Trouser Care
Trousers last far longer when you wash and store them by fabric. This hub covers washing cotton, linen, wool and performance trousers, preventing shrinkage and creases, and storing them so they keep their shape. For our full routine, see the clothing care guide (/pages/clothing-care-guide).
Washing by fabric
Washing Cotton Trousers
How to wash chinos and cotton trousers without fading or shrinking them.
The method
Wash cotton trousers inside out on a cool cycle (30C) with similar colours, and avoid overloading the drum so they rinse clean.
Why it matters
Cool washing protects colour and stops the cotton shrinking, keeping the fit you bought.
Washing Linen Trousers
How to keep linen trousers fresh while preserving their relaxed handle.
The method
Wash linen on a gentle cool cycle and reshape while damp. Expect and accept the natural creasing that gives linen its character.
What to avoid
Avoid high heat and hard wringing, which can weaken flax fibres and set stubborn creases.
Washing Wool Trousers
How to clean wool and flannel trousers without felting or losing shape.
The method
Most wool trousers are best dry cleaned or sponged and pressed. If washing, use a wool cycle, wool detergent and dry flat away from heat.
Why it matters
Wool felts and shrinks with heat and agitation, so gentle handling protects the cloth and the press.
Washing Performance Trousers
How to wash technical and stretch trousers to protect their finishes.
The method
Wash performance trousers cool with liquid detergent, and skip fabric softener, which clogs wicking and water-repellent finishes.
Refresh tip
A warm tumble or cool iron can reactivate a tired water-repellent finish -- check the care label first.
Pressing and creases
Preventing Shrinkage
How to stop trousers shrinking in the wash and dryer.
The method
Wash cool and air dry or tumble on low. Heat is the main cause of shrinkage, especially in cotton and wool.
Why it matters
Controlling heat protects both the length and the waist, keeping the fit consistent over time.
Preventing Creases
How to keep trousers looking pressed between wears.
The method
Hang trousers straight after wearing, smooth the legs and let them recover. Fold along the existing crease to keep the line.
Travel tip
Roll or fold trousers along the crease when packing, and hang them in a steamy bathroom on arrival.
Ironing Trousers
How to press trousers to a clean finish and, where wanted, a sharp crease.
The method
Iron on the fabric-appropriate setting, using a damp cloth for wool. Line up the seams and press to set a crease down the leg.
What to watch
Too hot an iron can shine or scorch fabric, so test on the waistband first and use a pressing cloth.
Storage
Hanging Trousers
The best way to hang trousers so they keep their shape and crease.
The method
Hang from the hem on a clip hanger, or fold cleanly over a bar hanger along the crease. Both let gravity drop out creases.
Why it matters
Correct hanging preserves the line and stops fold marks setting across the knee.
Folding Trousers
How to fold trousers for drawers and travel without setting hard creases.
The method
Fold along the natural crease, then in half or thirds. Keep folds loose and rotate stored trousers so creases do not set.
Tip
For trousers you fold often, a looser fold and occasional hanging keeps the fabric fresh.
Long-Term Storage
How to store seasonal trousers so they come out ready to wear.
The method
Clean trousers before storing, keep them somewhere cool, dry and dark, and protect wool from moths with cedar or lavender.
Why it matters
Storing clean, dry and protected stops stains setting and moths damaging wool over a season in the wardrobe.
Frequently asked questions
What temperature should I wash chinos at?
Wash cotton chinos inside out at 30C with similar colours. Cool washing protects the colour and prevents shrinkage, keeping the fit you bought.
Can I machine wash wool trousers?
Most wool trousers are best dry cleaned or sponged and pressed. If washing, use a wool cycle with wool detergent and dry flat, as heat and agitation cause felting and shrinkage.
How do I keep a crease in my trousers?
Hang them along the crease after wearing, and press the crease with an iron using a damp cloth for wool. Fold along the crease when storing to preserve the line.