What is that one shirt that is appropriate for the tennis court, the golf club, the office, and even a lunch date? Well, none other than the year-rounder polo shirt. However, even the most die-hard polo aficionados don't know how to wash polo shirts properly. To assist them, we have given them a complete guide on how to wash their polo shirts properly.

Polo shirts offer a wide range of styling options, from formal to business and casual. Furthermore, as the seasons change, polo shirts remain in your closet to provide you with effortless style. So you must be extra cautious when caring for them, or you may have to say goodbye to some of your favorite polo shirts soon. 

So keep reading because we've covered everything in this guide, from the materials to look for to the best way to wash polo shirts and how to keep them in shape. 

Before We Begin, Let’s Recap!

You could think that polo shirts were invented to play the polo game, as the name implies. However, you may be surprised to know this is not the case. Tennis pro Jean Rene Lacoste first invented polo shirts, believing tennis players required something comfy and less cumbersome while playing.

Since then, polos have become a modern fashion staple in sportswear, with only minor fabric adjustments made by numerous manufacturers worldwide.

A Step By Step Guide On How To Wash Polo shirts

Step 1: Check The Fabric’s Quality

Initially, the only fabric used to make polo shirts was pique, a knitted fabric. However, other polos in various materials have been available since then, including cotton, Pima cotton, and polyester. You must be careful with the fabric of your polo because you do not want to harm its quality by choosing a washing technique that is not appropriate for it. The best way to know the material of your polo shirt is to check the label tag.

Polo shirts made of pique, cotton, and Pima cotton fabric are breathable, comfortable, and long-lasting. Because of their knitted fabric pattern, pique polo shirts are more sweat-resistant and provide a more sophisticated appearance. At the same time, Pima cotton polos are gentler to the touch because of their higher thread count. Both, however, are prone to shrinkage, so if you're asking, "Do polo shirts shrink when washed?" You've got your answer.

On the other hand, polyester polos are among the best stain-resistant polos. Due to their excellent strength and durability, they are less prone to shrinkage and creases. They are also the greatest at remaining dry, so if you have a long day in the sun ahead of you, you know which one to choose.

Step 2: Get Your Polo Shirt Ready to Wash

Unlike your other clothes, you can't just throw your polo in the washing machine and expect it to come out perfectly clean. To look decent in polo, the collar must be perfect, right? Well, throwing away your polo without taking care of the aforementioned collar will result in curled and wrinkled collars.

You should be attentive to your polo shirts and follow the below-mentioned guidelines to keep them in top shape and fit:

  • Button up the polo all the way to the collar.
  • Turn the polo shirt inside out.
  • Flip the collar up. 

This way, you can keep your polo collars from becoming floppy.

Step 3: Separate Your Laundry Pile

This step is critical since you don't want any of your polo shirts to be accidentally dyed another color. So you just need to be extra careful when making your weekly laundry pile. 

Before you start washing your polo shirts, keep the following things in mind:

  • Always wash your lighter-colored polo shirts with clothes that appear lighter in hue.
  • Never wash dark-colored shirts with light-colored items since this will result in a faded-looking polo shirt.
  • Polo shirts with stripes can be washed alongside white and colored clothing.
  • Since red bleeds, you must avoid washing red-striped polo shirts with white or other colored clothing, as well as any red garments with white or other colored polo shirts.

Step 4: Choose A Mild Or Gentle Liquid Laundry Detergent

The next step in your how to wash polo shirts guide is to select a gentle detergent for your polos.

Since most detergents contain harsh chemicals for tough and heavy stains, finding a gentle detergent is critical. Examine the ingredients of the detergents to see if they are suitable for your polo shirts.

When it comes to selecting the best detergent, keep the following guidelines in mind:

  • Avoid using bleach detergents; they are highly toxic and will quickly destroy your polo shirts.
  • Use non-chlorine bleach only on white polo shirts if you must use bleach.

Step 5: Wash Your Polo With Cold Water

It's finally time to wash your polo shirts. Set your machine to a single cycle of cold water only. Allow the polos to complete the cycle and then remove them immediately.

Warm water washing is strictly prohibited since it loosens the cloth and makes it more prone to shrinking.

Step 6: Allow Your Polo Shirt to Dry

Most people are worried about the question, “Can polo shirts go in the dryer?” The answer is yes, but only if you don't have enough time to let it air dry.

To dry your polo shirts in the dryer, keep their collars up and set the dryer to a low heat tumble setting. Because most polo shirts are sensitive, anything above moderate heat will destroy them.

To avoid wrinkles, remove the polos from the dryer as soon as you finish drying them.

However, air drying your polo shirts is preferable if you have enough time. Simply remove your shirts from the machine and place them on a towel or a drying rack. Place them near a window or open area where direct sunlight will not weaken the fabric.

Step 7: Put Your Clean Load Of Polo shirts Away

One of the most beneficial aspects of polo is its shape and fit. It nicely embraces your shoulders and matches your physique, right?

Another common question is, "Should I hang or fold polo shirts to keep their shape and fit?"

The answer to your question is yes, you can do both.

If you want to hang your polos, search for solid hangers that will keep the shape of the shoulder and not stretch the cloth. It will also aid in the prevention of wrinkles.

If folding polo shirts is more your style, neatly fold them and tuck them into the drawer to avoid stretching. 

Final words

Now that you know how to wash polo shirts properly, it's time to throw them in the washer. For high-quality polo shirts that can be rewashed multiple times, check out Elegante, a famous fashion brand in Pakistan. Its large selection of polo shirts for men at reasonable prices will mesmerize you. So grab your favorite shirts today to get the unmatched comfort and style you have always wanted.