The most common complaint about polo shirts is a collar that goes flat, wavy, or loses shape after just a few washes. This is partly a fabric and construction issue, and partly a washing technique issue. Good polo shirt collar care starts with how you wash it, not just how you iron it.
Why Collars Lose Shape
A polo collar’s structure depends on the internal construction — typically an interlining or reinforced stitching that holds the collar upright. Cheap polo shirts skip this reinforcement.
Step 1 — Wash on a Gentle, Cold Cycle
Hot water and aggressive washing cycles break down collar structure faster.
Step 2 — Reshape the Collar While Damp
Immediately after washing, while the shirt is still damp, gently reshape the collar by hand — smoothing it into its natural upright position.
Step 3 — Dry Flat or Hang, Never Tumble Dry
Tumble drying on high heat is one of the fastest ways to damage collar structure.
Step 4 — Iron the Collar Carefully
When ironing, use medium heat and iron the collar in the direction it naturally sits, rather than pressing it flat against the ironing board.
Choosing a Polo Shirt With Better Collar Construction
Look for polo shirts specifically described as having a ‘reinforced’ or ‘ribbed’ collar with internal structure.
OutfitPlus Polo Shirts — Built for This
Every polo shirt in the Plus Size Polo Shirts collection uses a reinforced ribbed collar specifically designed to hold its shape through repeated machine washing.