Cotton Viscose Shirt Care: Keep It Looking New

Quick answer

Wash your cotton viscose shirt on a gentle cycle in cold water, air dry flat, and iron on medium heat to prevent shrinkage and keep the print vibrant.

How to care for your cotton viscose shirt

1. Check the care label first: Always read the manufacturer’s instructions. Most cotton viscose shirts, including the Greta, recommend a gentle machine or hand wash. Ignoring this can void any guarantees. Never assume all cotton viscose blends are the same; some may require dry cleaning.
2. Turn the shirt inside out: Before washing, turn the garment inside out. This protects the outer surface and the print from friction against other items or the machine drum. Button up the front to avoid snagging on zippers or hooks.
3. Use cold water and a mild detergent: Set your machine to a gentle or delicate cycle with cold water. Hot water can weaken viscose fibers and fade the blue floral print. Choose a detergent without bleach or optical brighteners. Skip fabric softener – it can coat viscose fibers and reduce breathability.
4. Never wring or twist the wet shirt: After washing, lift the shirt out gently. Wringing or twisting can break the wet viscose fibers and cause permanent wrinkles. Instead, press out excess water with a clean towel. Roll the shirt in a towel and press lightly to absorb moisture.
5. Air dry flat, away from direct sunlight: Lay the shirt flat on a drying rack or a clean towel. Hanging wet can stretch the fabric, especially the button placket. Keep it out of direct sun to prevent color fading. Do not use a tumble dryer – high heat will shrink cotton viscose and damage the print.
6. Iron on medium heat while slightly damp: If the shirt needs ironing, do it when it’s still a little damp. Set your iron to a medium temperature (cotton setting) and use steam. Iron on the reverse side to protect the floral print. Avoid high heat – it can scorch viscose and leave shiny marks.
7. Store folded, not hung: Cotton viscose shirts can stretch out of shape on hangers over time. Fold the shirt neatly and store it in a drawer or on a shelf. If you must hang it, use a padded hanger. For the Greta shirt, folding also helps preserve the boxy silhouette.

Product spotlight

• Camicia in cotone e viscosa - Greta: Made from a cotton and viscose twill fabric with a classic collar and front button closure. The twill weave adds durability, but the viscose content means you should avoid hot water and high heat to prevent shrinkage and color bleeding.