How to Wash a Dress Shirt

With proper care, custom dress shirts can serve you well for many years, making them a valuable addition to your wardrobe. To ensure their longevity & maintain their pristine condition, please follow the care instructions below diligently. We recommend a gentle wash and press before your first wear to remove any residual manufacturing elements and to achieve the perfect fit and finish. Additionally, regular maintenance—such as washing with mild detergents, avoiding harsh chemicals, and storing them properly—will help preserve the quality & appearance of your shirts for years to come.

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Option #1: Professional Laundry

Taking your garments to your local dry cleaner is an excellent way to maintain their quality. This option results in minimal shrinkage and lets you keep your ironing board packed away. Typically, cleaners use water and detergent to clean clothes, which is often mistaken for dry cleaning. However, if you specifically request dry cleaning, the cleaners will use special solvents that don’t include water. This process ensures a more delicate treatment for fabrics needing extra care.

Option #2: Wash at Home

For darker fabrics, we recommend washing in cold water to help preserve color & prevent fading. For white or lighter-colored shirts, warm or hot water is acceptable as these temperatures can more effectively remove stains. To minimize shrinkage, let your shirt air dry on a sturdy hanger, which also helps maintain the garment’s shape. If you prefer using a dryer, set it to low heat and remove the shirt while still damp to reduce shrinkage and wrinkling.

Regardless of your drying method, ironing the shirt while it is damp will make the process easier and more efficient. This will ensure a crisp and smooth finish while minimizing shrinkage. Note that some fabrics, especially those not 100% cotton, may have different care instructions. Always check the care label on your shirt for specific guidelines.

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Shrinkage/Stretching and Other Considerations

Most fabrics shrink 1-3% over the first few washes—this is normal. We factor anticipated shrinkage into your shirt size, so evaluate fit after at least one wash for a more accurate sense of long-term fit.
Fabric shrinkage is most noticeable in length areas such as sleeves, collars, and overall body length. Keep in mind that these areas will likely contract slightly after washing.
The way you care for a shirt significantly impacts shrinkage. Casual fabrics like cotton and linen are more prone to shrinkage if improperly cared for. High dryer heat or hot water washing can cause excessive contraction. Following the care label instructions helps mitigate this issue.
Dry cleaners often stretch shirts during pressing, which can make them appear larger. If your shirt seems bigger after cleaning, discuss their pressing process and request gentler handling to maintain the original fit.

Other Important Tips

Remove collar stays before washing or ironing to prevent fabric damage.
Pre-treat stains with a stain remover or notify your cleaner about spots requiring special attention.
Hang your shirt on a wooden hanger when not in use to maintain its shape and prevent wrinkles.
Avoid leaving shirts in the hamper for too long. Body oils can cause yellowing around the collar, which is difficult to remove.

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Conclusion

Properly washing a dress shirt involves attention to several key steps to ensure its quality & longevity. Start by reading the care label and pre-treating stains. Separate shirts by color and use a mild detergent with cold or warm water. Opt for a gentle machine cycle or hand wash if instructed. Avoid excessive detergent to prevent residue buildup. Air dry shirts on hangers to maintain shape or use low heat if necessary. For best results, iron shirts while slightly damp. By following these guidelines, your dress shirts will remain clean, crisp, and ready for any occasion.

FAQs

How do you wash dress shirts?

For darker fabrics, we suggest washing with cold water. White or lighter-colored shirts can be washed with warm or hot water. To avoid shrinkage, it’s advisable to air-dry your shirt on a sturdy hanger. If you prefer using a dryer, select a low heat setting and remove the shirt while it is still damp.

Should I Hand-Wash Dress Shirts?

For optimal care, consider machine washing dress shirts in a mesh bag or hand washing them whenever possible. This method reduces natural fabric wear and minimizes the risk of broken or lost buttons. Be cautious with industrial pressing at cleaners, as it can cause buttons to become loose, break, or go missing.

Do Dress Shirts Shrink After Washing?

Shrinkage happens gradually over time. Under normal conditions, your shirt fabric won’t experience a sudden dramatic shrink. There’s no need to worry; typically, you’ll only notice it fitting slightly tighter after several washes.