I haven't run them through a wash cycle yet, but after numerous problems with plastic collar stays, I looked into getting metal ones. These have a nice heft to them, come in a very usable box, and look to be capable of surviving anything you throw at them. They're nice to look at, so it's a bit of a pity that no one else but you will ever see them, unless you end up in a Tom Clancy novel and have to use them to defend yourself after being kidnapped from a fancy dress party. After using these, I have no plans to ever bother with plastic collar stays again.