Bamboo polo and how the collar keeps its shape

Short answer: A polo collar goes flat for two reasons: it lacks reinforcement from the start, or it gets folded while wet. You can check the first before you buy, and you can avoid the second with a simple habit after washing.

Check the collar before you buy

Fold the collar up and let go. If it lifts itself, it will hold after washing too. If it is soft all the way round, it goes flat after a few washes. Also check that the collar is the same thickness on both sides and that the edge seam is even. See bamboo polo shirts for men.

Why the collar drops

A polo collar is knitted or sewn so it can stand up at the neck. Without something to hold it, it is pulled down by its own weight and by your movements through the day. Heat and moisture make it worse, because the fibres soften and set in whatever shape they dry in.

Hang it with the collar up

If the polo is folded while wet, the crease sets in the collar and stays. Hang it on a hanger with the collar up and the buttons done up, so the neck keeps its shape while drying. Smooth the collar points with your fingers so they do not curl upwards. See washing and care.

The placket

A placket reinforced behind the buttons does not twist. If the placket is thin, it pulls out of line after a few washes, and then the collar sits crooked too. Check that it lies flat and that the buttons are secure. Button the polo before washing so the placket does not twist in the machine.

Plain colours last longest

A plain polo can be worn for years without looking dated. Patterns and contrast trims follow fashion more, while a navy, black or white polo suits most trousers and occasions. It also means the collar decides whether the polo looks smart, since nothing else draws the eye. See bamboo T-shirts for men.

The weight of the fabric

A light polo drapes softly but shows more of the body and struggles to keep the collar up. A denser fabric holds its shape better, both in the collar and across the shoulders. Choose by use: a lighter one for warm days, a denser one for the office and cooler days.

Avoid high heat

The tumble dryer and a hot wash are the collar's worst enemies. Heat makes the collar soft and creased and can make the edge ripple. Wash at a low temperature and dry the polo on a hanger. If the collar has creased, smooth it with steam while the polo hangs.

Storage

Hang the polo on a hanger in the wardrobe rather than folding it. Folded in a drawer, the collar gets pressed flat under other clothes, and that sets over time. If it must be folded, place the collar on top with nothing heavy on it.

In short

A polo collar keeps its shape if it is reinforced from the start and treated well. Check it before buying by folding it up and letting go, hang the polo damp with the collar up, avoid heat and store it on a hanger. Then the collar looks good for many seasons.

Frequently asked questions

Why does my polo collar go flat?

Because it lacks reinforcement, or because the polo is folded while wet and the crease sets in the collar. Heat in washing and drying makes it worse, as the fibres soften.

How do I check the collar before buying?

Fold it up and let go. If it lifts itself, it will hold after washing too. Also check that it is the same thickness on both sides and that the edge seam is even.