Wtf is happening to my shirts? (Pic.)

[CaymanS]

I'm charmed by collar and cuff fraying. I just think it looks lovely, honest and subtly stylish, like a well-worn, waxed Barbour. Fashion tumblrs are awash with pics of Prince Charles and his trademark spread collar shirts with frayed collars - alongside his threadbare DB's and decades-old, patched-up and shined-to-perfection lace-ups, he is the consummate British gent and customer of bespoke (IMO) who loves his commissions too much to part with them.

The problem is, my armits are shredding before my collars/cuffs even have a chance to fray! I use an environmentally-friendly dry cleaner that has won awards for its use of chemicals that do not terrorize the earth/ozone. So, um...what gives? Do others have this problem? Or is it indeed my dry cleaner? I am baffled.

This shredding is happening regardless of shirt quality, btw. From OTR to bespoke, it's a plague that strikes without warning and without regard to fabric quality.

Any input would be greatly appreciated! Thanks.

 

[Sanguis Mortuum]

Why are you dry cleaning shirts at all? Just because the chemicals they use do not terrorise the earth, does not mean they won't terrorise your shirts. They should be laundered only, which can be done at home though your dry cleaner should be able to do it if you ask them.

 

[rebel222]

Do you have floppy underarms that rub when you walk?

Do you excessively swing your arms when walking?

 

[Raoul Duke]

I personally have never seen anything like that. Maybe you have something in your sweat/deodorant that really breaks down the cotton and makes it prone to wearing out.

 

[Montauk]

First off, don't dryclean shirts. Launder them.

Second, that's some serious damage. The only thing I can think of is that something is abrading them as they're worn. Is there any corresponding damage to the armpit lining of your coats?

Do you wear a shoulder holster?

 

[Montauk]

Originally Posted by rebel222

Do you have floppy underarms that rub when you walk?

Do you excessively swing your arms when walking?

How much is too much arm swing?

 

[jrd617]

Originally Posted by Montauk

First off, don't dryclean shirts. Launder them.

Second, that's some serious damage. The only thing I can think of is that something is abrading them as they're worn. Is there any corresponding damage to the armpit lining of your coats?

Do you wear a shoulder holster?

Do you just launder your dress shirts and have them pressed?

 

[TRINI]

I could be wrong but I use 'dry cleaning' and 'laundering' interchangeably.

 

[teddieriley]

Originally Posted by TRINI

I could be wrong but I use 'dry cleaning' and 'laundering' interchangeably.

It cost me something like $4.50 to dry clean a shirt. $1.45 to launder it. Not to mention an entirely different process. I never dry clean a shirt, unless it's black, and it's a nice one.

 

[kmdsimpson]

Maybe fit? Is that due to abrading, or is the fabric being pulled apart by stress in some manner? Is there tightness in this area when you wear these shirts?

 

[Douglas]

wash and iron your own shirts. it is good for the shirt. it is good for your soul.

 

[Xenon]

Originally Posted by CaymanS

! I use an environmentally-friendly dry cleaner that has won awards for its use of chemicals that do not terrorize the earth/ozone.

Or is it indeed my dry cleaner? I am baffled.
[]

It's your dry cleaner!!! Probably using a stiff brush and elbow grease and no environmentally UNFRIENDLY stain remover (like TSP). So instead of getting rid of left over anti perspirant and stain he is getting rid of cloth fibers - make sense?

In truth there is a special place in hell for environmetally friendly (often isn't even really that) and politically correct.

Rubbing wet fibers/cloth is never a good idea. You really want strong fairly neutral pH chemical action to get rid of stains- not completely mechanical. Often the nastiest organic solvents are the safest for your clothes and the most effective.

 

[rebel222]

Originally Posted by Montauk

How much is too much arm swing?

So much that you wear out the armpits of your shirt or people stare when you walk.

 

[CaymanS]

Originally Posted by TRINI

I could be wrong but I use 'dry cleaning' and 'laundering' interchangeably.

^ This. Sorry for the confusion, guys. I (probably recklessly) use "commercial laundry" and "dry cleaner" interchangeably.

As for deodorant, I use Mitchum Unscented. Have been using it for maybe a decade now(?) It's light and easy and I use very little of it (it's a gel), so I'd be shocked if it's having this effect. The chemicals in Mitchum cause minor discoloration in the my t-shirts, but nothing severe - it just makes the fabric a bit lighter down there.

Hmmmm...still stumped.

 

[CaymanS]

Originally Posted by Xenon

It's your dry cleaner!!! Probably using a stiff brush and elbow grease and no environmentally UNFRIENDLY stain remover (like TSP). So instead of getting rid of left over anti perspirant and stain he is getting rid of cloth fibers - make sense?

In truth there is a special place in hell for environmetally friendly (often isn't even really that) and politically correct.

Rubbing wet fibers/cloth is never a good idea. You really want strong fairly neutral pH chemical action to get rid of stains- not completely mechanical. Often the nastiest organic solvents are the safest for your clothes and the most effective.

^ ****. This actually makes perfect sense. OK, I might have to try another cleaner. Great input - thanks.