How to wash a knitted polo shirt

Wash a knitted polo shirt by hand in cool water, or on a gentle machine cycle at 30°C, and lay it flat to dry. Happy Gentleman's knitted polo shirts are made from a cotton-acrylic blend, and this fibre mix holds its shape best when it avoids high heat, agitation and tumble drying.

This guide walks through preparation, washing, drying and ironing step by step, so a favourite knitted polo keeps its shape wear after wear.

Step-by-step washing guide

Follow these steps to keep a knitted polo shirt looking as good as the day it arrived.

1. Preparation

• Check the care label for the exact fibre content and any temperature limit, since blends vary slightly between styles
• Turn the polo shirt inside out to protect the ribbed knit texture and the zip neck from snagging
• Do up the zip fully before washing, so it does not catch on the fabric

2. Washing (hand wash is best)

• Fill a clean sink or basin with cool or lukewarm water and a small amount of mild, non-biological detergent
• Submerge the polo shirt and gently massage the fabric for 2 to 3 minutes, without twisting or scrubbing
• Rinse thoroughly by draining the soapy water and refilling with clean water until no suds remain

3. Machine washing (if hand washing is not practical)

• Place the polo shirt inside a mesh laundry bag before it goes in the machine
• Select a gentle or delicate cycle with cold water, at 30°C or below
• Skip fabric softener, since it can weigh down the knit and stretch the ribbed texture

4. Drying

• Press out excess water gently by hand, without wringing or twisting the fabric
• Lay the shirt flat on a clean towel, reshaping the collar, cuffs and hem while it is still damp
• Keep it away from direct sunlight or a radiator, which can fade colour and dry the fabric unevenly

5. Ironing and storage

• Iron on a low heat setting, with the shirt turned inside out
• Use a steamer instead where possible, since direct heat can flatten the ribbed knit
• Fold the shirt for storage rather than hanging it, to stop the shoulders and neckline stretching out of shape

Shop the Men's Brown Ribbed Knit Polo Shirt, £45

Shop Knitted Polo Shirts

Can you machine wash a knitted polo shirt?

Yes, but hand washing is gentler on a cotton-acrylic knit. If a machine wash is more practical, use a mesh laundry bag, a gentle or delicate cycle, and cold water to protect the ribbed texture and the zip neck.

Can you tumble dry a knitted polo shirt?

No, tumble drying is the main cause of shrinkage in a knitted polo shirt. Heat from a dryer can also stretch out the collar and cuffs. Dry flat on a towel instead, and reshape the shirt while it is still damp.

How do you stop a knitted polo shirt from shrinking?

Wash cool, skip the tumble dryer, and dry flat rather than on a hanger. A hanger can stretch the shoulders and neckline out of shape while the fabric is still wet, so a flat surface holds the shirt's shape better while it dries.

Where to buy Happy Gentleman's knitted polo shirts

The full range is available at happygentleman.com/collections/polo-shirts-for-men, in 8 colours from £29 to £45. All UK orders over £49 qualify for free standard delivery, with next-day delivery available for £4.90 and same-day dispatch on orders placed before 2pm, Monday to Friday. Returns and exchanges are free within 30 days.

FAQ

What is a knitted polo shirt made from?

Happy Gentleman's knitted polo shirts are a cotton-acrylic blend, giving a soft, ribbed texture.

How often should you wash a knitted polo shirt?

After 2 to 3 wears rather than every wear, so the knit holds its shape for longer.

Can you iron a knitted polo shirt?

Yes, on a low heat setting, ironed inside out. A steamer is a gentler alternative.

Do these steps work for a cotton piqué polo shirt too?

Not exactly. A woven cotton piqué polo is more hard wearing than a knitted style, so it can usually take a warmer wash (up to 40°C) and a tumble dryer on a low setting. Always check the care label first, since finishes vary between styles.

How do you wash a wool or merino polo shirt?

Wash wool and merino blends by hand in cool water with a wool-specific detergent, and dry flat. These fibres are more prone to felting and shrinkage than a cotton-acrylic knit, so avoid the washing machine unless the care label confirms it is machine washable.

Does fabric affect how a polo shirt should be dried?

Yes. Knitted and wool polos should always be dried flat to hold their shape, while a woven cotton piqué polo can usually be tumble dried on low or hung to dry without the same risk of stretching.