Shirt Care
A little care keeps a shirt crisp, white and long-lasting instead of grey and worn. This hub covers the essentials of washing, drying, ironing and storing shirts, whatever the fabric. Browse men's shirts (/collections/mens-shirts).
Washing
Wash Temperature
The right heat for a clean, safe wash.
How to do it
Wash most cotton shirts at 30 to 40 degrees; use cooler washes for colours and delicate fabrics to protect fibres and save energy.
Why it matters
Cooler washes reduce shrinkage and fading. Browse men's shirts (/collections/mens-shirts).
Collar & Cuff Care
Treating the areas that soil first.
How to do it
Pre-treat collar and cuff marks with a little detergent before washing, and turn the collar down so it cleans evenly.
Why it matters
Collars and cuffs show wear soonest.
Separate Colours
Sorting the wash to protect whites.
How to do it
Wash whites, darks and strong colours separately, especially the first few washes of a new coloured shirt.
Why it matters
It keeps whites bright and stops dye transfer.
Drying and pressing
Air Drying
Drying shirts gently on a hanger.
How to do it
Hang shirts on a shaped hanger to dry, smoothing the collar and cuffs, rather than tumble drying which shrinks and creases.
Why it matters
It protects the fit and cuts ironing. Browse men's shirts (/collections/mens-shirts).
Ironing
Pressing a shirt smooth and crisp.
How to do it
Iron slightly damp, starting with the collar, then cuffs, sleeves, yoke and body, using the right heat for the fabric.
Why it matters
A good press makes a shirt look its best.
Steaming
Refreshing a shirt without an iron.
How to do it
Run a steamer down a hanging shirt to relax creases quickly, ideal for travel and delicate fabrics.
Why it matters
It is fast and gentle on the cloth.
Storage and repair
Hanging Storage
Keeping shirts on hangers between wears.
How to do it
Store shirts on shaped hangers with room to breathe, buttoning the top button to hold the collar's shape.
Why it matters
It prevents creases and collar sag. Browse men's shirts (/collections/mens-shirts).
Button Repair
Replacing a lost or loose button fast.
How to do it
Re-sew loose buttons before they drop, and keep the spare buttons that come stitched inside the shirt.
Why it matters
A quick fix keeps a shirt in rotation.
Frequently asked questions
What temperature should I wash shirts at?
Wash most cotton shirts at 30 to 40 degrees. A 30-degree wash is enough for lightly worn shirts and is kinder to the fabric and colour, while 40 degrees helps with heavier soiling. Use cooler settings for delicate fabrics like linen and for coloured shirts to reduce fading and shrinkage.
How do I keep white shirts white?
Wash white shirts separately from colours, pre-treat collar and cuff marks, and avoid overloading the machine so they rinse properly. Dry them out of direct sunlight, which can yellow them over time, and use an occasional oxygen-based whitener rather than harsh bleach, which weakens the fibres.
Should I tumble dry shirts?
It is better to air dry shirts on a shaped hanger. Tumble drying can shrink cotton, set in creases and wear the fabric faster. Hanging a shirt to dry keeps its shape, reduces ironing and helps it last much longer.