How to wash cotton and cotton blend shirts - in partnership with WNU
From board meetings to weekend brunches, shirts aren’t about trends: they’re a wardrobe staple. And as we move into the New Year, it’s the perfect time to reinvent old favourites, or treat yourself to an investment piece which will last a lifetime (we’re particularly obsessed with WNU’s timeless tailored shirts, which epitomise laid back, effortless elegance). But how to Kair for your shirts so you can wear them every day, time and time again? No matter the type of fabric - from poplin to brushed to weave - we’re here with the know-how.
Poplin
The fabric: Poplin is a strong, crisp fabric of a durable, medium weight, with clean lines and a smooth, lustrous surface. Its durability means it can be worn time and time again. A light, elegant, timeless style: pair it with a tailored suit for a sharp, clean look in the office, or wear it untucked over jeans for more casual errands.
Washing: Machine wash cold (30°C or below) on a regular cycle, and avoid the chemical cocktail of the dry cleaner (check out our post, to dry clean or not to dry clean). Use a gentle and bleach-free detergent, such as one of our Signature Clothing Washes, together with one of our Signature Fabric Conditioners, to maximise both the lifespan and softness of your shirt.
Drying: Hang to air dry while still wet, either using a hanger, or hanging from the bottom of the shirt on a drying rack. Avoid direct sunlight unless the fabric is white, and never tumble dry (the heat and agitation can damage the fibres). Iron on a medium-high heat (we recommend 150-200ºC) while slightly damp, with the shirt turned inside out, for a crisp but smooth to touch finish. To release wrinkles, steam lightly, and use finishing spray.
Top tips: To keep your poplin crisp and wrinkle-free without an iron, you can use a combination of steam and water. One trick is to hang it in your bathroom while having a hot shower.
Brushed
The fabric: Brushed cotton is sumptuously soft to the touch, and comes with a slight thickness. On top of insulation and breathability, its double-twist yarn also makes it very hard-wearing. Ideal for everyday wear, especially in colder seasons. Wear it tucked into jeans or loose over a t-shirt, or pair it with leather pants for a dressier number.
Washing: Machine wash cold (30°C or below) on a regular cycle, and avoid dry cleaning at all costs. Use a gentle and bleach-free detergent, such as one of our Signature Clothing Washes, together with one of our Signature Fabric Conditioners, to maximise both the lifespan and softness of your shirt.
Drying: Hang to air dry while still wet, either using a hanger, or hanging from the bottom of the shirt on a drying rack. Avoid direct sunlight unless the fabric is white, and never tumble dry (the heat and agitation can damage the fibres). Iron on a medium-high heat (we recommend 150-200ºC) while slightly damp, with the shirt turned inside out, for a crisp but smooth to touch finish. To release lingering wrinkles, steam lightly, and use finishing spray.
Top tips: Brushed cotton is super soft, but can be prone to shrinkage, and may pill over time. Pilling starts when tiny threads in the fabric break apart, and often happens due to friction. The key is to reduce friction where possible: wash only when necessary, spot-treating stains and using finishing spray between washes (to limit the need for an intensive cycle); wash cool and on a low spin; and avoid tumble dryers. Using a fabric conditioner will also keep brushed cotton soft, supple and silky-smooth, helping to preserve the fibres wear after wear.
Weave
The fabric: Weave is 50% linen and 50% cotton, which makes it an incredibly versatile and re-wearable fabric, combining the casual coolness of linen with the luxurious softness of cotton. It’s lightweight yet durable, and soft yet crisp. It’s perfect for layering and easy to take from casual to smart. Its versatility also means it can be worn through all the seasons and on multiple occasions, from boardroom to bedroom to beach.
Washing: Machine wash cold (30°C or below) on a gentle, low-spin cycle, or hand wash (which we recommend particularly for small loads, or when you’re travelling - check out our article on how to hand wash clothes if you’re unsure of the method). As always, use a mesh laundry bag if machine washing to provide extra protection.
Drying: Hang to air dry while still wet, either using a hanger, or hanging from the bottom of the shirt on a drying rack. Avoid direct sunlight unless the fabric is white, and never tumble dry (the heat and agitation can damage the fibres). Ironing is optional due to the linen element woven in, but recommended for a pressed finish. It’s an easy fabric to iron: again use a medium-high heat (that’s 150-200ºC), and finish by lightly steaming and spritzing with finishing spray.
Top tips: To reduce the risk of fading around the seam lines, wash your weave shirt inside out, and always wash with similar fabrics in terms of colour, weight and care instructions.
Linen
The fabric: Linen is the ultimate summer essential, with a loose and easy-to-style fit. Derived from the flax plant, linen is a strong and durable natural fibre, so you can rewear it time and time again. Its light weight makes it easy and cool to wear, and particularly well-suited to summer - try pairing with denim for a comfortably casual look.
Washing: Machine wash cold (30°C or below) on a gentle, low-spin cycle, or hand wash (which we recommend particularly for small loads, or when you’re travelling - check out our post on how to hand wash clothes if you’re unsure of the method). As always, use a mesh laundry bag if machine washing to provide extra protection.
Drying: Air dry on a flat surface, or hang on a padded hanger (ordinary hangers, and pegs, can otherwise leave marks). Do not tumble dry (the heat and agitation can damage the fibres). The relaxed, crumpled texture of washed linen means ironing is completely optional. If ironing, use a high heat (max 200ºC), and steam or use finishing spray to release lingering creases.
Top tips: If you’re machine washing, avoid overloading the drum. It’s important to give your linen breathing space: too many other items can twist or pull it out of shape (we recommend half full). If you’re hand washing, only use a gentle swishing motion - never wring, twist or scrub linen. Hand washing is preferable if your shirt isn’t heavily soiled, or for linen with a loose weave.
Before washing
It’s always important to check the care instructions and fabric content on your shirt’s label. After separating your shirts by colour (especially darks and lights) and material (like heavy jeans and light shirts), unbutton buttons to avoid putting a strain on the fabric, and turn patterned shirts in particular inside out to reduce fading and preserve the brightness of the print.
After washing
To keep your shirts in prime condition between washes, we recommend spritzing with finishing spray, to release wrinkles and infuse with lasting luxury. You can either hang them in a wardrobe, or fold them away and store on a shelf. If you’re unsure how to fold, we suggest following the method below. It’s particularly useful when you’re travelling as well.
1) Button up all the buttons on your shirt
2) Flip your shirt over so it’s button-side down
3) Fold the sleeves across the back
4) Fold the sleeves up, until the cuffs reach the collar
5) Fold the sides across the middle in thirds
6) Fold your shirt up from the bottom in thirds
Now you know how to properly wash and care for cotton and cotton blend shirts, so your favourite investment pieces can withstand not just trends, but generations of wear.
