The Art of Suit Repair On the Go

Discovering that you’re missing a button or spotting some dreaded moth holes in your suit can throw off your day and shake your confidence. But can suits be repaired while you’re on the go?

The good news is yes - most minor garment issues can be repaired! The bad news is that if you’re already out of the house or out of town, you may have to make some less-than-ideal choices to get you through your meeting or event.

Read on for some super-quick suit repair suggestions, as well as what to expect when you need to call on a professional.

Fixing Loose and Missing Buttons

Loose and missing buttons are the most predictable of issues while on the go. Best case scenario, you have access to a sewing kit and know how to replace a button. Worst case, you have to get creative. 

How to Fix a Loose Button on a Suit

Clear nail polish or fabric glue can be applied to the thread holding the button to prevent it from further unraveling. If the button is extremely loose, looping a tiny rubber band or dental floss around the threads can also help to secure it.

How to Reattach a Button without Sewing

Super glue or fabric adhesive can work for a short-term solution, but be cautious, as they may not hold up to stress. A more reliable but just as inelegant fix is thin wire, perhaps taken from a twist tie, looped through the button holes and twisted tightly behind the fabric.

How to Replace a Button

With access to a needle and thread, replacing buttons is quick and easy – and there are a lot of YouTube videos (like this one) that demonstrate how you sew a replacement button.

If you can’t find the missing button, look to the inside of your garment. There is often a replacement button or two sewn on a tag, near a hem, into the lining, or on the waistband. Make sure the button fits into the button hole in question before sewing it on. 

How a Professional Fixes Buttons

If you have time for a professional repair, the tailor will sew the button back into place with the correct thread. If the original button is missing, they will check their stock for one similar; swap it out for one in a less conspicuous place; order a matching button from the manufacturer; or replace all of the buttons. (The latter may be an opportunity to change the vibe of the garment!)

Repairing Holes and Tears

Fabric snags, burn holes, moth holes … the severity of the incident depends on the size of the hole, the fabric, and its location. 

How to Fix a Hole in Clothes Without Sewing

For wool and synthetic blends, consider dabbing a tiny amount of super glue or fabric adhesive along the edges to seal loose threads. (Not ideal for delicate fabrics like silk or linen, as it can discolor or stiffen the area.) Allow the adhesive to dry before touching or wearing the garment to avoid hard, visible patches. If necessary, use a fabric or permanent marker in the correct color to conceal the edges.

Medium holes may be concealed with fabric tape or – if you have access to a quick-heat source – an iron-on patch or iron-on interfacing applied to the inside of the garment can provide an emergency fix. If the hole is in a discreet area, a pocket square, lapel pin, or jacket drape may help divert attention until a proper repair is made.

How to Fix Moth Holes in Wool

Moths are primarily attracted to natural animal-based fibers like wool, cashmere, silk, and alpaca because their larvae feed on keratin, a protein found in these fabrics. And moths can eat a lot – where you find one moth hole, you will likely find others. In the life of your suit, moth hole repair is one of the biggest headaches. 

Can moth holes in suits be repaired? In most cases, yes. For tiny moth holes in wool, gently pulling the fabric around the hole can sometimes close it. Medium and large holes are likely best left to the professionals. If there’s no time for a tailor, consider an iron-on wool patch to reinforce the fabric from the inside.

How a Professional Repairs Holes

For holes in wool, a tailor will use a wool-felting needle to blend fibers back together, darn the area by interweaving new threads, or create a patch from matching fabric. 

Reweaving suit repair is a must for large moth or burn holes. Also known as invisible mending or French weaving, it’s the best option for seamless repair. If reweaving isn’t possible, a skilled tailor can add a discreet patch or decorative elbow or shoulder patches to salvage the garment stylishly.

Hiding Dropped Hems

A dropped hem is usually less cause for crisis than missing buttons and visible holes. To mend the hem of your trouser or suit jacket on the go, use double-sided fashion tape for a quick, temporary fix or fabric glue for a stronger hold – just be sure to let it dry completely before wearing.

If you have access to an iron, iron-on hemming tape provides a more durable temporary solution. In emergencies, safety pins can discreetly secure the hem inside. For a long-term fix, a tailor’s stitch is best.

Suit Repair Quick Tips 

• Don’t panic.
  If you didn’t notice the issue while you were getting dressed, chances are the issue won’t be noticed by others. Try not to dwell on it.

• Get creative.
  When time is of the essence, an unorthodox solution may be your only choice. Do the best you can with what you have in the moment.

• Be prepared.
  Keep a travel-sized sewing kit, fashion tape, fabric glue, fabric marker, iron-on patches or interfacing, and safety pins in your bag. They may save you (or a grateful colleague) in a pinch. 
  
  

  

• Be strategic.
  Have a hole in your shirt? Keep your jacket on. In your jacket? Take it off. In your pants? Sit in a way that conceals it. Reduce the chances of the issue being seen.

• Own it.
  Can’t save face? Explain your dilemma and ask for forgiveness. We’re all human – chances are you’ll be granted grace immediately. These things happen. 

• Be proactive.
  If moths are a known entity, store your garments in cedar-lined closets, airtight garment bags, or use moth repellents like lavender or cedar chips. Don’t use moth balls – their harsh chemicals leave a strong odor, cause fabric discoloration, and can damage delicate fibers over time.
  
  

Have you pulled off a sartorial quick fix recently, show us! No shame – a man’s got to do what a man’s got to do! And if you’re having an incident-free dapper day, we want to see those pics too! Tag us with #RHanauer on social media – we’re on Instagram and Facebook.