Washing shirts: Washing guide with 9 tips

This washing guide will tell you everything you need to know about washing shirts – whether you prefer to wash by hand or use the washing machine. Proper washing and ironing of shirts is the key to keeping them looking nice for longer.

We guide you through the entire process – from how to wash shirts, to how to dry and maintain them in the best possible way. You will also get specific advice on how to handle specific materials such as viscose, cotton and silk, and how to avoid unnecessary wear and tear when washing your shirts.

Easy washing guide for washing shirts

How to best care for your shirts – regardless of material:

• Close all buttons and wash inside out - This reduces friction and prevents the buttons from wearing out the fabric. At the same time, you protect the outside of the shirt from unnecessary wear during washing.

• Avoid tumble drying - Air drying preserves both the shirt's shape and color. Tumble drying wears down the fibers and increases the risk of the fabric shrinking – especially for viscose and silk.

• Hang the shirt up immediately after washing - Use a hanger with good shoulder support and close all buttons. This helps the shirt keep its shape and minimizes the need for ironing.

• Always follow the washing instructions on the shirt - it is adapted to the specific material and any finishing treatments - and ensures that you do not damage the fibers.

Especially about viscose shirts

Viscose is a soft, light and airy material that feels luxurious against the skin. However, it often requires a little more careful treatment.

• Wash at a maximum of 30 °C and choose a gentle cycle if you feel comfortable with that. However, we know from experience that our shirts from A Working Theory can withstand being washed on a regular cycle with the rest of the family's clothes. For us, this is absolutely essential in a busy everyday life.

• Use mild detergent without bleach and avoid fabric softener, which can damage the fibers.

• Viscose becomes weaker when wet – never wring the fabric, but gently squeeze out the water.

• Avoid using a dryer. Instead, hang the shirt to dry on a hanger and straighten the seams and shoulders with your hands.

• To achieve a smooth result, we recommend ironing after washing.

Especially about cotton shirts

Cotton is a natural fiber that is both robust and comfortable. It can withstand higher temperatures than, for example, viscose and silk, but still needs to be treated with care.

• Wash white cotton shirts at up to 60°C to remove sweat and dirt. However, always check the washing instructions on your shirt to avoid washing at too high a temperature. Wash colored cotton shirts at 30–40°C to preserve the color.

• Use detergent that matches the color: white washing powder for white shirts and colored detergent without bleach for colored ones.

• Iron cotton while it is damp for an easier and smoother result.

Specially about silk shirts

Silk is a delicate protein fiber that requires special care to maintain shine and texture.

• Hand washing is recommended – use lukewarm water and an enzyme-free detergent for silk or wool.

• Avoid soaking. Clean the shirt gently and rinse thoroughly. You may want to use vinegar in the final rinse to neutralize soap residue and restore pH.

• Dry flat on a towel or hang on a padded hanger away from sunlight. Never use a tumble dryer.

• Iron on low heat and preferably on the wrong side with a protective cloth – or use a steamer.

• Silk does not need washing after each use. Airing can often be enough, which extends the life of the fibers.

Especially about white shirts

White shirts require extra attention to stay white.

• Wash them separately – and only with other white clothes.

• Avoid fabric softener, which can cause yellow stains.

• Wash at 60°C if the fabric allows it (check the washing instructions). This effectively removes sweat and bacteria.

• Pre-treat stains and marks with sulfur or stain remover – especially at the collar and under the sleeves.

• Hang to dry in sunlight for natural bleaching and an extra white result.

• If the shirt has turned yellow, you can soak it in a solution of citric acid and baking soda. Also check out our guide to yellow stains on white clothes and the article How to get makeup off clothes?

9 essential tips when washing shirts

1. Read the care label - Every shirt has its own needs. The care label is your best guide.

2. Wash inside out - This protects the surface from wear and tear, protects the colors and removes sweat and dirt more effectively.

3. Close the buttons - This prevents the collar from losing shape and the buttons from pulling on the fabric during shirt washing.

4. Use a gentle washing program if possible - Lower spin speed and gentle movements maintain shape and reduce wrinkling.

5. Air dry rather than tumble dry - Tumble drying wears and can shrink the shirt. Air drying extends its lifespan.

6. Stretch the fabric when wet - Viscose and silk in particular benefit from being straightened with your hands to maintain their shape.

7. Avoid using too much detergent - Overdosing wears down the fabric and can leave soap residue that makes the fabric stiff.

8. Don't wash too infrequently - Sweat and dirt left to sit for long periods of time will damage the fibers and cause permanent stains.

9. Air out between uses - A shirt that has only been worn briefly can often be simply aired out instead of being washed again. This can extend the time between each wash of the shirt.

FAQs

At what temperature should I wash my shirts?

It depends on the material. Viscose and silk are best washed at a maximum of 30 °C. Cotton can withstand up to 60 °C, especially if it is a white shirt. Always follow the washing instructions on your shirt.

Should my shirts be hand washed?

Silk shirts are best washed by hand, while viscose and cotton can be machine washed. Use a laundry bag and avoid overloading machines.

How often should I wash my shirts?

As a rule of thumb, you should wash your shirts after 1–2 uses. White shirts and silk should be washed after every use. If the shirt has only been worn briefly, it can sometimes be aired out and worn again.

Last but not least: Ironing shirts

Want to know how to achieve the best results with your iron? Read our guide How to Iron a Shirt .

Looking for a classic shirt? Check out our black shirts for women , white shirts for women and green shirts for women .