Shirt laundering and dry cleaning are two different ways to clean a shirt. Most everyday dress shirts are laundered; some fabrics need dry cleaning. Here is the difference, which one your shirt needs, and what each costs at Top Hat Cleaners.
What is shirt laundering?
Shirt laundering means the shirt is washed in water with detergent, one item at a time rather than by the pound, and then finished. It is the usual choice for cotton and cotton-blend dress shirts, which handle water well and come out with a clean, crisp look.
Dry cleaning uses a solvent instead of water. It is gentler on fabrics that shrink, lose their shape or bleed color in water, such as silk, rayon, wool and many embellished pieces. Our guide to how dry cleaning works explains the process step by step.
Laundering vs dry cleaning: which does your shirt need?
| Shirt | Usually best | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Cotton or cotton-blend dress shirt | Laundering | Water cleaning suits cotton and gives a crisp finish. |
| Linen shirt | Either, check the label | Linen washes well but wrinkles easily. |
| Silk, rayon or satin shirt or blouse | Dry cleaning | These fabrics can shrink, spot or lose their drape in water. |
| Wool or wool-blend shirt | Dry cleaning | Wool can shrink and felt when washed. |
| Shirt with beading, sequins or delicate trim | Dry cleaning | Embellishments can loosen in a wash. |
| Polo or T-shirt | Either | Follow the care label. |
The care label is the final word. "Dry clean only" means do not wash it in water; "dry clean" alone usually means dry cleaning is recommended. Our laundry care symbols guide explains every symbol.
How much does shirt laundering cost?
These are the published prices at Top Hat Cleaners. Final prices are confirmed after inspection.
| Item | Laundered | Dry cleaned |
|---|---|---|
| Shirt | $3.25 (laundry) | $4.99 (dry cleaning) |
| Pants | $6.49 (laundry) | $6.99 (dry cleaning) |
| Blouse | $4.99 (laundry) | $4.99 (dry cleaning) |
| Polo / T-shirt | - | $3.99 |
For a quick estimate, use our laundry cost calculator or see all prices. A week of five laundered shirts is $16.25.
Shirt laundering vs wash and fold
Wash and fold is priced by the pound ($2.49/lb) and is meant for everyday clothes and towels that come back washed, dried and folded. Laundered shirts are priced per shirt. If you care about how a dress shirt looks, send it as a shirt rather than in a wash and fold bag. See how wash and fold works.
Starch: light, medium or heavy
Starch stiffens the fabric and helps a collar and placket stay crisp. For jeans and Western shirts we offer light, medium or full cowboy heavy starch, and the starch level and its price are confirmed when you book. See heavy starch jeans and shirts and our cowboy starch guide.
Heavy starch is a look, not a requirement. If you starch everyday office shirts at home, lighter starch is easier on the fabric over time.
How to make dress shirts last longer
- Clean shirts after each wear. Sweat and body oils left in a collar or underarm can yellow the fabric over time.
- Treat stains early. Point them out when you drop off or book, and do not iron over a stain, which can set it. Our stain guide covers common spills.
- Rotate your shirts so each one rests between wears.
- Hang shirts on wide hangers and give them space in the closet so they do not crease.
- Button the top button when hanging to help the collar keep its shape.
Short on time before a meeting? See how to get wrinkles out without an iron.
Pickup, delivery and stores
Pickup and delivery is free on qualifying orders of $45 or more in participating areas, so a week of shirts and a suit can go in one order. You can also drop off at a store; in Dallas, our store is at 8517 Ferndale Rd. Find your nearest store on our locations page, or see dry cleaning in Dallas and laundry service in Dallas.
Prefer to drop off? Visit a Top Hat Cleaners store in Dallas, Irving, Bedford, Colleyville, Flower Mound or Bartonville.
Ready to book? Schedule a pickup or call 214-348-0666.
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Top Hat Cleaners picks up and delivers across Dallas-Fort Worth. Dry cleaning, wash & fold laundry, pressing, and specialist saree care, with free pickup and delivery on qualifying orders.
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