Wool Care FAQ: Pendleton Board Shirts

Why does Pendleton make two different wool care recommendations?

Pendleton uses two distinct wool finishing processes. Classic Pendleton wool blankets and many traditional garments are dry-clean only — water will cause them to shrink and felt irreversibly. Their board shirts, however, are woven from a specially treated, shrink-resistant wool that can be safely machine or hand washed. Always check your label first; the care instruction on your specific garment is the definitive guide.

How do I wash a washable Pendleton board shirt?

Machine wash on a gentle/delicate cycle in cool water (60°F / 15°C or below). Use a mild wool-safe detergent — avoid anything with enzymes or bleach. Turn the shirt inside out to protect the surface. If hand washing, submerge gently and never wring or twist the fabric.

How should I dry it?

Remove promptly from the washer and lay the shirt flat on a clean towel, reshaping it to its original dimensions. Do not hang dry (gravity will stretch wool when wet) and keep it away from direct heat or sunlight. Air dry fully before wearing or storing.

Can I dry-clean a washable board shirt?

Yes, technically you can — but it will strip the shrink-resistant finish that makes the shirt machine washable in the first place. The dry-cleaning solvents and pressing process degrade that treatment permanently, so a shirt that could safely go in cool water may lose that property afterward. For washable board shirts, stick with cool water and gentle handling instead of dry cleaning, even though dry cleaning won't damage the fabric outright. Once you pick a cleaning method for a garment, stick with it consistently — switching back and forth between machine washing and dry cleaning increases the risk of shrinkage, felting, or finish damage over the shirt's life.

What detergent should I use?

Choose a detergent formulated for wool or delicates — brands like Woolite, The Laundress Wool & Cashmere Shampoo, or similar enzyme-free options. Avoid fabric softeners, which coat wool fibers and reduce their natural breathability.

How often should I wash it?

Wool is naturally odor-resistant and self-cleaning to a degree. Spot clean minor marks with a damp cloth and re-wear between washes. Full washing after 3–5 wears (or when genuinely soiled) is plenty for most customers.