Ironing and caring for bamboo dress shirts
Short answer: Bamboo dress shirts are best ironed lightly at a moderate temperature, ideally while still a little damp, and cared for on a gentle cycle without fabric softener. Always follow the label in your own shirt, because it depends on brand and model.
Why bamboo dress shirts crease
Bamboo in clothing is viscose from bamboo, and viscose tends to crease, especially when it lies damp in a pile. That is not a fault but a trait of the fibres. With a little thought when washing and drying you can limit the creases, so you only need a light press before you put the shirt on.
How to wash bamboo dress shirts before ironing
Wash the shirt on a gentle cycle at a moderate temperature unless the label says otherwise. Do not overfill the machine, so the shirt can move and does not crumple into a ball. Browse bamboo shirt for men if you want to compare cuts and fabrics.
Drying that leaves fewer creases
Take the shirt out of the machine at once, shake it lightly and hang it on a hanger while still damp. Let it air dry and skip the tumble dryer unless the label allows it. A shirt that dries smooth on the hanger often needs only a little ironing afterwards.
Ironing step by step
Iron at a low to moderate temperature, and always check the label for the highest allowed setting. Iron inside out or place a thin cloth between to avoid shiny patches. Start with the collar and cuffs, then the sleeves and finally the body, and hang the shirt on a hanger straight away.
Steam instead of an iron
If you hang the shirt in the bathroom while you take a hot shower, the steam lets most creases fall out. A steamer can also do the job when used from a little distance. It is a gentle method for travel and busy mornings when there is no time to iron.
Storage and the collar
Hang shirts on hangers with a little air between them so they are not squeezed together. Fasten the top two buttons so the collar keeps its shape, and do not stuff them into a crowded wardrobe. If the shirt has to be folded, fold it loosely and lay it flat instead of stacking heavy clothes on top.
Stains and marks
Treat stains quickly with cold water and do not rub, since that can damage the fabric. Use a mild detergent and check the label before using anything stronger. Sweat marks under the arms come out most easily if you wash the shirt soon after wearing and do not leave it in the laundry basket for days.
A set of shirts that lasts
Rotate between two or three shirts so each gets rest between washes. It wears them less, and the same creases do not get pressed in every time. If the shirts go with thin socks, see all bamboo socks for men, and a soft T-shirt, bamboo T-shirts for men, you have a simple base.
Frequently asked questions
Do bamboo dress shirts need ironing
Most look best after a light press, but a shirt that was hung damp on a hanger often needs very little. Follow the label for temperature and steam.
Can I steam a bamboo shirt
Yes, steam is often a gentle way to let creases fall out. Hold the steamer a little away from the fabric and check the label in your own shirt before you start.
How do I remove sweat marks from a shirt
Treat the mark with cold water and a mild detergent and wash the shirt soon after wearing. Do not rub hard, and always follow the label in your own shirt.
