• ALL WEEK FROM 9 AM TO 9 PM

How to Properly Dry Shirts to Avoid Fabric Damage?

by Meredith Knight on June 09, 2025

Simple Tips to Keep Your Favorite Shirts Looking Brand New

We all have that one favorite shirt—the one that fits just right, feels soft on the skin, and instantly boosts our confidence. But if you’re not drying your shirts properly, even the best quality fabrics can start to wear out faster than they should. Whether you’re rocking cotton blends or performance polyester, how you dry your shirt makes a big difference in how long it lasts.

Let’s discuss the best way to dry your shirts without compromising the fit, color, or fabric.

Why Drying Shirts the Right Way Matters

It’s tempting to just toss your shirt in the dryer and forget about it. But here’s the thing—high heat and aggressive tumbling can lead to shrinkage, faded colors, stretched collars, and weakened fibers over time.

For shirts made with performance polyester, it’s even more crucial to follow proper care steps. These fabrics are specially designed for durability, stain resistance, and easy maintenance, but that doesn't make them indestructible. Heat can still damage their structure if not handled correctly.

Skip the High Heat—Air Dry or Low Tumble is Your Best Bet

If you have time, air drying is always the gentlest method. Simply hang your shirt on a padded hanger or lay it flat on a clean towel. Avoid direct sunlight, though—UV rays can cause colors to fade, even on tough fabrics.

Pressed for time? Use the dryer, but always set it to a low-heat or "delicate" cycle. The key is to dry the shirt just enough to remove moisture without overheating the fibers. Overdrying is one of the fastest ways to shorten your shirt’s life.

Watch How You Hang Your Shirts

If you're hanging shirts to dry, remember how you do it. Wire hangers can leave marks or stretch out the shoulders—go for wide or padded hangers instead. For performance polyester shirts, a flat-dry method on a clean surface can help them keep their shape without any pulling.

Don't Forget the Shake

Before air drying, gently shake your shirt to remove wrinkles and help it dry more evenly. This one tiny step can save you time later when you’re ironing or steaming.

Be Careful with Fabric Softeners—They’re Not for Every Shirt

A quick side note—fabric softeners can break down certain fabric properties over time, especially in performance polyester. They may reduce stain resistance, affect breathability, or leave residue. If you want your shirts to last, it’s best to skip the softeners and opt for a mild detergent instead.

Small Habits = Long-Lasting Shirts

Caring for your shirts properly doesn't take much effort, but it makes a world of difference. With a little attention to how you dry them, you can keep the fabric smooth, the fit perfect, and the color vibrant.

Love the Look. Keep It That Way.

At Boone’s Bay, we design women’s shirts that are bold, breathable, and built to last, made with high-quality performance polyester that feels as good as it looks. If you’re someone who values style and durability, we invite you to explore our latest collection.

Treat your shirts right—and treat yourself to something new from Boone’s Bay. Your wardrobe will thank you.

BACK TO TOP