A shirt is typically worn one day at a time. This also means that washing shirts is a regular part of everyday life. That is why it is crucial that shirts are washed correctly. Incorrect washing causes unnecessary wear on the fabric, while correct shirt washing extends the lifespan, preserves the fit and keeps the look sharp.

It is also both gentler and more sustainable to wash and iron shirts at home than to send them to the dry cleaners.

Why washing shirts correctly makes a difference

When washing shirts correctly:

  • colors stay bright longer
  • fibers and seams wear out less
  • the shirt maintains its fit

In short: even the best shirt loses its look if it is not washed correctly.

Basic rules for washing shirts

Before we go into detail, here are the most important principles:

  • Wash shirts at 30–40 °C
  • Avoid tumble drying
  • Use detergent suitable for low temperatures
  • Avoid fabric softener
  • Air dry and iron the shirt while it is slightly damp.

These rules cover the vast majority of proper washing and ironing of shirts .

Wash shirts correctly – step by step

  • 1. Sort shirts by color

  • 2. Unbutton all buttons

  • 3. Turn the shirt inside out

  • 4. Pretreat stains at collar and armpits

  • 5. Wash at 30–40 °C

  • 6. Spin at low speed

  • 7. Hang the shirt on a hanger immediately after washing

  • 8. Iron the shirt slightly damp

Before washing: how to prepare the shirt

  • Button up and turn inside out

    Unbutton all buttons – including the small button in the cuff slit. Then turn the shirt inside out. This reduces wear on the fabric, seams and buttons and is the basis for gentle washing of shirts .

  • Sort by colors

    White shirts are always washed separately.

    • Wash colored shirts with similar colors.
    • Never wash whites and colors together.

    Correct sorting is essential to preserve the shirts' original colors.

  • Pretreat stains

    Most stains occur:

    • in the collar
    • under the arms

    Pre-treat with stain remover or a little sulfur. For stubborn yellow stains, baking soda can be used.

  • Laundry bag – optional

    A laundry bag can provide extra protection, but is not necessary if the shirt is turned inside out and washed gently.

Washing shirts in the washing machine

  • Wash and degrease

    • 30 °C is sufficient for the vast majority of shirts
    • 40°C can be used for heavily soiled or white shirts

    Low temperatures are less damaging to colours and fibres. Higher temperatures should be avoided.

  • Washing program

    Select:

    • gentle program, or
    • cotton program

    Avoid programs with harsh mechanical movement.

  • Centrifugation

    Spin at 400–600 rpm . This reduces creases and makes subsequent ironing easier.

  • Detergent

    • Use regular detergent (also for whites)
    • Avoid chlorine-based agents

    Avoid fabric softener – it can discolor shirts and degrade the quality of the fabric

After washing the shirt

Take off your shirt immediately.

If you leave the shirt in the drum, you will get deep wrinkles and a bad smell.

Air dry on hanger

Hang the shirt directly on a hanger while it is still damp. Avoid the dryer – it wears down the fabric and can cause the shirt to shrink.

Sunlight can help naturally freshen washed white shirts , but avoid strong sun on colored shirts.

Iron slightly damp

The best shirt washing and ironing go hand in hand. Iron the shirt while it is still slightly damp – this gives a smoother result and less wear.

Special information about washing white shirts

White shirts require extra attention:

  • Always wash separately

  • Avoid fabric softener, which can cause yellow stains.

  • Steam iron for a crisp, clean look

Washing, quality and Grade A Copenhagen's approach

At Grade A Copenhagen we select shirts that are made to be worn – and washed. Materials and construction are chosen with the idea that proper washing of shirts should be simple and gentle, without compromising on expression and fit, whether they are long-sleeved shirts , short-sleeved shirts , striped shirts , checked shirts or business shirts .

A good wardrobe is not about washing less – but about washing correctly.

Frequently asked questions about washing shirts

How to wash shirts correctly?

Shirts are best washed on a gentle cycle at 30–40°C. Unbutton all buttons, turn the shirt inside out, wash with similar colors and avoid fabric softener. Hang the shirt on a hanger after washing and iron it slightly damp.
What temperature should you wash shirts at?

Most shirts will be clean at 30°C. White or heavily soiled shirts can be washed at 40°C. Higher temperatures wear down the fabric unnecessarily.
Should a new shirt be washed before use?

Yes. A new shirt should be washed before use to remove excess dye and residue from production and to improve the drape of the fabric.
How do you wash white shirts without them turning yellow?

Wash white shirts separately at 30–40°C without fabric softener. Avoid chlorine-based detergents and hang the shirt up immediately after washing.
Is washing and ironing shirts better than dry cleaning?

Yes. Proper washing and ironing at home is usually gentler on shirts than frequent dry cleaning and extends the life of the shirt.