A high-quality polo shirt is a must have for your wardrobe. Versatile and made for almost any occasion, you can always rely on your favorite polo to strike the perfect balance between smart and casual style. However, wherever you’re heading, making sure that your outfit is fresh and clean and looking great is an important consideration.
The good news is that polo shirts are usually very easy to care for, and as long as you follow our top tips for washing, drying, and ironing, you’ll be able to wear your shirt with confidence for years. So, explore our guide on caring for your polo, as well as our top tips for removing stains, and make sure your favorite garments can go the distance.
Understanding Polo Shirt Fabrics and Care Labels
Today, polo shirts come in a broad range of fabrics and textile blends, meaning that how you care for one polo shirt may not necessarily be how you care for another. For this reason, its vitally important that you read the care labels of your shirts if you want them to last as long as possible.
You’ll usually find care labels at the back underneath the polo collar or sewn into the side, and they should use the same symbols and washing instructions to care for that specific shirt. In the US, the following symbols are usually found on your care labels
Care Symbols
- Washing — A tub icon indicates machine washing, with numbers or dots specifying the maximum water temperature. A hand symbol means hand wash only.
- Drying — A square with a circle inside represents tumble drying. Dots within the circle indicate the heat setting. A line inside a square suggests line drying while a simple circle means dry cleaning only.
- Ironing — An iron symbol indicates whether ironing is safe. Dots inside the iron symbol indicate the temperature setting.
- Bleaching — A triangle symbol indicates whether bleaching is allowed. A blank triangle means any bleach can be used, while a crossed-out triangle means no bleach.
Washing Tips and Tricks for Different Polo Shirt Materials
The care label in your polo will also tell you what kind of fabric is used in its manufacture. This is another important consideration when caring for your shirts as it will dictate the washing temperature and machine setting among other considerations. While different fabrics will require different approaches, you can generally care for these popular polo fabrics using our tips below.
Cotton
Cotton polos are breathable and comfortable but can be prone to shrinkage and wrinkling if washed in hot water or dried at high temperatures.
- Pre-treat Stains — Use a gentle stain remover on any spots before washing.
- Water Temperature — Wash in cold or lukewarm water to prevent shrinking.
- Detergent — Use a gentle detergent to maintain the fabric’s softness.
- Washing Machine Setting — Select a delicate or gentle cycle to minimize wear and tear.
Polyester
Polyester polo shirts are durable, resistant to shrinking and wrinkling, and quick drying. However, they can retain odors if not washed properly.
- Avoid Fabric Softeners — These can reduce the moisture-wicking properties of polyester.
- Water Temperature — Wash in warm water to effectively remove body oils and odors.
- Detergent — Choose a detergent designed for synthetic fabrics.
- Washing Machine Setting — Use a normal or permanent-press cycle to reduce wrinkles.
Blends
Fabric blends, such as cotton-polyester, combine the best qualities of both materials but may have specific care requirements depending on the ratio of the blend.
- Pre-treat Stains: Apply a stain remover suitable for both natural and synthetic fabrics.
- Water Temperature: Use cold water to balance between the needs of both fabric types.
- Detergent: Look for detergents that work well with mixed fabrics.
- Washing Machine Setting: Select a cycle that’s appropriate for the more delicate fabric in the blend.
Other general tips for washing clothes include:
- Sort by Color and Fabric — Wash darks, lights, and whites separately; group by fabric type.
- Pre-treat Stains — Treat stains promptly with appropriate pre-treatment. See out tips below.
- Use the Right Detergent — Choose a mild detergent and use the recommended amount.
- Wash in Cold or Lukewarm Water — Prevents shrinking and fading; avoid hot water.
- Gentle Washing Cycle — Use a gentle or delicate cycle and avoid overloading the machine.
- Turn Shirts Inside Out — Make sure your shirt is inside out to protect the outer surface from friction. Button up the polo’s collar and lay flat.
Stain Removal Tips for Polo Shirts
Stubborn stains can be the bane of your wardrobe, ruining otherwise perfectly good garments. However, with a few simple tricks you can take back control and beat stains before they set in for good. Learn more about stain removal below and treat them before throwing them in the washer.
Tip 1: Removing Food and Drink Stains
- Pre-treatment — Dab the stain with a mixture of water and dish soap.
- Washing — Wash the shirt as soon as possible in cold water.
- Special Care — For tough stains like wine or coffee, use a specialized stain remover or a paste made from baking soda and water.
Tip 2: Removing Sweat Stains
- Pretreatment — Apply a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water to the stained area.
- Washing — Wash in warm water with an enzyme-based detergent.
- Special Care — For severe stains, let the shirt soak in the vinegar solution for 30 minutes before washing.
Tip 3: Removing Oil and Grease Stains
- Pre-treatment — Sprinkle baking soda or cornstarch on the stain to absorb the oil.
- Washing — After letting it sit for a few hours, brush off the powder and treat with a stain remover.
- Special Care — Wash in the warmest water safe for the fabric, using a heavy-duty detergent.
Drying and Ironing Techniques for Polo Shirts
Once your polos are clean and stain free, you need to think about drying and ironing. Again, different fabrics require different approaches, so it’s important to know they kind of material used to manufacture your polo shirt and to always check the care label. However, with common materials, you can generally follow the advice below.
| Drying | Ironing | |
| Cotton | Line Drying — Best to prevent shrinking and maintain shape. Hang the shirts on a clothesline or drying rack but avoid direct sunlight unless it’s a white polo. Tumble Drying —If you must use a dryer, choose a low heat setting and remove the shirts while slightly damp to avoid wrinkles. | Temperature Setting — Use a medium to high heat setting, and steam can help remove stubborn wrinkles. Technique — Iron the shirt while it’s slightly damp for best results. Start with the collar, move to the sleeves, and finish with the body. |
| Polyester | Tumble Drying — Use a low to medium heat setting. Polyester dries quickly, so monitor the drying process to prevent overheating. Air Drying — Lay the shirts flat or hang them up to air dry, which can help reduce wrinkles. | Temperature Setting — Use a low heat setting to prevent melting or scorching the fabric. Technique — Iron on the reverse side if possible and use a pressing cloth to avoid direct contact with the iron. |
| Blended | Follow the care instructions based on the more delicate fabric in the blend. Line drying is generally safe. | Use a low to medium heat setting and iron on the reverse side to avoid damaging the fabric. |
Conclusion — Keeping Your Polo Shirts Fresh and Clean
Keeping your favorite polo shirts looking fresh, clean, and in good condition is often as simple as understanding the type of fabrics used and following the care instructions. However, as a general rule of thumb, following our tips and tricks on polo shirt care can help speed up the process. Remember, if you are unsure, always lean towards lower temperatures for washing, drying, and ironing, and avoid over-powered detergents wherever possible.
For more information on polo shirt uniforms, explore our collection today or get in touch to discuss your requirements.
About the Author
Nick Warrick
Nick Warrick is the Sales Manager at All Seasons Uniforms. With over 15 years of experience in the work uniform business, he has worked with hundreds of clients across 20 different industries. Holding bachelor’s degrees in both Business Administration and Information Technology, Nick revamped the company’s online presence, offering its customers a new uniform shopping experience.