Should I Have My Dress Shirts Laundered or Dry Cleaned?

Maintaining a professional appearance is important, whatever career path you follow. For men, having crisp, clean dress shirts is essential. Therein hangs the question, laundered shirts can be tossed in the washer and dryer at home, or is it better to have a professional launder them? What about dry cleaning? Is this not the best way to maintain a sharp appearance? For over 8 decades the most discriminating and well-dressed Manhattanites have entrusted their bespoke and investment wardrobe pieces to Cameo by Copeland Cleaners. They know that our experts are considerably experienced in the care and maintenance of garments that range from handsewn couture to menswear bearing the labels of the world’s most renowned designers and high-end retailers. When asked by a customer if their dress shirts should be laundered or dry cleaned there is no set answer. That is because we assess each garment that we receive and proceed to launder or dry clean the shirt based on a number of factors.

We do have customers who insist that laundered shirts are more comfortable and less likely to cause irritation to those with sensitive skin or allergies. However, the primary factor that determines the best course of action is the care label that is sewn into every garment. The laundry care label most often states that the dress shirt can be laundered. This is especially true if the shirt is made from silk or summer-weight linen or cotton, voile, seersucker, or batiste. However, if a garment label states that the shirt is ‘dry clean only’, it is imperative that it is not washed.

At Cameo by Copeland Cleaners, we take the time to evaluate each dress shirt we receive. Regardless of the method used to clean the garment, it is most important to have any stains removed prior to cleaning as the dry cleaning process will not remove any water-soluble stains, such as perspiration stains, however, it will remove stains that are oil-based, especially on cotton. Another consideration is that increasingly, more fabrics are blends, that is natural fibers such as cotton will be combined with nylon and or polyester threads. The result is a fabric that accepts more vivid colorways, however, it can present issues when removing stains and during the laundering or dry cleaning process unless handled by professionals. The experts at Cameo by Copeland Cleaners are knowledgeable about both cleaning processes and have developed specialized techniques to remove every trace of sweat, oil, grime, and stains from every type of fabric from natural fibers, to synthetics, to blends.

Whether laundered shirts or dry cleaning is the determined process, know that Cameo by Copeland Cleaners will channel our experience and expertise into maintaining the integrity of each and every one of your garments. Our goal is to return each to its original, pristine condition so that you can expect many more seasons of wear while looking professional and well-dressed. We also value your time. If you live in the TriState, know that you can arrange for our fleet to pick up your garments to be returned (without cost) in immaculate condition. Isn’t it time that you learned for yourself what your colleagues, relatives, and friends have been telling you – that Cameo by Copeland Cleaners’ services will conserve, protect, and maintain both your business wear, and personal wardrobes with the utmost care and professionalism. Learn more when you arrange for a pickup today!