wash-and-wear

American  

[wosh-uhn-wair, wawsh-] / ˈwɒʃ ənˈwɛər, ˈwɔʃ- /

adjective

1. noting or pertaining to a garment that can be washed, that dries quickly, and that requires little or no ironing; drip-dry.

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wash-and-wear British  

adjective

1. (of fabrics, garments, etc) requiring only light washing, short drying time, and little or no ironing

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Etymology

Origin of wash-and-wear

First recorded in 1955–60

Example Sentences

Based around her famous black bodysuit, which could be worn under skirts or trousers, it was a wash-and-wear coordinating wardrobe you could roll up into carry-on luggage and pull out uncreased at the other end.

From The Guardian • Jul. 1, 2015

Edith Flagg, 94, a fashion designer whose public-relations skills at introducing America to wash-and-wear knitted polyester made her a multimillionaire, died Aug. 13 in Los Angeles.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 23, 2014

The wash-and-wear hair was symbolic of a new freedom.

From New York Times • Oct. 15, 2012

The looseness and ease of the A-line shapes and wash-and-wear damp hair created an easy daytime look.

From New York Times • Sep. 26, 2010

Standing in the doorway waiting for me in his regulation Sanforized wash-and-wear khakis and pilot sunglasses, why, he very nearly almost looked handsome.

From "The Poisonwood Bible" by Barbara Kingsolver