Learning how to wash a silk shirt properly is the best way to protect one of the most beautiful pieces in a wardrobe. Silk is a natural protein fibre, surprisingly strong for its weight, yet sensitive to heat, friction and harsh detergents. With the right method, a silk shirt keeps its sheen, drape and colour for many years.

This guide covers hand washing, machine washing, drying, ironing, stains and storage.

Before you start: read the label

The care label always comes first. Some silks, especially heavily embroidered pieces or those with structured linings, should be dry cleaned. Many silk shirts can be washed gently at home. If the label says dry clean only, follow it.

It is also worth testing colourfastness on a hidden seam: dab it with a damp white cloth and check that no colour transfers.

How to hand wash a silk shirt

1. Use cool water. Fill a clean basin with cold or lukewarm water, no warmer than about 30°C.
2. Choose the right detergent. Use a small amount of pH-neutral detergent made for silk or delicates. Avoid biological detergents and anything with bleach or brighteners, which damage protein fibres.
3. Turn the shirt inside out. This protects the surface, and any print or embroidery, from friction.
4. Soak briefly. Submerge the shirt and swish it gently for a few minutes. Do not rub, scrub or leave it soaking for long.
5. Rinse thoroughly. Rinse in cool, clean water until no detergent remains. A splash of white vinegar in the final rinse can help restore sheen.
6. Never wring. Press out the water gently, then roll the shirt in a clean towel to absorb the rest.

Can you machine wash silk?

Only if the care label allows it. If it does, place the shirt in a mesh laundry bag, choose the delicate or silk programme with cold water and the lowest spin, and use a silk detergent. Remove the shirt promptly when the cycle ends so it does not sit creased and damp.

How to dry a silk shirt

• Hang or lay flat in the shade. Direct sunlight can fade colour and weaken fibres.
• Use a padded hanger. It keeps the shoulders in shape while the shirt dries.
• Never tumble dry. The heat and friction can shrink silk and dull its surface.

How to iron silk

Iron silk while it is still slightly damp, inside out, on the lowest silk setting. Place a thin cotton cloth between the iron and the fabric if you are unsure. Avoid spraying water directly onto dry silk, which can leave marks. A handheld steamer on a low setting is a gentle alternative and works well for removing creases between wears.

How to remove stains from silk

• Act quickly. Blot, do not rub, with a clean cloth.
• Use cool water. Hot water can set protein stains.
• Avoid harsh removers. Bleach and strong stain removers can damage silk permanently.
• Protect from deodorant and perfume. Let deodorant dry fully before dressing, and apply perfume before putting on a silk shirt rather than spraying it directly.
• When in doubt, ask a professional. Oil-based or stubborn stains are best treated by a specialist cleaner.

How to store silk

Hang silk shirts on padded hangers, with a little space between garments so they do not crease. For long-term storage, use a breathable cotton bag rather than plastic, which traps moisture. Keep silk away from direct light to preserve its colour.

Caring for printed and embroidered silk

Our silk shirts are all cut from 100% satin silk, and each carries a design created in-house.

• The Gaia Silk Shirt features botanical motifs inspired by Gaia, the primordial Greek goddess of the Earth.
• The Matiasma Silk Shirt carries an evil eye pattern drawn from Greek and Ottoman textiles; read what the evil eye means.
• The Parhelion Silk Shirt has a meticulously embroidered patch on the back.

For prints, washing inside out in cool water protects the colours. For embroidery, avoid any rubbing on the embroidered area and iron around it, never over it. The matching Matiasma Silk Shorts and Gaia Silk Shorts follow the same rules.

How often should you wash silk?

Silk does not need washing after every wear. Airing a shirt on a hanger overnight is often enough, and a light steam refreshes it. Washing less often is one of the simplest ways to extend its life.

Why good care matters

A silk shirt cared for properly can be worn for years, across seasons. If you want to keep wearing yours through the colder months, our guide on how to wear a silk shirt in winter has ideas, and our guide to choosing a men's silk shirt explains what to look for in fabric and fit.

In short

To wash a silk shirt, check the label, use cool water and a pH-neutral silk detergent, turn it inside out, soak briefly, rinse well and never wring. Dry it in the shade on a padded hanger, iron inside out on a low setting while slightly damp, and treat stains gently with cool water. Store it on padded hangers in breathable covers. Discover our silk shirts and shorts, all cut from 100% satin silk and crafted in London.