A well-tailored shirt doesn’t just elevate your look—it elevates your day. It fits better, feels better, and moves with you. But over time, even the best-fitted shirts can lose their crisp structure, sag at the collar, or shrink in all the wrong places—unless they’re properly cared for.

Whether you’ve just purchased your first custom shirt or have a closet full of them, here’s how to maintain the fit, structure, and long-term comfort of your tailored shirt in Singapore’s climate.

The Importance of Fit—And Why It Changes

A well-tailored shirt is meant to follow your form, not fight it. When it starts to feel tight around the shoulders or baggy near the waist, it’s not just about style—it’s about lost comfort. But most people don’t realise that even the best-fit shirt can lose its shape without proper care. Fabric memory, stitching integrity, and collar structure all respond to how you treat the shirt between wears.

Smart Washing = Long-Lasting Fit

Avoid the temptation to throw your shirt in the laundry after every wear. Unless it’s visibly soiled or worn in humid conditions, a tailored shirt can typically be worn 2–3 times before washing.

When you do wash:

• Use cold water and a gentle cycle to prevent fabric shrinkage and preserve thread strength.

• Avoid harsh spin settings. A mild spin followed by air drying on a hanger helps maintain the shirt’s original dimensions.

• Do not tumble dry. High heat is the fastest way to damage fit and comfort.

Use mild detergent—harsh chemicals degrade natural fibers like cotton or linen.

Ironing with Intention

An iron set too hot or used directly on seams can stretch or warp delicate stitching. Instead:

• Iron while the shirt is still slightly damp.

• Use a pressing cloth over high-tension areas like cuffs, collars, and plackets to avoid shine marks.

Always iron in the direction of the weave, especially around darts or shaped seams to maintain their structure.

Store It Like It’s Tailored—Because It Is

Most people fold shirts or hang them on flimsy wire hangers. This gradually erodes shoulder structure and creates unwanted creases.

Here’s what to do instead:

• Use wide wooden hangers that mimic the natural slope of your shoulders.

• Button the top button before hanging to help the collar hold shape.

If storing long-term, keep your shirt in breathable cotton garment bags—not plastic—to avoid mildew and yellowing.

Watch Your Posture—Seriously

Your body changes over time—and so does your posture. Rounded shoulders or weight fluctuations will show up in how your tailored shirt fits.

Here’s the good news: a minor alteration can restore that original precision. If your shirt starts to pull at the back, feels tight around the arms, or bulges at the waist, bring it back to your tailor. Small adjustments cost far less than a new shirt—and keep your collection wearable for years.

Don’t Wear It Every Day—Let It Rest to Last

It’s tempting to reach for your favourite tailored shirt day after day—especially when it fits perfectly and makes you feel confident. But one of the most overlooked principles of maintaining shirt quality is rotation. Just like shoes need time to air out and recover their structure, your shirts benefit from the same courtesy.

Wearing the same shirt too frequently accelerates wear in high-stress areas such as the collar, cuffs, and underarms. Even if it looks clean, your shirt collects body oils and sweat which—over time—break down the fabric’s integrity and cause early fading or warping of the seams. When worn continuously, moisture doesn’t fully evaporate, and the cotton or blended fibres can lose shape or become prone to yellowing.

If you’re someone who wears formal shirts to work daily, we recommend owning a minimum of three to five shirts in active rotation. This allows each piece to breathe between wears, extending the life of the fabric, preserving fit, and reducing laundering frequency—another factor that can wear down even premium cloth over time.

Final Thoughts

Tailored shirts are an investment in your appearance and confidence. But the fit and comfort you love won’t last without attention and care. Treat your shirt well—and it will return the favour every time you wear it.

At C. Armani Tailors, we craft shirts designed to last—not just in style, but in structure. And with proper care, your shirt will continue to look and feel like it was made just for you—because it was.