Post: #1

Does anybody have any idea what causes polo shirts to lose their shape so easily and how I can prevent this? Even when I buy expensive well-fitting polos, after a few washes, the bottom of the shirt widens and it looks like I'm wearing maternity clothes. I don't seem to have the same problem with normal t-shirts. I machine wash them with cold water and hang them up to air dry.

Post: #2

My first recommendation is to keep them out of the dryer. Air dry on a clothes rack or a wide hanger.
You could try a shirt made with Tencel, Tencel/cotton or Tencel/polyester blends. Those fabrics hold
their shape better. Tommy Bahama, Zegna, or Orvis are good brands, and there are others.
If you're out in the heat you will like Tencel.

Post: #3

What type of polos exactly are we talking about? They aren't those flexible type Ralph Lauren polos are They? Those suck.

Do you have a high efficiency washer? Those wash clothes with much less movement and possibility for damage. I have never dealt with any issues like what you have described, and most of my clothes are mid level at best.

Post: #4

(01-07-2018 09:33 PM)Sofistikated Guy Wrote:  My first recommendation is to keep them out of the dryer. Air dry on a clothes rack or a wide hanger.

This is great advice, and it's what I do to keep my clothes looking fresh sometimes years after I've purchased them.

The inside of your standard dryer is probably the most harsh environment your clothes are subjected to. That being said the only things you should be using a dryer for are:

- Clothes that are not visible to people (underwear, socks, undershirts)
- House clothes and gym clothes (pyjamas, sweats)
- Uniforms/working clothes

Everything else should be hang dried. This takes some discipline, but if you do it often enough it becomes routine.

I don't even recommend drying outside in sunlight, since the UV can have some adverse effects on certain fabrics and colors. Get a Clothes Horse or two and hang your clothes in your garage or bedroom or a place where sun and rain won't reach.

*Bonus* save some money by doing this (either by using less electricity, or from using a laundromat dryer less).

Edit: This post wasn't aimed at the OP since he stated he already air dries his clothes, but if anyone else is reading this thread they might find the advice useful.

Post: #5