Keep your shirts looking fresh with the right maintenance.

When it comes to looking after your shirts, one needs to pay attention to the details. Quality is key, and when it comes to shirts Italian style and quality are synonymous. Whether you’re looking for a casual shirt or a more formal one, it pays to invest a little more for a shirt that will last longer and will always look as fresh as the day you bought it.

The first step to looking after your shirts is to read the care label. Italian shirts will often have specific instructions on how to care for them and it’s important to follow these instructions. Most shirts can be machine washed on a gentle cycle, but some may require hand-washing or dry-cleaning. Pay attention to the temperature of the water and the type of detergent used and follow the instructions on the label.

The next step is to iron your shirt. To ensure a crisp, wrinkle-free finish, iron your shirt on the reverse side of the fabric. This will help to keep the front of the shirt free from creases and wrinkles. Pay attention to the care label, as some Italian shirts may need to be ironed on a low setting. Additionally, it’s best to iron your shirt while it’s still damp as this will help prevent any damage to the fabric.

The third step is to store your shirt properly. Shirts should be hung on a coat hanger in a cool, dry place. This will help to keep the fabric in good condition and prevent any damage from occurring. Additionally, it’s important to avoid folding the shirt as this will cause creases and wrinkles to form which may become difficult to remove.

Finally when buying a shirt it’s important to pay attention to the quality of the fabric. Italian fabrics are known for their superior quality and it’s important to invest in a shirt that is made from natural materials. Look for fabrics such as cotton, linen or silk and avoid any synthetic materials unless you are buying a casual shirt which normally contains about 2% elastan for some stretch. Additionally, pay attention to the stitching, buttons and button holes. Quality shirts should have a flat neat even stitch that is strong and durable. Mother-of-pearl buttons are the best choice due to their natural, unique look and heat resilience. They also feel great to the touch and can be found in many natural shell variations. However, be aware that if the button is too thin or made of plastic it can easily crack and can melt with a hot iron.

When it comes to button holes the more stitches employed the better. They should encase the slit tightly to reinforce the vulnerable high use area. Ensure all loose threads are snipped off and that the gap is the right size for the button.

A dress shirt or casual shirt of good quality should have some extra buttons attached. These buttons are the same type as the ones already on the shirt. Having a button in a different size or thickness can make the process of finding a replacement a challenge. Usually, the spare buttons are sewn onto the bottom of the placket, on the side of the shirt's tail or on the care label.

It pays to pay attention to the details. Investing in a quality shirt is worth the money as it will last you for years to come and with a bit of care your shirts will remain looking sharp for a long time.