Want your polo shirt to stay sharp and vibrant? Learn how to care for its material and prints. Beyond its timeless design, the secret to keeping your polo sharp lies in the right washing, drying, and storage techniques. With a few smart habits, you can preserve its color, structure, and custom printing details, ensuring it always looks as good as new.
Polo Shirt Washing and Caring Tips
Whether it’s cotton, microfiber, or honeycomb, every polo material deserves the right kind of attention. Proper care not only maintains comfort and fit but also protects the prints and embroidery that make each piece stand out. Check out the tips below to help your polo stay fresh, durable, and stylish over time.
Care by Material
Each material reacts differently to washing and heat, so tailoring your care routine makes all the difference.
- Honeycomb: Wash with cold water on a gentle cycle to maintain texture and elasticity. This prevents the weave from shrinking or losing its signature breathable pattern.
- Microfiber/Polyester: Use mild detergent and avoid fabric softeners to preserve quick-drying ability. Softener residue can block moisture-wicking fibers, reducing the shirt’s cooling performance.
- Single Jersey: Turn inside out before washing and use cold water. This minimizes pilling and helps maintain the fabric’s sleek, flexible feel.
Cotton: Wash in lukewarm water with similar colors. Cotton fibers are strong but prone to fading under heat, so avoid high-temperature drying for longer color life.
Protect Printings
The charm of a polo often lies in its printed or embroidered designs. Proper washing and handling protect these details from cracking or fading.
- Silkscreen Prints: Turn the shirt inside out and wash in cold water to prevent cracking. The inner wash protects the print layer from friction and direct detergent exposure.
- DTF Prints: Avoid harsh detergents and tumble drying. Gentle hand washing keeps the heat-pressed print flexible, preventing peeling or edge curling over time.
- Embroidered Design: Use a laundry net or hand-wash gently to protect the threadwork. Avoid ironing directly on embroidery to prevent melting or flattening the design.
Situational Care Tips
Your polo encounters different challenges depending on how you wear it—from workouts to casual outings. Tailoring care habits ensures it stays fresh and functional.
- Sweat & Odor Control: Soak in mild detergent before washing to break down sweat residues. This prevents odor buildup and bacteria growth, keeping your polo hygienic and fresh.
- Printing Color Fading Prevention: Dry polos in the shade to preserve vibrancy. Direct sunlight can cause printed inks to fade and weaken fabric fibers prematurely.
- Ironing Tips: Use low heat or steam lightly to remove wrinkles. This protects collars from curling while maintaining crisp structure without damaging fibers.
Polo Shirts Maintenance Tips
Small, consistent habits can extend the life of your polo shirts and keep them looking fresh for years. Keep them with you longer by:
- Protect Silkscreen Designs: Always turn silkscreened polos inside out before washing. It reduces friction, preventing cracks and preserving the print’s vivid detail.
- Keep Polos in Shape: Fold single jersey polos instead of hanging. This avoids stretching the neckline and maintains the natural fit and smooth surface.
- Preserve Collars: Zip or button polos before washing to prevent curling. Skip heat drying to maintain crisp collar structure and fabric strength.
At CUSTA, our polo selection features durable fabrics and high-quality customizable printing that stands the test of time with our caring guide. Explore our polo collection now!
Click here to view Polo Shirt Category
FAQ
Can I machine-wash a DTF-printed polo?
Yes, but use a gentle cycle and cold water. Avoid tumble drying to prevent the print from cracking or peeling.
How do I care for CUSTA’s embroidered polos?
Turn them inside out and use a laundry bag or hand-wash. Avoid ironing directly over embroidery threads.
What’s the best way to prevent polo collars from curling?
Button or zip before washing and dry flat. Heat exposure or uneven drying often causes collars to lose their shape.
Should polos be folded or hung for long-term storage?
Fold them neatly, especially cotton or single jersey polos. Hanging can stretch fibers and distort shoulder seams over time.