March 2025
Care Guide: The Oxford Shirt
A longtime pillar of the Polo look, our oxford shirt is treated with a secret wash to give it character, softness, and what we call the perfect “rumple.” Here’s how to make sure yours remains a longtime pillar of your wardrobe.
How to wash it:
- Use cold water. Washing with cold water prevents fabric from stiffening or shrinking.
- Choose a gentle or delicate cycle. This minimizes friction, which can stretch and weaken fibers.
- Use mild detergent without harsh chemicals. This protects the fabric.
- Turn it inside out. This reduces the wear on the outside of the fabric.
- Avoid overloading your washer. This allows more space for the shirt to move, reducing wrinkles and wear.
- Button the top button. Or secure the collar with a collar clip to keep it in place during the washing cycle.
- Wash sparingly. Only wash your oxford shirt when necessary to avoid wear and tear. You can refresh it by airing it out between wears.
- De-pill with a fabric shaver or lint roller. Do this regularly to keep the fabric looking neat.
After you wash it:
- Air-dry when possible. Lay the shirt flat on a clean towel or hang it to dry on a clothes hanger. Avoid using the dryer, as high heat can cause shrinking or distortion.
- Use a low heat setting on the dryer (when necessary). This helps avoid shrinking.
- Iron while damp. After drying, iron the shirt while it is still a bit damp for easier wrinkle removal. Use a medium or high heat setting if the fabric label allows it.
- Spray starch for a crisp finish. If you prefer a sharp, crisp look, lightly spray starch onto the shirt before ironing. Be careful not to overdo it.
How to store it:
- Hang the shirt on a padded or wooden hanger. This helps preserve its shape, especially at the shoulders and collar.
- Button the top button. This helps keep the collar's shape intact.
- Avoid overcrowding. Store the shirt in a cool, dry place, away from sunlight, and avoid over-stuffing the closet. This prevents creases and fabric wear.
If you spill:
- Spot clean immediately. This helps prevent stains from setting. Use a gentle detergent and cold water to blot the area with a soft cloth.
Collar care:
- Use steam. This will help relax the fabric and smooth out wrinkles without causing additional stress on the fabric.
- Iron in the correct direction. Always iron the collar from the outside to the center and avoid pulling on the seams, as this can distort them.
- Use a collar insert. For extra structure, you can insert collar stays or plastic collar inserts to prevent the collar from becoming floppy and creasing.
Love It Longer
To ensure your Ralph Lauren product maintains quality for generations to come, always follow the care tips provided on each tag. For six of our most iconic products, we’ve sourced extra care tips from our design team.
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