Keep T-Shirt Collars Crisp: Prevent Curling And Rolling

how to keep t shirt collars from curling

T-shirt collars that curl after washing can be frustrating and make you look unkempt. There are several reasons why this happens, including the quality of the fabric, the fit of the shirt, and the way the shirt is washed and dried. To prevent t-shirt collars from curling, it is recommended to wash shirts on gentle cycles with cold water and a mild detergent, as rough cycles and hot water can cause fabric fibres to expand and lead to stretching. Turning t-shirts inside out before washing can also help minimise wear and tear. When drying, it is best to avoid high heat, as this can cause the collar fabric to warp and shrink. Instead, air-drying t-shirts on a rack or hanger can help maintain the collar's shape and reduce fabric stress. Additionally, investing in collar stays – rigid inserts made of metal or plastic that provide structure and support to the collar – can help prevent curling and keep the collar crisp.

Characteristics Values
Fabric quality Choose high-quality, pure cotton-blend fabric
Fit Ensure the collar is not too tight or too loose
Washing Wash on a gentle cycle with cool water and mild detergent
Drying Air-dry on a rack or hanger
Ironing Use a steam iron on a low heat setting
Storage Store in a dry environment with humidity below 50%

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Wash on a gentle cycle and air dry

To keep your T-shirt collars from curling, washing your T-shirts on a gentle cycle and air drying them is a good idea. This is because rough cycles can cause friction on fabric fibres, which can lead to stretching. In addition, hot water can cause fabric fibres to expand, which can also lead to stretching. Therefore, it is recommended to wash your T-shirts on a gentle cycle using cool water.

When setting up your washing machine, use the Delicate cycle to minimise wear on fine or lightweight T-shirts. If your T-shirt is made from a heavier-duty fabric or is particularly dirty, you may opt for the Normal cycle. However, keep in mind that hot water can cause fabric fibres to expand, so it is best to use cold water to prevent stretching and curling of the collar.

After washing, instead of putting your T-shirts in the dryer, it is recommended to air dry them. Dryers can damage logos and fabrics, and if the heat setting is too high, it can completely damage them. Hangers can also leave marks on the shoulders of your T-shirts and stretch the collar as you pull it out. Therefore, it is best to air dry your T-shirts on a rack or drape them over something wide to avoid any marks or stretching.

By following these instructions, you can help prevent your T-shirt collars from curling and keep them looking their best for longer.

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Use collar stays

Collar stays are a great way to keep your T-shirt collars from curling. They are small, inexpensive, and make a huge difference in keeping your collar crisp and sharp. Made of a rigid material, usually metal or plastic, collar stays are wedged between your collar and shirt, maintaining the structure and form of your collar. They are slipped into (and out of, before washing) a small fabric pocket sewn inside the shirt collar, and can be purchased online or at men's clothing shops.

Collar stays are available in a variety of materials, from thin, flexible plastic to mother of pearl and stainless steel. If you want to add a touch of class to your outfit, you can opt for metal or even ivory collar stays, which will work just as well while adding a touch of sophistication.

Disposable collar stays are also an option, coming in the form of stickers or magnets that keep the front corners of your collar in place. However, be mindful that these can fall off in the wash, so it's important to check before wearing.

When using collar stays, it's important to remove them from the shirt before laundering as they can melt under high temperatures. If you forget to take them out, plastic collar stays will most likely need to be replaced.

In addition to disposable collar stays, there are also magnetic, peel-and-stick temporary, and iron-on collar stays available. These options are ideal for polo shirts and other knit shirts with curled collars.

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Master your ironing technique

Ironing is the best way to prevent collar curling if done correctly. Use a clothes iron to apply heat and pressure, smoothing out wrinkles and maintaining the collar's flat shape.

One tip when using a clothes iron is to start at the underside of the collar and work from the outside edges to the centre. Before starting, check the heat setting to avoid burning your clothes, and apply firm pressure. It is best to make several passes to ensure that the whole collar is smoothed out.

If you don’t have a clothes iron, you can opt for using a pressing iron or a steam iron to keep your shirt collars from curling. Steam irons, in particular, can be effective in fixing curled collars.

A TikTok hack suggests folding the collar in a "wave" pattern, then soaking it in ice water. After wringing out the collar and unfolding the shirt, you then iron out the collar and allow it to dry flat naturally.

However, it is worth noting that ironing may only help a little and may not get rid of the curling effect completely.

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Hang shirts with care

Hanging shirts with care is an important step in preventing t-shirt collars from curling. Here are some tips to follow:

Firstly, it is important to handle the shirt correctly when taking it off. Make sure to hold the shirt at the bottom hem rather than the collar to avoid stretching it. The same advice applies when putting the shirt on – be careful not to stretch the collar.

When hanging shirts, it is recommended to use hangers that won't leave marks on the shoulders. Instead of using wire hangers, opt for hangers made from a thicker material, or hang shirts on a rack. This will prevent the hangers from stretching the collars as you pull the shirts out.

Another way to hang shirts with care is to ensure they are not overcrowded. Leave some room between the hangers in your closet so that the collars are not squished and have space to retain their shape.

If you are hanging a shirt to dry, it is best to do so in a well-ventilated area. Remove the shirt from the dryer while it is still slightly damp and hang it up to air-dry. Button the neckband, fold the collar down, and smooth out any wrinkles.

Additionally, consider the type of hanger you use. Some people prefer to use collar tamers, which are inserted into a small fabric pocket sewn onto the underside of the shirt collar. These help to prevent the collar points from curling.

By following these tips, you can effectively "Hang shirts with care" and significantly reduce the chances of t-shirt collars curling.

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Choose quality shirts

Choosing a quality shirt is a surefire way to prevent curling collars. Shirts with lightweight but low-quality fabrics are more prone to curling. This is usually the case with cheap cotton shirts, which have less stretch than other high-performance cotton meshes. These cheap fabrics will shrink the moment they are exposed to any significant heat, such as a machine wash, leading to obvious collar curling.

To avoid this, opt for a shirt made of high-quality cotton-blend fabric. Ensure that the collar is not too small for your neck size, as collars tend to curl when they are too tight. A pure cotton mesh collar is a good option, as it has more stretch and is less likely to shrink.

In addition to the fabric and fit, the stitching of the shirt can also contribute to collar curling. Look for shirts with sturdy stitching, as this will help the collar maintain its shape and structure.

When it comes to preventing collar curling, it's worth investing in a well-made shirt. By choosing a shirt with the right fabric, fit, and stitching, you can avoid the hassle of constantly having to adjust your collar throughout the day.

Frequently asked questions

Wash your T-shirts on a gentle cycle in cool water and always hang them up to dry.

Always hang your T-shirts up on hangers instead of folding and stacking them. This will help them maintain their collar shape and reduce fabric stress.

Start ironing at the underside of the collar, working from the outside edges to the centre. Use a steam iron and apply firm pressure.

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