Looking at your current wardrobe, you'll likely find a cotton shirt or two. Cotton shirts are a wardrobe staple because they're easy to style and comfortable. You can wear them to work, casual outings, or social events. Therefore, knowing how to care for your cotton shirts to make them last and get more wear out of them pays.
While cotton shirts do not require special care and washing, knowing how to care for them will keep them looking fresh and new. Discover these tips to help you make the most of your cotton shirts.
The Proper Way to Wash Your Cotton Shirts
There is no right or wrong way to wash your cotton shirts. However, if you know the proper way to care for and wash them, you could extend their lifespan. The best way to learn how to care for your cotton shirt is to read the instructions on the label.
Most cotton shirts can be machine washed in cold water. You can use the low heat setting for tumble drying it. But if the instructions on your shirt tell you otherwise, then you must follow the instructions closely. If you don’t, you could cause irreversible damage to your shirt.
Ideally, you must turn your cotton shirt inside out when washing them. This step ensures that you prevent the fabric's pilling or the colour's fading. You should also avoid using fabric softeners on cotton shirts because it breaks down the cotton fibers, which makes them more vulnerable to damage. If you do this constantly, it can cause premature wear on the cotton shirt.
Instead, you should wash your cotton shirt with a mild detergent. Do not overload the washing machine to promote adequate water circulation per washing cycle.
When all else fails, you can hand wash your cotton shirt. It is the best way to ensure that you can cause as little damage to the fabric during the washing process. But still, you would have to use a mild detergent and rinse the fabric thoroughly using cool water. Then, squeeze it gently to remove excess water before air drying it.
Proper Drying of Cotton Shirts
When you’re done washing your cotton shirts, you should follow the correct drying procedure. As mentioned above, you can tumble dry your shirt in the lowest heat setting.
In addition, you should refrain from wringing your shirt when drying it, as it can cause fabric damage. It could also cause wrinkles on the fabric. Instead, gently squeeze to eliminate excess water, and then hang the shirt flat to dry.
You should avoid putting the shirt on a dryer since the heat can cause the cotton fibers to shrink. When the fabric shrinks, it could alter the fit of your shirt. Instead, set the dryer to the lowest heat setting and remove it while still damp. Then, you can hang the shirt until it gets completely dry.
Ironing Your Cotton Shirt
Many people have questions about whether or not it is safe to iron cotton shirts. Since the fabric wrinkles easily, ironing is a must to keep it looking neat and crisp. But there is a proper way to iron your shirt that prevents damage to the color and texture.
First, you must refrain from ironing over the buttons. The high heat can melt the buttons. You can also use a pressing cloth and place it over the shirt when ironing the collar and cuffs of the shirt to avoid damage.
Proper Storage of Cotton Shirts
If you've invested in a high-quality cotton shirt, you must know how to store them properly. Proper storage is as critical as the steps above in caring for and making your cotton shirts last.
Use a hanger for your cotton shirts to avoid squeezing them tightly in your closet. When they're squeezed together, they could get wrinkled easily. Also, when you fold cotton shirts, it creates unsightly creases. Therefore, hanging your shirts is the best way to store them.
When washing your cotton shirts and you want to dry them out, you should never hang them in direct sunlight. While it makes sense to speed up the drying process, the direct heat from the sunlight can cause color fading. It also weakens the cotton fibers, making the shirt prone to damage.
The best storage spot for your shirt is somewhere cool and dry.
Treating Stains on Cotton Shirts
While you do your best to care for your cotton shirts, a few stains here and there are inevitable. So, how do you safely remove stains in cotton shirts?
Don’t freak it because there is a way to treat stains without causing long-term damage.
If you have an oil-based stain, sprinkle baking soda or cornstarch directly on the stained area. Leave it there for a few minutes to allow the substance to absorb the oil. After a few minutes, you can brush off the powder and use a stain remover on the stained spot.
If you have ink stains, use a clean cloth or paper towel. Blot it against the stain to remove any excess ink. You can also use equal parts water and vinegar on the stained area and leave it there for a few minutes. Then, wash your cotton shirt as usual.
Final Tips and Tricks
You can expect the best quality materials when you buy mens shirts online, especially luxury cotton shirts, from Givuil. However, you must know how to care for your cotton shirts to maintain their quality even with regular use.
If you follow the tips and tricks in this guide, you can guarantee that your cotton shirts will look their best even after many years.
If you need to add more cotton shirts to your wardrobe, check out Givuil top quality shirts for men. You can find various styles and materials that suit your style and preferences. They are available at reasonable prices, too. Contact our customer support team if you need help picking the right style.
FAQs
How do you care for a 100% cotton shirt?
Hand washing is the best way to care for pure cotton shirts. Use cold water and mild detergent to wash cotton shirts to ensure that it retains its quality.
How do you keep cotton shirts like new?
Make sure you use the right settings if you machine wash your cotton shirts. It is also recommended that you store your shirts properly to avoid wrinkles and creases. It will help keep your cotton shirts in good quality for a long time.
Do 100% cotton shirts last?
Like any fabric, it will degrade in quality after every wash. But cotton is a more durable fabric so it is much stronger and lasts longer than other fabric types.
Does 100% cotton shirts shrink?
Yes, it is normal for cotton shirts to shrink about 2 to 5%, especially if the fabric is not pre-shrunk.