Business Casual? Not Anymore. The Suit is Back.
Research Shows Men Are Increasingly Wearing Suits Again, But May Not Know How to Take Care of Them
Nashville, TN, September 21, 2006 --(PR.com)-- TV shows like Bravo's Emmy award-winning “Queer Eye” and “How I Met Your Mother” are fueling a new trend among young adults: wearing a suit and dressing up are considered “cool”again. Research from the NPD Group shows that U.S. apparel sales reached $181 billion in 2005, a 4% increase over 2004. Surprisingly, this surge in men’s apparel sales came from young men buying suits. Combined sales of suits, suit separates and sportcoats/jackets grew 53% among men ages 18-24. These are young men who never wore or owned a suit and never saw their father in a suit – yet, they have migrated towards dressing up to be ‘cool.’
To access a VNR with video footage of Queer Eye and interviews, go to: http://www.prnewswire.com/broadcast/25517/press.shtml
Today’s young professionals have more to juggle and less time than ever before. So how do they manage to look “perfectly pressed” and “properly” care for these high-end clothes? Taking their clothes to a professional drycleaner can save valuable time by having their wardrobe hanging in the closet, in “ready-to-wear” condition, without having to do all the work. Most drycleaners even provide same-day service, 24 hour drop-off and some even have drive-thru windows.
“But consumers should be aware that it is very important to take the time to make sure that your drycleaner is a professional. Look for a cleaner that has an affiliation with a professional association of dry cleaners, which provides them with access to training and technical support, as well as current industry information,” said Chris Allsbrooks, FabriCare Foundation spokesperson and Textile Analyst for the International Fabricare Foundation. “Be sure to look around the store for certificates or training awards, like the Award of Excellence, which recognize and reward drycleaners who provide superior cleaning and stain removal. These honors demonstrate a commitment to providing superior quality and customer service.”
The care of clothing actually starts in the store. “When you buy nice clothes for work, be sure to consider your personal habits first,” said Steve Boorstein, The Clothing Doctor®, FabriCare Foundation Spokesperson and President of Fashion Media Group. “For instance, if you perspire a lot, buy natural fibers such as wool suits and cotton shirts because they breathe. To make clothing last longer, rotate your suits and shoes. This allows them to air-out during the ‘off days.’ You should also hang up your jacket in the office and in the car. Also, be sure to use a hanger that fits the shoulders. It’s also important to know that you should never put water on an oily stain. Instead, blot gently and never rub! Then, take that oily stain to your drycleaner to get it out."
“The most important thing to remember is that if you are going to have nice clothes, you should have open communication with a drycleaner whose judgment you trust,” said Dan Martino, President of FabriCare Foundation and CEO of Martino’s Master Drycleaners, a six-store, family-owned dry cleaning chain based in Kenosha Wisconsin. “Going to a professional drycleaner will save you money in the end because it prolongs the life of your wardrobe. It will also free-up your weekends to do the things you like to do.”
For more information about cleaning and prolonging the life of your casual-wear, talk to your professional drycleaner or visit the FabriCare Foundation’s website at www.drycleaningconsumer.com. Please refer to the “Press” page for contact information for each of the organization’s spokespersons.
CONTACT: Kirsten Whitten, Tiffanie Williams & Co., 617-786-0010
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To access a VNR with video footage of Queer Eye and interviews, go to: http://www.prnewswire.com/broadcast/25517/press.shtml
Today’s young professionals have more to juggle and less time than ever before. So how do they manage to look “perfectly pressed” and “properly” care for these high-end clothes? Taking their clothes to a professional drycleaner can save valuable time by having their wardrobe hanging in the closet, in “ready-to-wear” condition, without having to do all the work. Most drycleaners even provide same-day service, 24 hour drop-off and some even have drive-thru windows.
“But consumers should be aware that it is very important to take the time to make sure that your drycleaner is a professional. Look for a cleaner that has an affiliation with a professional association of dry cleaners, which provides them with access to training and technical support, as well as current industry information,” said Chris Allsbrooks, FabriCare Foundation spokesperson and Textile Analyst for the International Fabricare Foundation. “Be sure to look around the store for certificates or training awards, like the Award of Excellence, which recognize and reward drycleaners who provide superior cleaning and stain removal. These honors demonstrate a commitment to providing superior quality and customer service.”
The care of clothing actually starts in the store. “When you buy nice clothes for work, be sure to consider your personal habits first,” said Steve Boorstein, The Clothing Doctor®, FabriCare Foundation Spokesperson and President of Fashion Media Group. “For instance, if you perspire a lot, buy natural fibers such as wool suits and cotton shirts because they breathe. To make clothing last longer, rotate your suits and shoes. This allows them to air-out during the ‘off days.’ You should also hang up your jacket in the office and in the car. Also, be sure to use a hanger that fits the shoulders. It’s also important to know that you should never put water on an oily stain. Instead, blot gently and never rub! Then, take that oily stain to your drycleaner to get it out."
“The most important thing to remember is that if you are going to have nice clothes, you should have open communication with a drycleaner whose judgment you trust,” said Dan Martino, President of FabriCare Foundation and CEO of Martino’s Master Drycleaners, a six-store, family-owned dry cleaning chain based in Kenosha Wisconsin. “Going to a professional drycleaner will save you money in the end because it prolongs the life of your wardrobe. It will also free-up your weekends to do the things you like to do.”
For more information about cleaning and prolonging the life of your casual-wear, talk to your professional drycleaner or visit the FabriCare Foundation’s website at www.drycleaningconsumer.com. Please refer to the “Press” page for contact information for each of the organization’s spokespersons.
CONTACT: Kirsten Whitten, Tiffanie Williams & Co., 617-786-0010
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Contact
FabriCare Foundation
Kirsten Whitten
617-786-0010
www.drycleaningconsumer.com
Kirsten Whitten
617-786-0010
www.drycleaningconsumer.com
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