How to Stop Shirt Collars from Curling: Easy Fixes That Really Work

A crisp, flat collar can instantly make your shirt look polished — but when collars start curling or folding outward, even the best outfit can appear untidy. If you’re sick of battling curled shirt collars, here’s how to correct and eliminate the problem for good.

Wash with Care

One of the biggest causes of collar curling is harsh washing. Hot water and aggressive spin cycles can break down the fabric’s structure, causing it to lose its shape over time.

• Always wash shirts in cold or lukewarm water.
• Use a gentle cycle and mild detergent.
• Button the top button and turn shirts inside out before washing to protect the collar edge.

This small change helps maintain your collar’s original stiffness and shape.

 Dry Smartly

High dryer heat is a major culprit for curled collars. The heat shrinks some fibers faster than others, making collars twist and curl.

• Air dry your shirts on hangers or a flat surface.
• If using a dryer, choose a low-heat or tumble-dry setting and remove shirts while slightly damp.
• Straighten and reshape the collar with your hands before it dries completely.

Iron or Steam Properly

A quick press can make all the difference.

• Lay your shirt flat and place a thin cotton cloth over the collar.
• Use a medium-heat iron with steam and press from the collar points toward the back.
• For a quick refresh, use a handheld steamer to relax and flatten curled fabric without direct heat.
  

This will quickly restore the collar's clean, structured appearance.

Use Collar Stays or Supports

Collar stay are the best way to keep your look crisp and professional. These are thin plastic or metal strips that slip into your collar tips and keep them straight and firm all day. They are a great way to avoid any curling, and they work to keep your shirt collar as it should be.

Read More : How Collar Stays Keep You Looking Sharp and Confident All Day

Store Shirts the Right Way

Improper storage can ruin collars even when they’re freshly pressed.

• Hang shirts on wide hangers to maintain collar shape.
• Always button the top button before hanging.
• Avoid stacking heavy shirts on top of each other in drawers — it bends the collars over time.

Extra Tip: Select a Better Fabric

Most inexpensive shirts will use thin ribbing, or a cheaper quality interfacing, in the collar. These collar materials lose their shape and structure quickly. Choosing a shirt with a reinforced collar, or a collar with sturdier stitching, relieves you of constantly curling or stiffening the collar.

Final Thoughts

You don’t need to hire a professional to keep your shirt crisp; you just need some good habits. Wash gently, dry smart, use the right tools and store it thoughtfully. With these simple fixes, you’ll never have curled shirt collars again—and your shirt will look sharp and confident every time.

FAQ

1. Why do shirt collars curl after washing?

Collars can curl because shirts are washed too vigorously or dryer temperatures are too high, but also because lower-quality collar materials weaken faster. Hot water and strong spin cycles can deform the collar fabric, causing twists or folds in the collar over time.

2. Do collar stays really prevent curling?

Yes, they are a simple yet effective tool to keep collar tips flat and sharp all day. it creates structure and stops collar tips from curling on themselves or bending out.

3. What fabric types repel collar curls the best?

Shirts with reinforced collar materials or good-quality cotton blends tend to have stronger shape retention. Shirts with thin ribbing or soft interfacing do not hold their shape and curl quickly.

4. How do I store shirts so they do not curl?

Shirts should hang on wide hangers and always have their top button fastened. Do not overcrowd the closet and do not stack heavier shirts separately on top of each other. This pressure often causes the curling.