothes brush after every wear. Also keep it in a wardrobe which is sufficiently protected against moths. The last thing you want is a holey tuxedo!” - Teo Van Den Broeke, Style Director of British Esquire

“Firstly, invest in a really good, fabric suit carrier to keep it protected. If it isn’t in regular rotation, the last thing you want is for it to get dusty in your wardrobe in between wears. Secondly, never keep it hanging on a wire hanger – make sure it stays on a sturdy wooden one with proper shoulder supports to preserve its shape in between wears.” - Nick Carvell, GQ (UK) Associate Style Editor

“Black-tie pumps are so named because they are fit for purpose, and the patent leather ones are the best. There are patent leather brogues, but they can break up the sleek silhouette of the trousers, which will show more because of the silk braiding running from hip to hem. Patent is also much easier to maintain, but if you refuse to go that direction, then get the polish out and get as much of a shine on the shoes as you can. Shoe horns are widely available and should be used on all formal shoes. Avoid metal ones as they can make small cuts to the leather, which will always get bigger." - Tom Chamberlin, Editor, The Rake

“When shining your shoes , use a neutral care cream before applying a light coating of black shoe polish. Light is the operative term. Once applied, be sure to use a soft cloth and rub in fully, then spend a good five minutes (and plenty if elbow grease) buffing the shoes to a shine with a medium shoe brush. Dab on a spot of champagne (really) in this process to bring out a proper shine.” - Teo Van Den Broeke, Style Director of British Esquire

“Dry cleaners will be adept at this, but if you want to be more hands on, then understand that the contrast of the silk facings with the black wool of your tuxedo is the most striking part of the whole outfit, so if the lapels are hanging off and creased rather than pressed firmly up against the front panels of the suit, it will minimise the 'Bond' effect. The rest of the suit is meant to have a louche amount of drape and if it is all scrunched up from no pressing, it will feel like you are wearing it the morning after rather than the night before.” - Tom Chamberlin, Editor, The Rake

“If you have a Marcella or pleated front evening shirt , iron it on the underside of that – it makes the whole process so much easier!” - Nick Carvell, GQ (UK) Associate Style Editor

“Keep your bow ties and cummerbunds stored flat in air-tight vacuum bags to avoid creases and exposure to natural elements. It might sound a little OTT, but you'll thank me when you're scrabbling around to find your bow tie a few hours before a black tie event.” - Teo Van Den Broeke, Style Director of British Esquire

“Don’t roll your bow tie because it will curl – store it flat. And for cufflinks, just make sure you have a silver (or gold) cloth in your armoury to give them a quick polish the night before your event.” - Nick Carvell, GQ (UK) Associate Style Editor