Polo shirts and t-shirts are an essential part of any man's wardrobe. We wear them every day, and that is exactly why they deserve the right care. If you take good care of them, they will last a long time, retaining their shape and color. Here is how.
Washing
Washing polo shirts and t-shirts is no rocket science. Just follow a few basic rules that apply to most everyday clothing. Check the label. Every material has its own properties. Some polo shirts contain elastane, while others are made from linen or viscose. Care requirements may therefore vary slightly. Always check the manufacturer's recommendations on the label before washing for the first time. Wash inside out. Turning a t-shirt or polo shirt inside out before washing reduces friction with other garments and helps preserve its color and the fabric's surface. Choose a gentle cycle. When selecting a wash cycle, opt for a short, gentle, or hand-wash cycle. The recommended maximum temperature is 30°C. Set the spin speed to low, ideally no more than 800 rpm. Button up. If the polo shirt has buttons, fasten them. This helps prevent the collar from becoming misshapen. Do not use fabric softener. Fabric softener can damage natural fibers and reduce their performance. It is best to avoid it altogether.
Drying
Tumble drying is not suitable for polo shirts or t-shirts. High temperatures can cause the fabric to shrink or the collar to become misshapen. It is much better to let them dry flat on a drying rack or on a hanger. However, avoid direct sunlight, which can fade the colors over time.
Ironing
If you wash and dry a polo shirt or t-shirt properly, ironing is usually unnecessary. If you do want to smooth out minor creases, iron them inside out at a low temperature. Avoid ironing over embroidery or logos. If you would like to know how to iron other garments, such as shirts, check out our video guide.
Storage
Knitted polo shirts are best folded rather than hung to prevent them from stretching. Other styles can be hung on a hanger to prevent creasing. If you do not have enough space to hang them, fold them as follows: - Place the polo shirt or t-shirt on a flat surface. - Fold the sides inward and the sleeves across the top. - Fold the bottom part toward the collar. - Turn it over. - Finally, gently pull all four corners to smooth out minor creases. If you prefer a visual guide, watch our video showing how to fold a suit and a shirt. The basic principle for folding a shirt and a polo shirt is essentially the same.
For more clothing care tips, visit our CareGuide. There you will find articles on How to Care for Linen, How to Care for Clothing in Summer, and How to Care for Shirts.
