How to Keep Your Military Uniform in Top Condition
Your uniform is more than just clothing, it's a reflection of your professionalism, pride, and service. Whether you wear it daily or save it for ceremonial duties, how you care for your uniform makes all the difference in how it looks, lasts, and represents you.
We’ve seen the best—and unfortunately, the worst—of uniform care. So here’s our no-nonsense guide to keeping your uniform sharp, smart, and parade-ground ready.
🧼 1. Dry Clean—Don’t Machine Wash
This is the golden rule: do not machine wash your service dress uniform.
Why? The fabrics used in No.1 and No.2 dress (wool blends, gabardine, etc.) are not designed for the agitation, heat, and detergent of a washing machine. Machine washing can:
Shrink the fabric
Damage interlining and shoulder pads
Cause colour fade
Destroy delicate details like gold lace or embroidered insignia
Dry cleaning is the safest way to maintain your uniform. Always choose a cleaner that understands military garments—and if in doubt, drop us a line we can help you with professional dry cleaning.
🧵 2. Use a Sleeve Board for Pressing Gold Lace
Gold rank lace is not just decorative—it’s a precision detail that must be looked after properly.
When pressing your sleeves, never let a hot iron come into direct contact with the gold lace.
Instead:
Use a sleeve board to maintain the shape of the arm
Place a pressing cloth (or a piece of plain cotton) over the lace
Use steam sparingly and press gently, not with downward pressure
This prevents scorching, flattening, or discolouring the lace—especially critical for Royal Navy and RAF officers.
🧥 3. Hang Properly Between Wears
Avoid slinging your jacket on the back of a chair after a long day. Uniforms should be:
Hung on a broad, wooden hanger to preserve the shoulder shape
Fully buttoned to keep the jacket’s form
Trousers hung at the crease to avoid bagging
Bonus tip: keep a lint roller handy. Nothing ruins a smart look like pet hair or fluff.
🌫️ 4. Store in a Breathable Cover—Not Plastic
Plastic covers trap moisture and encourage mildew, yellowing, and odours—particularly dangerous for wool-based uniforms and delicate badges.
Instead:
Use a canvas or cotton suit cover (the ones we give you when we complete any work are perfect for storing uniforms safely)
Store in a cool, dry place with airflow (not a damp garage or loft)
Consider cedar blocks or lavender sachets to deter moths (we always have our all natural moth deterrent bags available)
This protects your uniform from dust, light, and pests while allowing the fabric to breathe.
🧼 5. Treat Medals and Buttons with Care
Metallic threads, buttons, and mounted medals need extra TLC:
Never polish buttons while attached to the jacket—it risks staining the fabric
Use a dry soft cloth to gently wipe down any metal trims or decorations
For medals, ensure they are properly mounted and stored flat when not in use
And if your medals are overdue a tidy-up, we offer professional medal mounting services—court or swing, with precision guaranteed.
🪡 6. Don’t Ignore Small Repairs
A loose button, dropped hem, or torn lining may seem minor, but left unattended they’ll compromise the fit and finish of your uniform.
We recommend:
A seasonal check of all seams, buttons, linings, and rank lace
Professional tailoring for any alterations or damage
Having a spare set of shoulder slides or braid, just in case
Need help? That’s exactly what our tailoring clinics and postal service are here for.
👨✈️ Your Uniform Is an Investment—Look After It Like One
Caring for your uniform isn’t just about looking good on parade—it's about preserving the pride and professionalism it represents.
At Tin Trousers, we’re not just tailors. We’re custodians of tradition, helping service personnel present themselves with excellence.
Need a fresh pressing, rank change, or storage advice?
📞 Contact us today, or book in to one of our tailoring clinics for expert help.
