Top Care
Looking after a top by its fabric keeps its shape, colour and finish for longer. This hub gives plain-English care guidance for the main top materials and details. Browse women's tops and blouses (/collections/womens-tops-blouses).
Washing and drying
Washing Jersey and Cotton
Cool washes keep tees soft and true to colour.
How to do it
Wash cotton and jersey tops cool and inside out to protect print and colour, and avoid very hot washes that shrink them.
Avoid
High heat that fades and shrinks. Browse women's t-shirts and vests (/collections/womens-t-shirts-vests).
Washing Satin, Chiffon and Lace
Hand wash or dry clean delicate blouses.
How to do it
Hand wash satin, chiffon and lace tops cool with mild detergent, or dry clean, and never wring them.
Avoid
Machine agitation and heat that mark the fabric.
Washing Linen
Cool washes keep linen fresh; expect creasing.
How to do it
Wash linen tops cool and remove promptly; press while slightly damp for a crisp finish or embrace the natural crease.
Avoid
Over-drying, which sets deep creases.
Washing Fine Knits
Gentle washing and flat drying stop knits stretching.
How to do it
Wash fine knit tops on a cool, gentle cycle and dry flat so they do not stretch or hang out of shape.
Avoid
Hanging wet knits, which drop and distort.
Drying
Air dry away from direct heat to hold shape.
How to do it
Hang or lay tops flat to dry away from radiators and direct sun, which fade colour and can shrink fibres.
Avoid
Tumble drying delicate or printed tops. Browse women's tops and blouses (/collections/womens-tops-blouses).
Pressing and storing
Ironing and Pressing
Match iron heat to fabric and protect prints.
How to do it
Iron on the setting for the fabric, press prints and satin inside out or through a cloth, and use steam for linen.
Avoid
A hot iron directly on prints or synthetics.
Storing
Fold knits and hang blouses to keep shape.
How to do it
Fold knitted and jersey tops so they do not stretch on the hanger, and hang blouses and shirts to avoid creasing.
Avoid
Hanging heavy knits, which pull out of shape.
Caring for Trims and Prints
Gentle handling protects lace, beading and prints.
How to do it
Turn tops with lace, beading or prints inside out to wash, use a gentle cycle and a mesh bag for delicate trims.
Avoid
Rough washing that snags trims or cracks prints.
Frequently asked questions
How do I stop a printed t-shirt cracking?
Wash printed t-shirts inside out on a cool cycle, avoid the tumble dryer and never iron directly over the print. Turning the top inside out protects the print from friction and heat, keeping the design from cracking or peeling over time.
How should I wash a satin or lace blouse?
Satin and lace blouses are delicate, so hand wash them cool with a mild detergent or dry clean, and never wring or twist them. Dry flat or hang away from direct heat, and press on a low setting through a cloth to protect the fabric and any trims.
Should I hang or fold knitted tops?
Fold knitted and jersey tops rather than hanging them, because their weight makes them stretch and drop out of shape on a hanger. Folding keeps the shoulders and body even. Save hangers for shirts and blouses in woven fabrics that hold their shape.