Clothes can and should become cherished items you create a relationship with. And the best examples should improve over time – but not without your help. To that end, we spoke to some industry experts about how they ensure their clothes survive the rough and tumble of life and come out looking better than ever. From denim to suits, shoes and bags – our nuts-and-bolts guide to wardrobe care.

On a cold day, a good coat is like a forcefield between you and the outside world. Of all the investment pieces in your wardrobe, your winter coat is also likely the most significant player of all. To ensure it stays that way for many more winters to come, we have advice from Jeeves of Belgravia, dry-cleaners to King Charles. And if you’ve packed yours away until later in the year, now is the time to take action.

The galácticos of your knitwear rotation, cashmere pieces also need special attention, whether they are in use or not. Silky soft and great for moderating your body temperature, cashmere is called the king of yarns for a reason. From washing and removing stains to the right storage, here’s our guide to ensure it stays that way.

“A lot of the time, it’s easy to forget that your watch needs looking after,” writes the watch journalist Chris Hall. “It’s a testament to how well these little machines are made. They contain hundreds of miniscule components operating at extremely fine tolerances – we expect them to keep time 24/7 and soak up a great deal of punishment along the way. Here’s how to make sure it keeps on ticking: what to look out for, how to clean your watch and the simple truth about luxury watch servicing.”

Sneaker maintenance isn’t as simple as throwing them in the washing machine and hoping for the best. To ensure your sneakers stay in tip-top condition (and remain so for longer), you’ll need to put in a bit of time and effort. Here’s how it’s done.

“Buy less, but better” is an admirable guiding principal in this modern world. But another impact that our clothes can have on the future of the planet we inhabit is how we look after them. Washing, cleaning and general maintenance can prolong the life of our clothing – and the right methods can further lessen our impact. Here are some small switches that can make a big difference.

Then it comes to washing your prized items of clothing. “It’s tempting to outsource all this work to a dry-cleaner or a professional laundry, both out of idleness and out of fear of making a mistake,” writes Mansel Fletcher. “However, clothes washed at home will last longer than ones subjected to the harsh industrial processes employed by most dry-cleaners, and some men even enjoy the rituals involved.”

By now, we’ve looked at most aspects of our wardrobes. “But what about your socks and underwear drawer?” asks Fedora Abu. “If you’re the type of guy who doesn’t hesitate to shell out three figures on a pair of TOM FORD boxers and buys cashmere knee-highs by the multipack, then it’s especially wise to learn how to keep those pieces in tip-top condition. Thankfully, we’re on hand with a simple, five-point guide to exactly that.”

With the help of three experts, we’ve come up with a comprehensive, head-to-toe guide to choosing a dry-cleaner that’s good for you, your clothes and the environment.

Clean your closet, the MR PORTER way. Featuring advice on storing your T-shirts, keeping your knitwear in good condition and organising your workout gear in a civilised fashion. This guide is the ultimate cheat sheet, designed to provide the framework for an orderly wardrobe for years to come.