How to Care For and Wash Your Overshirt

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to care for and wash your overshirt, whether it’s made from cotton, linen or synthetic materials like polyamide and polyester. With a few simple tips, you can maintain the quality, appearance and fit of your overshirt – without relying on the washing machine more than necessary.

For advice on caring for seasonal jackets like field jackets, denim jackets and bombers, read our guide here: How to Take Care of Your Spring and Autumn Jackets

Look After Your Overshirt With Care

Just like with jackets, caring for your overshirt is more about preserving its quality and freshness than frequent washing. Air it out regularly rather than washing it too often, and store it in a way that helps retain its shape and condition.

Air Out Your Overshirt

Regular airing is key to keeping your overshirt fresh – whatever the fabric. Hanging it outside on a balcony, terrace, or near an open window can help eliminate odours and refresh the fabric without the wear and tear of machine washing or dry cleaning.

Spotclean Stains

If you get a stain on your overshirt, it’s important to act quickly. The longer a stain sits, the harder it can be to remove. Before reaching for the washing machine, try spot cleaning – this means treating only the affected area rather than washing the entire garment. There are many different types of stains that may require different methods of removal.

Tips!

– Avoid excessive rubbing, regardless of fabric, as it can wear down the material. Be especially careful with finer fabrics.

– Always test your stain remover on a less visible part of the garment first to make sure it doesn’t damage the fabric.

Wash Only When Necessary

Be gentle with machine washing – it’s better for both your garment and the environment. Sometimes a proper wash is needed, especially for stubborn stains or persistent odours. If spot cleaning isn’t enough, follow these steps:

- Turn the overshirt inside out.

- Close any zips and buttons to help preserve the fit.

- Wash gently according to the care label, using a low temperature and gentle spin cycle. If the care label isn’t clear, opt for a mild setting suitable for most fabrics. The lower the temperature, the better – both for your garment and for the planet.

- Most modern machines have dedicated cycles for cotton, linen, and synthetics. Keep in mind that different fabrics and weaves may need special attention.

Drying After Washing

Overshirts generally shouldn’t be tumble dried, as high heat can shrink the fabric, distort the fit and degrade quality. Cotton and linen – two common overshirt materials – are especially sensitive to heat and prone to shrinkage. Instead, allow your overshirt to air dry, ideally on a hanger, to help maintain its shape.

Steamer or Iron?

Cotton and linen overshirts are prone to wrinkling after washing and can be ironed at a low to medium temperature. Always follow the care label, though – different weaves and textures may have specific heat requirements to prevent damage.

A steamer is ideal for overshirts made from synthetic materials, but it works just as well on cotton and linen if you prefer it over an iron. Hang the overshirt on a hanger and steam slowly from top to bottom to gently smooth out creases.

Storing Your Overshirt Properly

Always hang your overshirt on a hanger to help preserve its fit and quality. The type of hanger matters more than you might think – avoid wire hangers that can leave marks or warp the garment over time. Instead, use a sturdy wooden hanger that offers proper support to the shoulders and collar.

Cotton and linen overshirts are best stored alongside shirts rather than heavy wool coats or down jackets. Avoid cramming garments too tightly together – leaving space between them helps prevent creasing and keeps their shape intact.

Pass Your Overshirt On

If you’ve grown tired of your overshirt, consider selling or donating it to reduce waste. Explore our Pre-Owned section, where you can easily drop off items you no longer wear and give them a second life in someone else’s wardrobe.

With these simple care tips, your overshirt will stay fresh and wearable for a long time to come.