Polo shirts are a summer wardrobe essential. They offer a stylish look for casual business wear and outdoor activities such as golf. Washing polo shirts correctly is critical to their longevity and style.ย Polos can be very delicate, the collars tend to curl, and harsh washing conditions can cause the fabric to break down and show wear. Those that are worn for golfing and other outdoor summer sports can also be prone to underarm stains.
Fabric Matters
Most quality polo shirts should be 100% cotton, Pima cotton, or polyester. Kowing the differences between these fabrics is essential because their care differs. Always check the tag to know the fabric so you can care for it properly.
Both 100% cotton and Pima cotton offer breathability, softness and sturdiness. Pima cotton has a longer fiber length, giving it a higher thread count, which produces a smooth fabric that’s soft to the touch and very durable. Pima cotton is should also have a 50% longer life expectancy than regular cotton. Both regular cotton and Pima cotton are very prone to shrinkage.
Polyester is a synthetic fabric that is wrinkle-resistant, colorfast and can easily absorb sweat. It also provides ventilation even in very hot temperatures, so it’s the perfect fabric choice for sport. Just like cotton, polyester polo shirts could shrink if dried at higher temperatures.
Washing Polo Shirts
Carefully read the washing and drying instructions on the polo shirt’s care label. Most polos should be washed in cold water, air-dried or dried on low heat in a dryer.
Step-by-step recommendations for washing Polo shirts
- Button the shirt to the collar.
- Turn the polo shirt inside out.
- Flip the collar up, which should help protect the collar from curling.
- Always wash with like colors and fabrics. Polos with stripes should be safe to wash with dark or light colors. Take care when washing with red clothing or red-striped polos. Red dyes are most likely to bleed. Avoid washing red clothing with polos or washing red-striped polos with white garments.
- Use gentle liquid laundry detergent; harsh detergents may cause damage and fade polo shirts.ย ย
- Use a single-cycle setting on your washing machine with only cold water. Be prepared to remove the polo shirt from the washing machine immediately.ย ย
- Polo shirts can be dried in a dryer on the lowest heat setting. Drying the polos in the dryer can cause damage, especially in polyester polos, they are more prone to heat damage than cotton.ย Keep the polo’s collar up while drying, so it retains its shape. If possible, only dry the polo for 2-4 minutes, remove immediately, reshape and dry flat on a towel.
Fold or hang
Both methods have their benefits. If you prefer to hang your polos, use a sturdy hanger that provides support, which will help polos keep their shape. Hanging can also help minimize wrinkling. Folding will keep your polo shirts from stretching and is often the recommended method for storage. Neatly fold polos using the department store method, then neatly stack in a drawer.
Here at Fashion Cleaners, we experts at cleaning polo and golf shirts. Our gentle toxin-free detergents safely clean both polyester and cotton polo shirts without causing damage. Polos are also professionally pressed and finished; you’ll be amazed at how great polos look after being professionally cleaned.
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