So you’ve amassed a decent wardrobe with several blazers, button up shirts, sweaters, and more. But what do you do with those blazers when they’re dirty? You most certainly don’t throw them in the washer and dryer even if the care tag says you can.
Why not? Well, mostly because it isn’t good for the fabric. All that tossing and spinning isn’t good for a blazer or suit. The subsequent heat in the dryer can shrink fabric, leaving you with something that won’t fit properly.
These were both dry cleaned and pressed.
The point here is this: for blazers, suits, and shirts (more on that below) that you’re worried about shrinking, take them to be dry cleaned. Dry cleaners use chemicals to remove dirt from fabric without any water or heat involved. If you’re worried about how it affects the environment, you can find a dry cleaners that uses “organic” chemicals that are supposed the be less harmful.
To find a decent dry cleaners you can trust, google dry cleaners in your area. There are usually reviews available, and if any say that a place shrank clothing or somehow damaged it, avoid them. Pick the one that seems the best to you and go talk to them with only one piece of clothing that can be replaced. Talk to the employees and be friendly – they are taking care of your clothes. Let them clean that item you brought with you. When you get it back, make sure it still fits right and is still in decent shape. If it all checks out, then start bringing your other clothing to them. Just don’t bring your jeans, read the article on denim basics before cleaning them.
For button up shirts that you’re worried about shrinkage: wash them cold and hang dry them instead of throwing them in the dryer. This is definitely a better option for most shirts. I simply prefer dry cleaning them since the place I go also presses them neatly.