Storing Tuxedo Shirts Without Yellowing

A white shirt left in storage yellows mainly for three reasons: sweat and deodorant residue left in the cloth, starch that was not rinsed out, and sealed plastic bags that trap moisture. To prevent it, wash the shirt completely clean before putting it away, let it dry thoroughly, store it in a breathable cloth bag and check it again before the event. It sounds simple, but once yellowing has set into the fibres it is very hard to reverse.

What causes yellowing

Sweat and deodorant. The collar, underarms and chest soak up perspiration. Sweat contains proteins and salts that, if not washed out, slowly turn yellow. Some antiperspirants contain aluminium, which can react with sweat and leave stiff yellow marks under the arms. That is why many people find the underarms of a white shirt stained even after repeated washing.

Starch residue. Starch used on the front and collar, if left in the fibres, attracts moisture and dust and darkens over time. In damp conditions this residue also encourages mildew spots. Sensible use of starch is covered in washing and ironing a pleated shirt.

Plastic bags. The plastic cover from the dry cleaner is useful for carrying a shirt home but is not meant for long storage. Plastic holds moisture in, stops the cloth breathing and can, over time, contribute to yellowing. In the same way, cardboard and wrapping paper, which are often acidic, can discolour cloth that stays in contact with them.

Light and damp. Direct sun fades and tints fibres, while humidity invites mildew, leaving small yellow-brown spots.

Wash clean before storing

The key rule: never put away a worn shirt that has not been washed, even if it looks clean. Invisible sweat and skin oils oxidise slowly in the wardrobe and show up as yellow marks later.

• Wash the whole shirt, especially collar, underarms and cuffs, with a mild detergent.
• Rinse thoroughly so no soap or starch is left behind.
• Dry completely in an airy, shaded place. A shirt stored while damp easily develops mildew spots.
• Press lightly if needed, but do not iron over stains that have not come out, because heat sets them.
• Remove studs, cufflinks and collar stays before storing so that metal does not rust against the cloth.

For a light stain on the collar or underarm, an oxygen-based whitener made for white fabric, used as directed on the pack, can help. Avoid chlorine bleach, which may turn the cloth yellower.

A breathable bag

Once the shirt is clean and dry, choose its resting place with care:

• A cotton garment bag or an acid-free paper bag, so that the shirt can breathe.
• Hang it on a broad hanger if the wardrobe allows, or lay it flat with acid-free tissue between the folds if it must go in a drawer.
• A dry, ventilated wardrobe, away from damp walls and from the bathroom. In a hot, humid city like Ho Chi Minh City, a moisture absorber in the wardrobe helps.
• Do not stuff the shirt into a tight space or press it under heavy items.

The same principles apply to the whole suit, as in our guide to storing a tuxedo between wearings.

Check before the event

Do not wait until the morning of the party to take the shirt out. Check early enough to deal with any problem:

1. Open the shirt fully and look at it in natural light. Examine the collar, underarms, cuffs and chest.
2. Smell it. A musty odour means it needs rewashing.
3. Look along the old fold lines: they can leave pale yellow marks or hard creases.
4. Rewash, dry and press if necessary. For a pleated front, press each pleat separately as described in our care guide.
5. Try it on again, especially if your build has changed since you last wore it. For fit, see tuxedo shirt fit.

If the yellowing has set in and cannot be treated, it is better to prepare a new shirt at once. A yellowed patch in the middle of the chest, right under the bow tie, shows very clearly in photographs.

When to ask your tailor

If you have an expensive or made-to-measure shirt that has yellowed, bring it to a consultant before attempting anything harsh. You can book a showroom visit to discuss it, or look at our tuxedo tailoring if a replacement is needed for an upcoming event.