After you’ve worked more than nine to five, five days a week, it’s a struggle to find the energy to wash and dry your way through your overflowing washbasket when it gets to the weekend.
But as it’s essential to refresh your outfit rotation, we grin and bear it. But after the time-consuming hanging-up process, who can even think about ironing? Not us, that’s for sure. Luckily, though, when it comes to shirting, there’s a solve-all solution – non-iron shirts.
Since some of us still wear shirts to the office daily, buying those that guarantee a crinkle-free finish will save on time, effort and crease-related anxiety – because, realistically, wearing a crumpled shirt to work isn’t a good look on anyone.
But these special shirts have benefits beyond workwear. If you go on holiday, you can throw them in your suitcase and they’ll be ready to wear the moment you unpack them on the other end. Or, if you’re heading to a wedding or a summer-season event – namely Royal Ascot, the Henley Regatta or Goodwood, they’ll be good to go even if you dust them off from the back of your wardrobe.
But how does it work? Some are made under a high-temperature process using special resins which minimise the possibility of any wrinkles while others are a crease-resistant elastane blend. They’re not limited to one fabric though. You can find a premium twill or a poplin, a stretch cotton or a textured look, and whichever you prefer, you’ll benefit from permanent creaseless credentials.
When it comes to the best brands, there are a few to choose from. There are tailoring experts Charles Tyrwhitt and T.M.Lewin. There are high street options from M&S or Uniqlo. Or you could take it up a notch with luxury labels Hugo Boss or Eton. To give you a helping hand, we’ve rounded up our favourites in the list below.
Our final tip? Though they certainly don’t need an iron, sometimes giving them a quick steam makes them look box fresh. If you need a steamer, you can find our favourites here. The handy gadget will become a workhorse in your wardrobe.
Now onto the best non-iron shirts...
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Eton Light Blue Four-Way Stretch Shirt
If you’re in the market for luxury, Eton should be on your list. Not to be mistaken with the Berkshire town, this brand is actually based in Sweden. Instead, it takes its name from the building that’s home to the HQ, the old Eton building.
Since 1928, the brand’s mission has been to create the perfect dress shirt. And, with a wrinkle-free finish, breathable fabric and perfectly tailored cut, we’d say they’ve nailed the brief.
Buy now £185.00, Eton
Hawes & Curtis Non-Iron Pink & Blue Stripe Classic Shirt
Sometimes a striped shirt is the detail that can make a suit – and Hawes & Curtis have a great range of non-iron options. If you’re looking for a fun pairing for blue or navy tailoring, this pink stripe could be the answer.
The soft finish and lustrous sheen makes it look much more expensive than its £65 price point. Better yet, you can buy any four shirts for £149 which makes them just £37.25, each. It’s a no-brainer.
Buy now £65.00, Hawes & Curtis
Hugo Boss Slim-Fit Shirt In Easy-Iron Stretch-Cotton Twill
Whether it’s for work or a wedding, every guy needs a white shirt he can grab and go at a moment’s notice. This design by Hugo Boss is just that. A cotton-elastane blend, it’s both stretchy and crease-resistant – not to mention one of the most comfortable we tried. We’d expect nothing less from the German tailoring expert.
Buy now £89.00, Hugo Boss
Charles Tyrwhitt Non-Iron Twill Stripe Shirt - Cornflower Blue
One of the USPs of British label Charles Tyrwhitt is its six-month guarantee. You can bring anything back within this time period and receive a full refund even if you don’t have the original packaging or labels. So, the brand clearly has faith in its product – and so do we. This blue stripe is one to add to your rotation, whether you pair it with neutral tailoring or denim.
Buy now £69.95, Charles Tyrwhitt
Marks & Spencer Regular-Fit Non Iron Pure Cotton Textured Shirt
Marks & Spencer is a go-to for tailoring on the high street (even the England football team are wearing the label’s suits at the 2024 Euros). So, naturally, the shirting is top-tier too. A relaxed-fit cotton design with a micro-diamond textured finish, this shirt balances smart and casual for an easily wearable finish.
Buy now £35.00, Marks & Spencer
Reiss Nate Cutaway Collar Jersey Slim Fit Shirt
Though Reiss’ Nate shirt isn’t actually lauded as ‘non-iron’ per se, you can simply hang it after washing for a completely smooth finish thanks to the cotton-polyester blend jersey. Double down on navy by wearing it with a navy two-piece and tie. This combo would be perfect for a city wedding or evening formal.
Buy now £98.00, Reiss
T.M.Lewin Non-Iron Light Blue Mini Gingham Poplin Slim Fit Shirt
A gingham check is always a summer winner. It will work with tailoring and chinos alike, just make sure you opt for a micro-check, like this T.M.Lewin design, to avoid camouflaging with a picnic blanket.
Buy now £65.00, T.M.Lewin
Moss Tailored Fit Sky Royal Oxford Non Iron Shirt
Moss’ tailored shirts boast one of the best cuts on the market. The balanced fit defines the shoulders and chest but tapers towards the waist for a defined structure that doesn’t compromise freedom of movement. And we love the sky blue hue.
Buy now £49.95, Moss
John Lewis Dobby Tailored Fit Shirt
If you like to wear white but feel it would be too plain for a certain occasion, this dobby shirt by John Lewis is a great option. The subtle texture adds another layer without taking away from the crisp timelessness that comes with a classic white shirt. A win-win.
Buy now £40.00, John Lewis
