A well-made embroidered shirt is not a delicate thing. It is a considered thing.

The embroidery is placed by hand. The fabric is chosen for how it ages. The construction is meant to last — not for one season, but for several years of regular wear.

What it does ask of you is a little attention. Not much. Just the right kind.

Before the first wash

Read the care label. Every piece has one, and on an embroidered shirt it matters more than on a plain one.

For cotton voile and poplin — the two fabrics most commonly used in fine embroidered shirts — the label will almost always indicate cold or gentle wash, and no tumble drying. Follow it precisely on the first wash.

Natural fabrics can undergo a small amount of shrinkage on their first contact with water. Cold water minimises this. It also preserves the embroidery thread, which can react differently than the base fabric to heat.

How to wash an embroidered shirt

By hand, ideally.

Fill a basin with cold water and a small amount of gentle detergent — something formulated for delicate fabrics or wool. Submerge the shirt and move it gently through the water for two to three minutes. Do not wring, twist, or scrub.

Rinse with cold water until the water runs clear. Press the shirt gently against the side of the basin to remove excess water — never twist.

By machine, if necessary.

Use the delicate or hand-wash cycle. Cold water only. Place the shirt inside a mesh laundry bag to protect the embroidery from friction against other garments. Use a gentle detergent.

Avoid washing with heavy items — denim, towels, anything with zips or rough textures that could catch the embroidery threads.

What to avoid

Hot water. It weakens embroidery thread over time and can cause the base fabric to shrink unevenly around the stitching, which creates puckering that is difficult to reverse.

The tumble dryer. Heat is the single greatest threat to an embroidered piece. The combination of heat and mechanical movement can distort the embroidery, loosen threads, and alter the shape of the garment permanently.

Harsh detergents or bleach. On white cotton voile or poplin, the temptation to use bleach on stains is understandable — but it weakens both the fabric and the thread. A gentle stain remover applied directly before washing is the right approach.

Soaking for extended periods. A few minutes in cold water is sufficient. Long soaking can cause the embroidery thread to bleed slightly, particularly on pieces with darker thread on lighter fabric.

How to dry an embroidered shirt

Lay the shirt flat on a clean dry towel. Reshape it gently — collar, sleeves, hem — while the fabric is still damp. This is the moment when the garment sets back into its original shape.

Allow to air dry away from direct sunlight. UV exposure can fade both the base fabric and the embroidery thread over time, particularly on white pieces.

If you prefer to hang dry, use a padded hanger and hang in a well-ventilated space away from direct light.

Does an embroidered shirt need ironing?

Rarely — and carefully when it does.

Cotton voile and poplin both recover well from washing when laid flat and air dried. If light creasing remains, a warm iron on the reverse side of the fabric is sufficient. Never iron directly over the embroidery. The heat can flatten the stitching and diminish the texture that gives it its character.

A garment steamer is the better option. It removes creases from a safe distance without direct contact, and is particularly effective on voile.

How to store an embroidered shirt

Hang rather than fold where possible. Folding creates creases along embroidered areas that can become permanent over time.

If folding is necessary — for travel or storage — place a layer of tissue paper between the folds to protect the embroidery. Avoid storing in plastic, which traps moisture and can cause fabric to yellow over time.

For seasonal storage, a breathable cotton or linen garment bag is ideal.

A note on stains

Act quickly and gently.

For most stains on cotton voile or poplin, a small amount of cold water and gentle soap applied immediately will lift the stain without the need for stronger treatments. Dab rather than rub — rubbing spreads the stain and can damage the embroidery threads around it.

For more persistent stains, a dedicated delicate fabric stain remover applied before washing is the safest approach. Test on an inconspicuous area first.

The reward of proper care

A well-cared-for embroidered shirt does not simply last longer. It improves.

Cotton voile and poplin both soften with gentle washing. The hand-feel becomes more supple. The embroidery, undamaged by heat or harsh treatment, retains its texture and definition. After two or three seasons of proper care, the shirt feels more itself than it did when new.

That is what a considered piece does. It earns its place in the wardrobe over time.

At Aymone Studio, every embroidery on the SOPHIE is placed by hand. One stitch at a time. It deserves to be worn for years.

A statement piece is enough — if you take care of it.