Polo Shirt Care

We’ve had a small taste of beautiful weather and the first day of summer is upon us. Polo shirts will see plenty of use this time of year, as many people embrace this garment because of its versatility. You can look presentable for work AND relaxed enough for play. This garment does require some consideration when it comes to clothing care. Polo shirts are often primarily made of cotton and can be susceptible to fading and shrinkage after just a few washes. Here are three useful tips to keep your polo shirts looking new for a very long time.

1. I say this a lot because it’s important: remember to follow the instructions on the clothing care tag. Because of the high ratio of cotton, your safest bet is to wash and rinse in cold water. This will keep the polo from shrinking and fading. We also recommend you turn the shirt inside-out before washing it. This is better for the fabric surface and will keep the colors looking vibrant.
2. It’s VERY important to avoid any high heat settings when putting your polo in the dryer, as this will shrink your shirt. If you must use the dryer, be sure to use the cool air/delicate setting. Try to finish the drying process by laying the shirt on a flat surface. Hanging a damp polo causes the fabric to stretch, losing its shape and original sharp lines. You’d be amazed at how good your polo shirts look after a professional dry cleaning and pressing.
3. Properly storing your polo shirt is just as important as avoiding stains and cleaning it the right way. Consider folding and putting it on a shelf just as it appeared at the store the day you bought it. This will help keep the garment’s original shape intact. Everyone wants to avoid a roll or curl in those crisp polo collars. Like any garment, ironing/pressing will definitely help maintain its sharpness.