A Complete Guide to Washing, Drying, and Storing Your Silk Shirts

Silk shirts are luxurious, elegant, and oh-so-smooth… that is until you accidentally toss one in the wash with your jeans and end up with something that feels like crispy seaweed. Don’t worry! Caring for silk doesn’t have to be a nerve-racking experience. With a little know-how you can keep your silk shirts looking fresh, glossy, and fabulous for years. Let’s dive into the silky secrets of washing, drying, and storing your delicate treasures.

Step 1 - Taking the Worry Out of Washing 

Image credit: The Shirt Company

Yes, you can just about get away with washing silk on a gentle wash cycle if you use the right products, but the risk isn’t worth the worry. Your silk shirt deserves the princess treatment so it can serve looks for decades to come. 

First things first: check the care label. If it says “Dry Clean Only,” your safest bet is to let the professionals handle it. But if it says “Hand Wash” or “Dry Clean” (Like the Shirt Company’s offerings) you’re in the clear to take a gentle DIY approach.

1. Tackle the stains. Like any fabric, silk can pick up stains from anti-persperant or last night's dinner. There’s no need to buy a fancy stain remover, you can make a DIY solution with a couple of cups of lukewarm water and two tablespoons of lemon juice and white vinegar. This is best applied with a spray bottle and left to soak in before gently dabbing with a sponge.

2. Fill a basin with lukewarm or cool water. Never use hot water, silk and heat are sworn enemies.
   
   

3. Add a dash of mild detergent. Look for one labeled “for delicates” or “for silk.” Regular detergent can strip the natural fibres and leave shirts looking dull or feeling crispy.
   
   

4. Submerge and swish. Gently swirl your shirt around in the water for a few minutes. Avoid scrubbing, wringing, or twisting. Instead of giving washing machine energy, think of it as a little spa bath for your shirt.
   
   

5. Rinse thoroughly with cool water until the water runs clear and there are are no suds left.
   
   

Step 2 - Drying: Keep It Cool, Keep It Classy

Image credit: The Shirt Company 

Remember how silk and heat are sworn enemies? That means tumble dryers are out. Heat can ruin the fibres and cause shrinkage, so air drying is a silks best friend.

Here’s the silk-safe way:

1. Lay your shirt flat on a clean towel.
   
   

2. Roll it up gently to absorb excess water. Think of a delicate little cloth burrito with a silk shirt filling.
   
   

3. Unroll and lay flat again on a dry towel or a flat, slatted drying rack, away from direct sunlight (not a danger in the UK right now) or radiators (definitely a danger in the UK right now).
   
   

4. Shape it gently while it’s damp to prevent wrinkles or warping and maintain the silhouette. 

Some silk purists will never hang their items to ensure they remain the perfect shape, but I have never had a problem with hanging a damp silk shirt to dry. Make sure the shirt isn’t sopping wet by blotting out excess water using the method above, then hang your shirt on a padded hanger over the bathtub or shower so it can drip dry. Make sure you carefully drape your shirt on the hanger so the shoulders are even and the collar is folded as you’d like it to sit. 

Step 3 - Silk Storage Solutions 

100% Silk shirts are like cats, they love cool, dry, dark places and they appreciate being treated with reverence.

Golden rules for storage:

• Hang on padded hangers. Sharp plastic or wooden hangers can leave dents or stretch the fabric at the shoulders. A retro padded hanger is your best bet.
  

• Use breathable garment bags. If you want to keep your silk under wraps to protect it, use garment bags made of natural fabrics. Plastic traps moisture, and silk prefers to breathe.
  

• Avoid direct sunlight as it can fade those gorgeous rich colours over time. 

• Keep moths away. Moths love silk just as much as we do. A few cedar balls or lavender sachets will keep them at bay and keep your closet smelling divine.

Step 4 - Bonus Silk Shirt Hacks 

Image credit: The Shirt Company

• Creases? Use a steamer or an iron on the lowest setting. Always place a cloth barrier between the iron and the fabric and go slowly and carefully. 
  
  
• Water spot? Blot (don’t rub!) gently with a clean, damp cloth, then air dry. If your shirt has lots of water marks, your best bet is to dunk it in cool water and then follow the drying method in step 2. There’s no need to wash.
  
• Static cling? A light mist of water or an anti-static spray will calm things down. Apparently, running a dryer sheet over the inside of the garment also works wonders!