How-to

Keep a Polo Shirt Collar in Shape: Six Checks for Buttons, Washing and Drying

A beginner-friendly routine to reduce twisting collars and stretched shoulders on piqué polo shirts. Compare Ralph Lauren and Lacoste guidance while following your own garment's care label first.

4 min read2026-10-27

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OriginalRalph Lauren's polo collar, buttons and washing adviceRalph Lauren — Care Guide: The Polo Shirt · Original publisher

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01

What you need

Care label inside your polo
Mild suitable detergent
Appropriate gentle wash program
Flat drying rack or supported air-drying space

02

How to

1. Read the sewn-in care label for fiber blend, wash permission, temperature and tumble-drying symbols. Cotton piqué and performance blends may require different care.
2. Check the collar and placket. Ralph Lauren advises fastening all buttons on its polos to maintain collar shape. Separate items that may snag the knit; turn the shirt inside out if surface rubbing is a concern.
3. If the label permits machine washing, choose a short or gentle cycle. Lacoste recommends a short 30°C program for its polos; Ralph Lauren recommends cold water and a delicate cycle. Sort by color and do not overload the washer.
4. Dose a suitable mild detergent as instructed. Lacoste advises against fabric softener for its polos. Pretreat small marks gently using a method the actual fabric label allows rather than harsh scrubbing.
5. While the shirt is damp, gently smooth the collar, shoulders and side seams back into shape. Ralph Lauren favors reshaping and flat air-drying; Lacoste describes air-drying piqué polos. Check the individual label before using heat.
6. Once dry, check the collar for twists and shoulder areas for stretch. Fold shirts that may sag from long hanging; if hanging, support the shoulders with an appropriate hanger. Where brands differ, prioritize the specific item label.

One more tip

There is no universal 30°C rule or tumble-dry ban for every polo. Lacoste describes a short 30°C cycle and air drying for its polos, while Ralph Lauren advises cold delicate washing, reshaping and folding for its polos. Follow the garment label.

Sources and media

OriginalLacoste's official polo washing and drying guideLacoste Korea — Polo Care · Original publisher

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