It amazes me how many people panic or fret when it comes to laundering shirts. On the UK television programme ‘The Apprentice’ we see the candidates rushing about in a mad panic in the morning ironing their shirts for the day, moments before leaving for the boardroom. Well, no shirt is going to look good when you’ve ironed it only a few minutes before wearing it.

Here is my simple guide on how to launder your shirts properly, to ensure you look your best at all times.

1) Wash shirts as per laundry symbols. Most shirts range from a 40 degrees C wash to a 60 degrees C. Make sure you have removed any collar bones/stays and cufflinks before washing

2) Do not tumble dry! Hang shirts up to air dry, fastening the top button (this will keep the collar in shape)

3) Iron your shirts when damp. They should not be bone dry (if they are, use a spray-bottle of ironing water) but they should not be soaking wet either

4) Iron shirts with coloured patterns on inside out as this will help prevent the colour from fading

5) Iron in the following order: collar, yoke (shoulders), cuffs, sleeves, back, front left side, front right side (for these last two section there is no right or wrong as to which front side you iron first)

6) Air the shirts for a couple of hours before putting away in your wardrobe. Make sure you hang shirts on proper hangers with the top button fastened (as I said above, it will help keep the collar in shape)

A good iron is recommended, although the above applies to whichever iron you use. I have a Laurastar iron, which are by far the most superior and effective.