By Chan Choong Han

Who doesn't love a good shirt that needs no ironing?

Working professionals have long adored non-iron - or wrinkle free - shirts, saying they are a godsend. All one needs to do is wash the garment, dry it on a line or in a dryer, and it's ready to wear.

Marketing executive Jonathan Lu, 29, recently took to the trend.

"I used to spend over half an hour ironing my shirts every week," he said. "(It) didn't help that I'm a perfectionist, always making sure every corner was just right."

He began using non-iron shirts two months ago, and currently owns six of these shirts.

"Now I just line-dry shirts after washing, and I can put them on straightaway," he enthused.

Well, good news for those like Mr Lu: There are more brands offering non-iron options.

Brooks Brothers has had non-iron clothing options in stores since 1999, and the line now comes in a variety of fits, from Regular to Extra Slim. The shirts feature pucker-free seams and are specially treated to stay virtually wrinkle free.

Marks & Spencer, too, has long had non-crease options for both shirts and pants, which are popular due to their affordable prices and the variety available.

T.M. Lewin introduced its range of non-iron shirts in Singapore last month. The shirts are made with a fabric treated with a special formula, which makes the fibres hardy and difficult to bend during washing.

Demand for Uniqlo's wrinkle-free range is increasing, said Mr Yasuhiro Hayashi, 38, marketing manager of Uniqlo Singapore. The range appeals especially to travellers who want to look smart and stylish - with minimum effort - while on the road.

And how does one care for a non-iron shirt? Most brands recommend washing the garment in warm water, using a regular setting on a washing machine, with similar-coloured clothes.

T.M. Lewin advises that the shirt then be hung from a shirt hanger to dry, with the top button fastened. This helps to maintain the shape of the shirt.

If you decide to wash the load overnight, just before you head to bed, you will have to iron the shirt after it dries. Still, all that is needed is a light ironing on low heat, and it'll be perfect and ready to wear.

chanch@sph.com.sg

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