How to care for your dress shirts

Follow our simple steps below to keep your dress shirts looking sharp for years to come.

Prepare your shirt

Before washing, prepare your shirts properly. Unbutton all buttons, including cuff and collar buttons and remove the collar stiffeners. Pre-treat any stains by carefully spraying a little stain remover into them. Never use bleach on your shirt as this will damage the fabric.

Wash at 30 degrees

Unless the care label specifies otherwise, machine wash your cotton shirts at 30 degrees to avoid them shrinking. A lower temperature will also help the shirt’s fabric retain its colour for longer. And always separate white and dark colours.

With the right care, a high quality shirt can last for several years.

Never tumble dry

Never tumble dry cotton shirts as this will shrink the fabric and shorten their life cycle. Instead, hang them up to air dry naturally. We recommend using treated wooden hangers. A wooden hanger reduces the stress on the fabric and seams around the shoulders.

Iron while damp

It’s best to iron your shirts while they are still damp. This will enable you to dry iron without having to use the steam function and will ensure a smooth finish. For more ironing tips, read our ironing masterclass.

Don't like ironing?

If you're not a fan of ironing, try our outstanding non-iron shirts. Our non-iron shirts have been perfected with a unique finish to ensure that when they are hung up to dry after washing, they remain remarkably crease free.

Shop Non-Iron Shirts

Feb 18 '21 / Features

Introducing The Spring 2021 Collection

Our new collection features key sartorial pieces tailored for a new beginning. From versatile staples to timeless tailoring, invest in key pieces that'll work hard in your 2021 wardrobe and beyond.

Four Ways To Wear: A White Twill Shirt

From boardroom to black-tie event, WFH to weekend, our signature white twill cotton shirts are an indispensable part of any well-rounded wardrobe. One of the most versatile pieces you can own, this timeless staple will never let you down. But what do you team it with? Here, we’ve put together a guide listing four ways to wear a white shirt.

Great British Design Icons

For more than 100 years, Hawes & Curtis has been at the forefront of British fashion, having been a favourite among royalty and Hollywood luminaries. Here, we’re celebrating our design heritage and the clothes that will stay at the forefront now and for years to come.