They’re also an investment. After taking the time to find the right shirt (color, collar, fit, fabric, etc), we need to make sure it lasts longer than our last girlfriend. There’s no reason to dent your wallet on a new dress shirt because it wasn’t taken care of. Here’s what you need to do.

Everyday Care – It’s important to check your dress shirts now and then to make sure there are no loose buttons, unnoticed stains, rips or wrinkles. This is to catch problems before it’s too late and correct anything before you actually need to wear it. This also helps prior to ironing. Also, keep your dress shirts spaced a few inches apart on their hangers, letting them breathe and drape naturally, preventing poor form. So take the few minutes to give a look over and see where anything may need some repair.

Washing – This is the most important step to prolonging the life of your dress shirt. There are two choices with washing which is to do it yourself or have it taken to a cleaning service. If you use a washing machine, consult the tag first but it’s recommended to use a gentle cycle with lukewarm water. If by hand, then make sure to separate the colors first and use caution if you want to use bleach. White shirts should be fine but read the labeling first for any side affects. A cleaning service is the most popular form of cleaning, but also the most dangerous. They sometimes use chemicals that can discolor your dress shirt or damage it. Never have the shirt starched, which will eventually weaken the fabric’s fibers, making it flimsy. To get that crisp look, purchase a dress shirt made of quality with a high thread count, such as these. Also, do not get your shirt dry cleaned but laundered instead. Dry cleaning requires chemicals which will warp the fabric. Personally, I try to avoid dry cleaners because you never know what accidental damage might occur but also, you save some cash cleaning them yourself. Just don’t go above and beyond like granny does.

Ironing – Before flattening out the wrinkles, make sure there aren’t any stains on your dress shirt. Stains that are ironed are impossible to remove, becoming permanently pressed into the fabric. Also, make sure there are no loose buttons or threading. It’s best to iron when your shirt is slightly damp. Using a good steam iron, you’ll easily and quickly remove wrinkles while also drying out your shirt. Here’s a guide on how to iron your dress shirt.

Stains – This is bound to happen sooner or later, so it’s best to be prepared. Act immediately when it happens. If it’s mud or a grass stain, use a stain remover. Liquid detergents work well with oil or grease stains, hand washing with cold water. White shirts are easy targets so try to wear an undershirt so pit stains won’t appear from your deodorants. Also, apply cologne first, let it dry and then put on your dress shirt, avoiding any discolorations from the chemicals.

So following these guidelines will help you prolong the life of your dress shirt, maintaining their color, fabric and fit. The button down is a staple in any man’s wardrobe and deserves the attention to make it last and look good. And that extra money you saved from buying new shirts can be spent on something else, like a porterhouse steak or cases of my favorite beer.