Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Treated to be easily washable and requiring little or no ironing: Describes a fabric or garment that has been specially processed so it can be washed, dried, and worn again with minimal effort, specifically without needing to be ironed.

Usage

• The term is primarily used as an adjective to modify nouns like "fabric," "material," "shirt," or "clothing."
• It describes a practical quality, emphasizing convenience and low maintenance.

Examples

• Adjective:
  • For his business trip, he packed several wash-and-wear shirts to save time.
  • Modern wash-and-wear fabrics are perfect for busy travelers.
  • She prefers wash-and-wear clothing because she dislikes ironing.

Advanced Usage

• The term can imply a focus on functionality and practicality over formal appearance, though some modern fabrics achieve both.
• It is often used in marketing and product descriptions to highlight a garment's easy-care properties.

Variants and Related Words

• Drip-dry (adjective): Similar in meaning, often describing garments that dry quickly and smoothly when hung wet, reducing the need for ironing.
• Permanent press (adjective): A specific treatment for fabrics that helps them resist wrinkles and retain their shape after washing, a key technology behind wash-and-wear items.
• Easy-care (adjective): A more general synonym for fabrics or garments that are simple to clean and maintain.

Synonyms

• Non-iron
• Wrinkle-resistant
• Easy-care

Notes on Different Meanings

• As a noun ("a wash-and-wear"), it can refer to an item of clothing made from such fabric, though this usage is less common than the adjectival form.
  • That suit is a practical wash-and-wear.

Noun

1. a fabric treated to be easily washable and to require no ironing

Adjective

1. treated so as to be easily or quickly washed and dried and requiring little or no ironing
   • a wash-and-wear shirt