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Welcome to The Information, a collection of the very best advice pulled from a decade's worth of Esquire's Big Black Book—plus even more new, indispensable guidance delivered regularly. Life is complicated. We're here to uncomplicate it.
You like the finer things in life. Nothing wrong with that! What is wrong, though, is storing those items without the care and consideration they deserve. Enter this guide, which will help you keep all those velvety, silky, satiny things as fine as they were the day you acquired them.
VELVET
WHAT TO LOOK FOR: A silk weave that feels almost like a carpet. The denser the feel, the better the quality.
BEST WORN AS: A blazer.
HOW TO STORE: Hung up, in a garment bag.
HOW TO CLEAN: Don’t. Take it to the dry cleaner.
PROS: Soft, sporty, and warm.
CONS: Too warm for spring and summer. Can also make you look like Hugh Hefner.
SILK
WHAT TO LOOK FOR: Italian silk. It is said to last longer than most Asian fabric.
BEST WORN AS: A tie.
HOW TO STORE: Always roll or hang. Never fold.
HOW TO CLEAN: You can spot-treat liquid stains with peroxide, but it’s better to take it to a professional.
PROS: It’s soft. And some women find it sexy.
CONS: Highly susceptible to wrinkles.
SATIN
WHAT TO LOOK FOR: Can be woven from silk, nylon, or wool, but you want 100 percent Italian silk.
BEST WORN AS: Adornment on a tux lapel. Or as a bow tie or pocket square.
HOW TO STORE: Loosely folded.
HOW TO CLEAN: See a professional.
PROS: Shiny!
CONS: Doesn’t have much function outside of decorating garments or upholstery.
SUEDE
WHAT TO LOOK FOR: Something that’s not too hairy. Rough-textured suede isn’t high quality. You want smooth, tight grain.
BEST WORN AS: Shoes.
HOW TO STORE: On a shoe tree in a dust bag.
HOW TO CLEAN: Take to a leather specialist.
PROS: Develops a fine patina that only gets better with age.
CONS: Rain is its arch-nemesis.
MOHAIR
WHAT TO LOOK FOR: A blend with wool will have added durability.
BEST WORN AS: A suit.
HOW TO STORE: With cedarwood blocks to keep away moths.
HOW TO CLEAN: Hand directly to your dry cleaner.
PROS: Holds a crease well and looks more elegant than wool.
CONS: Pricey and sometimes itchy.
