Laundered shirts are a staple in the professional arena for many business men and women. Although many of us know exactly the level of starch we prefer, whether to starch or not to starch is a difficult question for some of us to answer. This can also be the case when trying a new dry cleaner for the very first time. One dry cleaners light starch level may be another dry cleaner’s medium starch. So, let’s talk laundered shirts and starch preferences.
Your white shirts are meant to POP and your dry cleaner should work to ensure every shirt laundered is as clean and bright as the day it was purchased. Your laundered shirts serve as the supporting foundation for the rest of your attire. Whether that is a suit and tie, slacks or more casual attire, starch selection can assist in determining the look you desire.
Starch accomplishes a couple of tasks. First, it can create a barrier and protect fabrics from stains. The dirt and soil will adhere to starch versus the fabric in your shirts, which makes stain removal much easier. Starch also creates a cleaner and crisper look than most garments where starch is not used and makes ironing easier. So, lets talk desired outcome.
No Starch
No starch is going to provide a softer look and feel to your laundered shirts. A shirt without starch is also more likely to wrinkle. Shirts with no starch provide you with a more relaxed and causal look and feel to your attire.
Light Starch
Light starch is just enough starch to provide a clean and crisp look to your laundered shirt and assist in preventing wrinkles. Light starch can enhance the appearance of your shirts without compromising too much on the feel of the fabric. If polished and professional is the look you wish to obtain, light starch is a great place to start.
Medium Starch
Medium starch has all the same benefits of light starch; however, there will be more stiffness to your collar and cuffs. If you want to take formal up a notch, medium starch may be a good choice for you.
Heavy Starch
Heavy starch is rarely used. For Texans, heavy starch is still occasionally used for those who like their jeans extra stiff with an ability to stand on their own. For a laundered shirt, heavy starch would result in an extremely crisp feeling shirt with very stiff collar and cuffs.
At Collegiate Cleaners, the majority of our customers select no starch or light starch. We are happy to help guide you in selecting the perfect amount of starch to meet your needs. Collegiate Cleaners ensures each shirt is starched and pressed to your preference.