Since my husband and I bought our own place, my job has been to do the dry cleaning (among many other of the household chores, but that is another story). My job is flexible and this allows me to take on this responsibility. We find that our average weekly dry cleaning bill is about $18-$20. This mainly consists of my husband’s work shirts and pants, plus my occasional item.
Non Iron Shirts
Recently I had been toying with the idea of the Brooks Brothers non iron shirts. The idea behind them is that you can wash and dry them at home and they come out looking clean and fresh. The main downside of these shirts is that they are $79.50 each! Yes, I agree that it’s ridiculous, and I don’t believe that anyone can even try to make the math work out in favor of these shirts rather than buying less expensive shirts and dry cleaning them. That being said, I bought my husband one of these shirts for Christmas. I must admit that the quality of the shirt is amazing, and my husband, who wrinkles in 2.5 seconds of putting on the shirt made it throughout the day looking like he just put the shirt on! I loved it and so did he, but we both could not even rationalize buying more.
Finding a Good Deal on Non Iron Shirts
During a visit with my mom we were outlet shopping and happened into the Van Heusen outlet. Here they had the Donald Trump brand of the “non iron” shirts for $30! I must admit that the shirts weren’t as thick as the Brooks Brothers ones, but the idea of the non iron was still there. So I bought him two shirts. He wore all of his shirts and it was time for the test….to wash them! It made me a bit nervous since I was always taught to bring these shirts to the dry cleaner, but my nerves were settled the moment I took the shirts from the dryer. You do need to bring them out of the dryer right when they are done, but they came out great! I put them right on the hanger and they were ready to be worn again.
I have heard that on friends and family day at Brooks Brothers the shirts come out to be $50 a piece, and although that is still extravagant I am still thinking that buying some could be worth it. My husband found that they could even be worn a second day (that is if he didn’t spill something on it). Also, I hear that the outlets carry them for a much lower price than $79.50. This could also be an option in the future. The Donald Trump brand doesn’t seem to be as sturdy but definitely serves it’s purpose. These I feel I will buy more of, especially at the $30 price tag!
Non Iron Shirt Success
I just finished wash number 2 with a success! They are on the hanger and ready to wear. Completely unwrinkled, and no ironing necessary! A+ in my book! So what are your thoughts on these shirts? Any secrets to where to find them inexpensively? Any other brands than the above mentioned that have worked for you? As always I am open for suggestions.
Wow, I had no idea they even made these! That’s awesome!
I had always heard about them, but I never really saw the benefits in them. But let me tell you I will be buying more! As the post says I highly recommend them!
I’m not a shopper so I had no idea these shirts existed either. I’ll just have to start keeping an eye out for them especially when I’m outlet shopping.
You definitely should! Brooks brothers has great prices at their outlets!
I would beware of buying too many of the Brooks Brothers non-iron shirts. I’ve had a couple rip on me after a few years of use. Asked their customer service reps and they told me these shirts are only supposed to last 2 years! A big rip-off if you factor in how much they cost per shirt and aren’t made to last too long… YMMV but be warned.
Yes my husbands ripped too…but I just returned them to brooks brothers and they gave me a new shirt! ?
Hmm, I actually have had the same experience as Mr. Tayloram. I’ve had 3 out of my 6 shirts rip at the sleeve area. I’ve never dry cleaned them and only washed according to the label directions. For $70-$80 per shirt, it’s not worth it especially since the first one ripped after only 9 months! Save your money even with their 3 for $150 ‘deals’! My cheaper non-iron shirts are still going fine…
I have some cheaper ones too that work well..but there aren’t many out there (I don’t like just the “wrinkle free”) but I did return mine to brooks brothers and they gave me a new shirt!
Crap! I thought my husband was the only one. He’s got big rips in his sleeves on all of his brooks brothers shirts and he had 6 of them!! Granted he’s a big guy, so I’ve always blamed him but maybe this is just the way these shirts are- aka, does not last? Kind of sucky since we’re $300+ in the hole and it lasted all of 2 years. Well, at least this is exoneration for him. Live and learn. And not buying them again…
No you aren’t alone. My husband gets the rips in his elbows. BUT…I did return each one that ripped and got a new shirt for free! I recommend giving that a try!
When was this? Because we definitely brought 2 to a couple stores to ask them about this a few months back and they said they’ll only “think” about it if it was within 1 year. I tried another store and they simply said their policy is not to accept anything back anymore. Which stores have you been to??
I’ve done it like 5 times to be honest and never had a problem? The last time was probably in May maybe? I live in LI and have been to 2 different stores. Both regular brooks brothers, not the outlet