Keeping the collar flat on bamboo polo shirts men wear daily
Short answer: The collar stays flat if you turn the polo inside out in the wash, dry it flat, smooth the collar by hand and hang it on a wide hanger. For bamboo polo shirts men wear daily the collar curls mostly when it dries in the wrong shape, so a few habits make a big difference.
Why the collar curls on bamboo polo shirts men wear
The collar is made of several layers of fabric and an interlining that together have to hold the shape. When it dries folded or gets twisted in the wash the layers pull differently and go wavy. It shows most on bamboo polo shirts, because viscose is soft and takes on the shape it lies in more easily.
Wash it inside out
Turn the polo inside out and close a couple of buttons so the collar does not fold in the drum. Use a gentle programme at the temperature on the label and do not fill the drum completely. A crowded wash presses the collar together. Skip fabric softener, which can leave a film on the fibres.
Drying and shaping
Take the shirt out as soon as the wash is done and smooth the collar by hand while it is damp. Lay the collar flat and shape it the way it should sit. Do not hang the polo on a line by the collar. Let it dry flat or on a wide hanger so the shape sets while the fabric dries.
Hanger or fold
A wide hanger that supports the shoulders is best for bamboo polo shirts men wear often. Close the top button so the collar keeps its shape on the hanger. If a shirt hangs for a long time it can pull at the shoulders, so fold it in a drawer if you do not wear it every day. Look at the range of bamboo polos for men.
Ironing and steam
If the collar has still got creases you can smooth it with an iron on low heat or with steam if the label allows it. Put a thin cloth over the collar and iron from the edge inwards. Do not press too hard and avoid high heat, which can damage the viscose fibres and make the collar shiny.
Collar stays and buttons
Some polos have small inserts in the collar that keep it stiff, and you should neither remove nor twist them. Close the buttons only when you want the collar to stand up and open them when you wash. Watch whether the collar goes limp after many washes, and wash more gently if it does.
When the collar curls anyway
A collar that has gone wavy can often be smoothed by dampening it lightly, shaping it by hand and letting it dry flat. If the collar is worn at the edge it is a sign the shirt has had a lot of use. Choose a polo with a reinforced collar next time and look after it better.
The whole layer in the drawer
The same habits help the rest of your clothes. Turn your all bamboo socks for men and your bamboo underpants for men inside out in the wash and dry them without heat. That way the whole layer lasts longer, and the polos look tidy every time you put them on.
Frequently asked questions
How do I keep the collar flat after washing
Smooth the collar by hand while it is damp and let the shirt dry flat or on a wide hanger. Do not hang it by the collar, and wash it inside out with a couple of buttons closed.
Can a bamboo polo go in the tumble dryer
It is best to avoid it, because heat and tumbling stress the viscose and the collar. Air drying is the mildest. If you use a dryer, choose low heat and take the shirt out while slightly damp.
Can I iron a polo collar
Yes, on low heat and with a thin cloth over the collar if the label allows it. Iron from the edge inwards without pressing hard so the collar does not turn shiny.
