Caring for your shirts the right way will ensure you get the most out of them in appearance and wear. It would be pointless and heartbreaking to invest time and money into a wardrobe of fine things if one does not take as much effort in its upkeep. Here are a few basic tips on how to care for your shirts.

Washing

The Care Label on your shirt is your best guide to washing instructions. Washing your shirts at home will allow you full control of the process. From treatment of stains to temperature setting to quality of detergent – you can pay as much attention as you would like at each stage. If you prefer to send your shirts to the cleaners, be sure to choose one that is reputable with quality service. Drying cleaning is not always recommended unless stated so in the Care Label of the shirt.

Stain Treatment

Sometimes, stains are not always visible and if left untreated can build up over time from perspiration, deodorant, colognes, body products, food, etc. The longer you leave your dirty shirts in the laundry basket, the more time stains will have to set into the shirt fabric. The sooner you treat a stain, the better. One of the hardest areas on a shirt to clean are the collar and cuffs. Always pre-treat the collar, cuffs and underarms of your shirts before every wash even if you don’t see a stain. Stain sticks or pens or sprays are all popular options for pre-treating collars and cuffs. If you send your shirts to the cleaners, always alert them of any stains to remove.

Tip: Apply cologne or spray on to your body and NOT on your shirt. Wait until the cologne/spray has dried before putting on the shirt to avoid staining or discolouration.

Shrinkage

Washing your shirts at unnecessarily high temperatures will cause your shirts to shrink, especially shirts of natural fabrics – cotton, linen, bamboo, etc. Always maintain the temperature mentioned on the shirt’s care label. When in doubt, stick to cold or lukewarm water set to a delicate cycle on the washing machine.

Ironing

A proper ironing technique can make such a difference to how clean and crisp a shirt looks and more importantly, how it will make YOU look.

Tip: Never iron over buttons, always around them to avoid damage. If you give your laundry to the cleaners, let them know to be extra careful as they could damage the shirt buttons using the press.

Storage

Hangers play a large role in protecting and extending the life of a shirt. Wooden hangers or thick plastic hangers that are wider at the shoulders, at least ¼” to 2”s wide, are perfect for supporting the shirt from its own weight and will prevent unsightly shoulder bumps on your shirts. Using wire hangers for your shirts is not recommended as its sharp edges can warp the shirt fibres.

For shirts that you do not plan on wearing for a while, protect them from dust, moisture and moths by enclosing them in bags or boxes. Cedar blocks, boxes, drawer liners or hangers offer natural protection against garment damage from moisture and moths. Its pleasant aroma keeps your wardrobe smelling fresh.

What makes an article of clothing an ‘essential’? We believe an essential garment or accessory is one that serves as a foundation to any ensemble or style you wear; not only does it compliment the other items in your wardrobe but it also successfully dresses you for every season and occasion. It is timeless, it is versatile and it is an investment in making you look every bit the classic, stylish and well-dressed gentleman you are.

Here are 8 wardrobe essentials every man should own. From this continue to build your wardrobe as you explore and experiment with the latest trends, colours, and statement pieces.

1. A Crisp White Shirt

You need this ultimate article of versatile clothing in your wardrobe. A clean, crisp white shirt will never, ever, go out of style – it transcends seasonal trends and fashions. Consider this must-have a blank canvas to pair with pretty much everything in your wardrobe from trousers to jackets, from ties to accessories – dressed up or down.

2. A Pale Pink and Blue Shirt

A true wardrobe workhorse, you will most certainly get a lot of wear out of a classic Blue or Pink shirt. It pairs as well with a grey, navy or beige suit as it would with jeans or chinos.

3. Plain White T-Shirt

Oh the many ways to wear a plain white t-shirt! Pair with jeans for a cool and casual weekend look or layer it on when it’s cooler outside. If you wear your white T-shirt often we suggest you keep a couple of these in your wardrobe and switch between crew necks and V-necks for a bit of variety.

4. Navy Blazer

A navy blazer is one of those essentials that are as timeless and versatile as they come. A surefire way to dapper any outfit, one of these bad boys will take you from work to drinks out like the debonair you are. Our favourite pairing is with a crisp shirt under a V-neck sweater!

5. Dark Jeans & Chinos

Nothing like a well made, clean cut, and reliable pair of classic dark wash jeans! Whether you opt for a smart casual or laid back look, there isn’t much that doesn’t look fantastic with it. Dress them up with a sharp blazer and dress shoes or keep it casual with just a pair of sneakers and your favourite T-shirt.

For the sake of variety, you’re going to need something other than your jeans for those less formal occasions – chinos perfectly sort that out. Start your essentials wardrobe off with a pair of classic camel or navy chinos. Wear your chinos with crisp white shirt and a sharp blazer or perhaps with a polo shirt for a casual look.

6.) Polo Shirt

If you’re not really a T-shirt kind of guy (oh but even if you are!), try a polo shirt. It’s still casual wear but a tad dressier and smarter than a T-shirt. If you do not own one already, go for Polo shirts in blue, navy or black colours before you feel confident enough to experiment with brighter colours, patterns, and embellishments.

7. Dress and Casual Shoes and Belts

A pair of well-made dark brown brogues pair incredibly well with almost everything in your wardrobe and almost every occasion. And no pair of brown shoes is complete without a brown belt – try a walnut brogue leather belt or a more casual and wider one for your jeans and chinos.

For smarter and/or formal events, a high quality classic black leather lace-up is the right investment. A formal black leather belt with a simple silver buckle works wonderfully with these shoes.

Give your work/dress shoes a rest and wear your sneakers all weekend long. From bbq’s to the beach, from errands to the mall, they are the perfect casual shoes.

8. Watch, Sunglasses, Cufflinks, Tie and Pocket Square.

Every stylish gentleman needs at least one pair of good cufflinks to wear with his perfectly fitted French cuff shirt, he needs a quality silk tie (preferably in a solid colour) that works well with most of his shirts and suits, and a perhaps a pocket square or two to add that extra pop of colour to his outfit. Whatever the setting, he needs a well chosen watch to complete his ensemble. Lastly, a pair of sunglasses are always cool – except indoors!