Harvie and Hudson shirt care guide

Mastering the Art of Shirt Care

How to Care for Your Shirts Properly

A well-made shirt is more than an item of clothing. It is an investment in style, confidence and craftsmanship. At Harvie & Hudson, we believe that caring for your shirts is just as important as choosing the right fit, fabric and collar.

With proper care, quality shirts can maintain their shape, colour and finish for years. Whether you own a bespoke creation or a ready-to-wear classic, this guide explains how to wash, dry, iron, store and protect your shirts properly.

1

Washing Your Shirts

How to wash and care for shirts

Washing is where many shirts lose their structure, colour and sheen. A careful approach helps preserve the fabric and prolong the life of the garment.

  • Wash at 40 degrees for reliable results and long-term care.
  • Separate whites and colours to prevent discolouration.
  • Turn shirts inside out before washing.
  • Unbutton cuffs and collars to reduce strain and friction.
  • Avoid overloading the washing machine, as this can increase creasing.

For premium cotton shirts, gentle washing helps preserve the handle of the fabric and the sharpness of the finish.

2

Skip the Dryer and Air Dry Instead

One of the most effective shirt maintenance tips is to let your shirts air dry on a hanger. Tumble dryers can break down cotton fibres over time, leading to premature wear, shrinkage and loss of shape.

Hang the shirt on a wide hanger to maintain its structure and allow natural airflow to do the rest. Smooth the collar, cuffs and front placket while damp to make ironing easier later.

Care tip: Air drying is especially useful for white shirts, business shirts and double cuff shirts, where crispness and structure matter most.

3

Iron with Care

Ironing keeps shirts looking sharp, but it should be done with care to protect the fabric. For the best result, iron while the shirt is still slightly damp or use a steam iron.

  • Use the correct heat setting for cotton or blended fabrics.
  • Start with the collar, then move to cuffs, sleeves, yoke and body.
  • Pay special attention to collars, cuffs and plackets for a crisp finish.
  • Iron on the reverse side where possible to avoid unwanted shine.
  • Hang the shirt immediately after ironing to preserve the finish.

A well-ironed shirt sits better beneath a suit, jacket or knitwear, helping the whole outfit look more refined.

4

Store Shirts Smartly

Harvie and Hudson shirts and wardrobe care

Proper storage is key to prolonging the lifespan of your shirts. Poor storage can cause creasing, misshapen collars and unnecessary wear.

  • Hang shirts on wooden or padded hangers to preserve shoulder structure.
  • Leave adequate space between garments to avoid creasing.
  • Fasten the top button if you want to support the collar shape.
  • For seasonal rotation, store shirts in breathable garment bags, never plastic.

For those building a regular shirt rotation, browse our classic fit shirts, slim fit shirts and essential shirts.

5

Treat Stains Immediately

Whether it is wine, ink or collar marks, early treatment is essential. The quicker you act, the better your chance of preserving the fabric.

  • Use cold water as soon as possible for best results.
  • Blot, do not rub, to avoid setting the stain deeper into the fabric.
  • Use a mild stain remover only when appropriate for the fabric.
  • A gentle mix of white vinegar and water can help with some marks.
  • Avoid bleach, as it can weaken fibres and yellow whites over time.

Important: Always check the care label before applying any stain treatment, especially on coloured or patterned shirts.

6

Rotate Your Shirts

Wearing the same few shirts repeatedly leads to faster wear. A good rotation allows each shirt time to rest between wears and washes, helping collars, cuffs and fibres recover.

For regular business dressing, we recommend maintaining a rotation of at least five to seven shirts. This gives you enough variety for the working week while reducing strain on individual garments.

Quick Shirt Care Checklist

Before Washing

Separate colours, unbutton collars and cuffs, turn shirts inside out and check for stains.

After Washing

Remove promptly, reshape while damp and hang on a wide hanger to air dry.

Before Wearing

Iron collars, cuffs and plackets carefully, then allow the shirt to cool before wearing.

After Wearing

Air the shirt, check for collar marks and avoid returning damp garments to the wardrobe.

FAQs: Shirt Care

What temperature should I wash shirts at?

For most cotton shirts, washing at 40 degrees gives reliable results while helping preserve fabric quality. Always check the care label first.

Should shirts go in the tumble dryer?

It is better to air dry shirts on a hanger. Tumble drying can weaken fibres, cause shrinkage and reduce the life of the garment.

How do I keep shirt collars crisp?

Wash carefully, reshape the collar while damp and iron with steam. Store on a good hanger to help maintain the collar shape.

How many shirts should I rotate?

For regular business wear, five to seven shirts is a good rotation. This reduces repeated wear and helps each shirt last longer.

How should I remove stains from a shirt?

Treat stains quickly with cold water and blot gently. Avoid rubbing or using harsh bleach, as both can damage the fabric.

Your Shirts Deserve the Best

By following these expert-approved techniques, you can protect your shirts, prolong their lifespan and keep your wardrobe looking sharp.

Explore Jermyn Street Shirts