Caring for Your Men's Shirts
A good men's shirt lasts for many years if it is treated well. Here is a short overview of what has proven itself over more than a hundred years of shirtmaking.
At a glance
| Shirt | Wash | Spin | Dryer | Iron |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Non-iron | 30 to 40 °C, easy-care | low | no | usually not needed |
| Business | 30 to 40 °C, mild detergent | normal | no | slightly damp, medium heat |
| Flannel | 30 °C, inside out | low | no | with steam, medium heat |
| Linen | max. 30 °C, delicate | short | no | with steam, not too hot |
Washing
- Undo all buttonsIncluding the cuffs and the button-down collar, so the buttons are less likely to come off.
- Empty the pocket and turn inside outThe fabric rubs less in the drum and the colour lasts longer.
- Sort by colourWash white shirts separately so they do not turn grey. Dark shirts cool, with a colour detergent.
- Fill the drum only halfwayThe shirt will crease considerably less.
Drying
Please do not put shirts in the tumble dryer. The heat strains the fibres and the shirt can shrink. Hang it wet on a wide hanger, briefly smooth the collar, placket and sleeves, and let it air-dry, ideally out of direct sunlight.
Tip for non-iron shirts: Hang them up straight after washing, that is the whole trick. Often you can skip ironing altogether.
Ironing
It is easiest when the shirt is still slightly damp. Use distilled water in your steam iron to avoid limescale marks.
- CollarFrom the points towards the middle.
- Cuffs and sleevesInside first, then outside.
- ShouldersOver the narrow end of the ironing board.
- Front panels and backLast, using the tip around the buttons.
Storing
Hang your shirts on wide wooden hangers so the shoulders keep their shape, and leave a little space between them in the wardrobe. If you prefer to fold, only put the shirt away when it is completely dry, otherwise mildew spots can form.
Tips by shirt
White shirts
Wash regularly, even if the shirt looks clean. Otherwise sweat and deodorant settle in the fabric and turn it yellowish.
Black and dark shirts
Always wash inside out, cool and with a colour detergent. A dash of vinegar in the rinse helps to preserve the colour.
Non-iron shirts
Use detergent sparingly, as residues can weaken the fabric's finish.
Business and dress shirts
Fine cotton prefers a mild detergent without optical brighteners.
Flannel shirts
Flannel is brushed, which is what makes it so soft. Do not use fabric softener. Remove small bobbles with a fabric shaver.
Linen shirts
Linen shrinks in heat, so 30 °C at most. A few creases are part of the material, and linen becomes a little suppler with every wash.
Good care is also sustainable. A shirt you look after well is a shirt you wear for longer.
Questions about a particular shirt? Write to us, we are happy to help.