Golden laundry tips for stylish menswear

Your laundry basket is overflowing. Shirts, sweaters, polos and trousers are stacked throughout the house, ready for a big wash. But how do you ensure your favourite pieces look as stylish after washing as they did before? Too often, beautiful items end up damaged or shrunk in the wardrobe due to careless washing. The solution is simple: follow the care instructions and always check the label before putting anything in the washing machine. In this blog, we share practical washing tips to keep your clothes looking great longer and performing optimally.

The right temperature for each garment

Garments stay in top condition longer when washed at the right temperature. Washing too hot damages the fabric, washing too cold doesn't remove dirt sufficiently. Take the material into account and always check the care label. See this overview per garment:

• Shirts: Wash at 30 degrees up to a maximum of 40 degrees. Higher temperatures shrink cotton and wear out the fibres faster. Choose a short wash cycle.

• Sweaters: Wool or cashmere requires a wool wash cycle at 20 to 30 degrees. Use a wash bag and low spin speed to prevent pilling or distortion.

• Polos: Usually safe at 30 degrees, unless the label states otherwise. Cotton and piqué fabrics retain their fit and colour this way.

• Chinos and trousers: Wash these inside out at 30 to 40 degrees. This keeps the colour fresh longer and prevents shine marks on the fabric.

• Denim: Rinse jeans on a cold wash cycle or wash by hand. Use as little detergent as possible and no fabric softener.

Always check the label of your garment. It clearly states the recommended temperature. This prevents damage and maintains the fit.

The right detergent for each garment

Not every garment requires the same cleaning. Use a detergent that suits the type of fabric:

• Wool and delicate fabrics: Choose a mild, pH-neutral detergent without enzymes. These protect delicate fibres and prevent shrinkage.

• Colourfast clothing: Use a colour detergent that protects the colour and prevents fading.

• White clothing: Choose a detergent with optical brightener for a fresh result.

• Heavily soiled clothing: Use a powerful detergent with enzymes for deeper cleaning, but be careful with sensitive fabrics.

Always read the label of your detergent first and match it to your clothing. This keeps the fabric in top condition and fresh.

After washing, tumble dry or air dry?

After washing comes an important step: drying. Not every garment survives a trip in the tumble dryer. Pay close attention here:

• Shirts: Hang directly after washing on a hanger. This prevents creases and keeps the fit intact.

• Sweaters and knitwear: Lay flat to dry on a towel. This preserves the sweater's shape and prevents the fabric from stretching.

• Polos: Air dry on a hanger or drying rack, preferably not in direct sunlight.

• Trousers and chinos: Optionally in the tumble dryer on a low temperature, but better to air dry to prevent wear.

• Always check the label: Is there a cross through the tumble dryer symbol? Then the garment should not go in the dryer.

Use a low temperature if the garment is dryer-safe. This prevents shrinkage or damage to elastic fibres.

To iron or not to iron?

A crisp shirt or smooth trousers look well-groomed, but not every fabric can withstand the high temperatures of an iron:

Cotton and linen: Iron on high temperature, preferably when the garment is still slightly damp.

Synthetic fabrics: Use low temperature, otherwise the fabric may melt or discolour.

Wool and delicate materials: Use a steam function or place a cloth between the iron and the fabric.

Check the ironing symbol on the label for the correct temperature setting. This prevents shine marks or irreparable damage. At GENTS you'll find everything for a stylish summer look, clothing that deserves to be well cared for.

How to extend the life of your clothing

With a few simple habits, your wardrobe stays beautiful longer:

• Wash inside out: Protects colours and prints from friction.

• Separate washing: Keeping dark, light and coloured laundry separate prevents colour bleeding.

• Hand wash for delicate clothing: Delicate fabrics such as wool or silk stay nicer if you wash them by hand.

• Don't iron: Some fabrics don't benefit from it and wear out faster from heat.

Ready for a wardrobe upgrade? Get inspired on our website or visit one of our stores. At GENTS you'll receive personal advice. Discover our new summer collection and make your wardrobe summer proof!