Non-iron shirts: What you need to know
Many gents steer clear of these shirts, but should you put away the iron for good?
Words: Jonathan Wells
The non-iron shirt is an uncertain entity. Many men avoid them at all costs, seeing the alternative garments as much-maligned symbols of laziness. But there are times when these shirts are indispensable, to be grabbed from the wardrobe and thrown on when you’ve overslept, spilt or realised that your tie just doesn’t go with the shirt you pressed the night before.
So what do you need to know about non-iron shirts? How are they made? When should you wear one? And, the key question, are they acceptably gentlemanly? We turn to famed shirtmaker Thomas Pink for the answers.
Why are non-iron shirts viewed with such suspicion?
Some non-iron shirts are made from inferior fabrics with rough finishes, bad practices that have – over time – given the non-iron shirt in general a bad reputation. But there doesn’t have to be one or the other. You don’t have to sacrifice luxury for performance – there are ways to achieve both.
Who should be wearing non-iron shirts?
If the fabric is up to the standard it should be, there are very versatile – and indispensable to any gentleman. Especially, however, the time-poor. Those who fly regularly for business and don’t have the time to keep getting the iron out are definitely the key demographic.
How do non-iron shirts work?
To ensure the highest standards of non-iron performance, the 100% cotton poplin in the shirt’s compact yarns has been treated with a specialized non-iron finish and pucker free technology. We also include a permanent crease on the sleeve, to ensure that, even though an iron’s not been near it, you still cut a sharp figure.
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