Polo Care
A polo lives or dies by its collar and colour, and the right care keeps both crisp. This hub sets out how to wash, dry and store polos so they hold their shape and look new for longer. Browse men's polo shirts (/collections/mens-polo-shirts).
Washing
Cool Wash
Washing polos at a low temperature.
What defines it
A cool wash at 30 degrees protects the colour and knit so the polo keeps its shape and shade.
Who it suits
It suits all cotton and blend polos. Browse men's polo shirts (/collections/mens-polo-shirts).
Inside-Out Wash
Turning polos inside out before washing.
What defines it
Washing inside out protects the outer surface, any print and embroidery from rubbing in the drum.
Who it suits
It suits branded and coloured polos.
Colour Sorting
Washing lights and darks separately.
What defines it
Sorting by colour stops dye transfer so whites stay white and colours stay true.
Who it suits
It suits keeping polos looking fresh.
Drying and shape
Reshape the Collar
Smoothing the collar flat while damp.
What defines it
Reshaping the collar and placket while damp helps them dry flat and keep their crisp form.
Who it suits
It suits every polo after washing. Browse men's polo shirts (/collections/mens-polo-shirts).
Dry Flat
Drying polos laid flat, not hung.
What defines it
Drying flat stops the shoulders and hem stretching under the weight of wet fabric.
Who it suits
It suits knitted and premium polos.
Avoid Tumble Drying
Keeping polos out of the dryer.
What defines it
Tumble-dryer heat shrinks cotton and can distort the collar, so air drying is safer.
Who it suits
It suits protecting fit and shape.
Storage
Fold Storage
Folding polos rather than hanging.
What defines it
Folding polos flat keeps the shoulders and collar relaxed, while hanging can stretch them over time.
Who it suits
It suits keeping shape between wears. Browse men's polo shirts (/collections/mens-polo-shirts).
Collar Support
Storing with the collar folded neatly.
What defines it
Folding each polo with the collar laid flat and smooth stops it creasing or curling in the drawer.
Who it suits
It suits crisp, ready-to-wear polos.
Frequently asked questions
How do I stop a polo collar from curling?
Wash the polo cool and inside out, then reshape the collar flat while it is still damp and dry it flat rather than hanging. Store the polo folded with the collar laid smooth. A quality knitted-on collar holds its shape best with this care.
Can you tumble dry polo shirts?
It is best not to. Tumble-dryer heat can shrink cotton polos and distort the collar and placket. Instead, reshape the collar while damp and dry the polo flat or on a rail, which keeps the fit, shape and colour for much longer.
What temperature should you wash a polo?
Wash polos at 30 degrees or cooler. A cool wash cleans effectively while protecting the colour and the knit, so the shirt keeps its shade and shape. Turn it inside out and sort by colour to guard prints, embroidery and whites.