Don’t Forget the Dry Cleaner

We’re all dressing more comfortably these days—even at work. Which means fewer and fewer men are dropping off stacks of shirts and suits at the dry cleaners each week. But while that routine might've changed, it doesn't mean this new generation is immune to spills or the desire to keep their clothes looking fresh.

When you invest in something, you want it to last, right? The dry cleaner can bail you out of a disaster by tackling stains that would otherwise ruin an item. Say you get some CBD oil on one of your favorite hoodies. Soap and water isn't going to remove that. Maybe you spill some of your protein shake on an intricate pair of sneakers. Rinse it off, sure, but you're better off leaving the full cleaning and restoration to a professional.

The results are almost always better than you imagine and the prices aren't as bad as you might fear. Of course, there are specialty shops if you want the best care. Jeeves is a luxe launderer based in London and New York that offers specialty cleaning and repairs. Jason Markk's Los Angeles flagship has a drop-off shoe care center that dry cleans all sorts of sneakers. But greasy stains, wine spills and the regular grime that builds up on jackets or hats? It can all be eradicated at your local cleaners.

And this is the best time to go, actually. The busiest season for dry cleaners tends to be the spring (April through June), so bring your clothes in during January and February (traditionally the slowest months for business). Not only will there be a quicker turnaround, but some shops might even offer a discount.