Bamboo shirt and when it needs ironing
Short answer: A bamboo shirt hung up damp rarely needs ironing, apart from the collar. The creases drop out on their own, because the weight of the water pulls the fabric smooth as it dries, which saves time and wear on the fabric.
Hang it up straight away
Take the shirt out of the machine while it is still damp and put it on a hanger straight away. Do up the top button so the neck keeps its shape, and gently pull the front and sleeves straight. If the shirt sits in the machine, the creases set and you will need to iron it after all. See washing and care.
Choose the right hanger
A wide hanger with rounded shoulders gives the shirt the best shape as it dries. A thin wire hanger leaves bumps in the shoulders that stay. Hang the shirt somewhere with air around it so it dries evenly, not pressed up against other clothes.
The collar is the exception
The collar is a double layer of fabric and dries unevenly. It is usually the only part that needs smoothing, and that takes under a minute. Iron the collar from the points towards the middle, so you do not push creases to the edge. Smooth the button placket too if it has pulled. See bamboo shirts for men.
Low heat if you iron
Viscose does not tolerate high heat. Use the synthetic setting and iron on the reverse, and you avoid shiny marks on the front. Test first somewhere that does not show, such as the inside of a side seam. The fabric smooths at low heat, so there is no need to turn it up.
Steam over pressure
Steam smooths without pressing. Hard pressure on viscose leaves shiny patches that never go away. Hold the iron just above the fabric and let the steam do the work, or use a handheld steamer while the shirt hangs. It also works well on a shirt that has hung in the wardrobe for a long time.
When the shirt has been folded
A shirt that has been in a suitcase or drawer has sharp folds that will not drop out by themselves. Hang it in the bathroom while you shower, so the steam loosens the folds. If that is not enough, apply steam directly to the folds. Do not press hard; just let the heat work.
Drying without a tumble dryer
The tumble dryer puts deep creases in viscose and can shrink the shirt. So it does not save ironing, it creates more. Air drying on a hanger is gentle and quick, because the fabric is light. If you are in a hurry, hang the shirt by an open window where the air moves.
Women's styles follow the same rule
The rule is the same whatever the cut. A women's style with a softer drape or no collar often needs no ironing at all if hung up damp. If it has ruffles or a tie neck, smooth them by hand while the fabric is wet. Use low heat or steam if more is needed. See bamboo shirts for women.
In short
Hang the shirt up damp and it smooths itself apart from the collar. Iron only on low heat and on the reverse, use steam rather than pressure, and keep the shirt out of the tumble dryer. That saves time, and the fabric keeps its matt look for longer.
Frequently asked questions
Does a bamboo shirt need ironing?
Rarely. Hung up damp on a hanger it smooths itself, apart from the collar, which is a double layer and dries unevenly. That takes under a minute to smooth with steam.
What heat should the iron be on?
Low, as for synthetics. Viscose does not tolerate high heat, so iron on the reverse and test somewhere hidden first to avoid shiny marks on the front.
Why does the fabric go shiny?
Because it has been pressed too hard with an iron that is too hot. Use steam instead and hold the iron just above the fabric, so the steam smooths without flattening the fibres.
See our range of women's bamboo shirts.
