T-shirts are a wardrobe staple owing to their versatility. Perfect to style with a pair of jeans or your favourite trousers, t-shirts make for optimum go-to apparel when in a fashion dilemma. However, with time and consistent use t-shirts may begin to lose their quality and feel which can impact its appearance and overall experience of wearing them. Whether it's graphic tees, plain essentials, or your favourite artist's merchandise, we all have those go-to shirts that we want to continue wearing for as many seasons as possible. Proper maintenance can increase the life of your T-shirts, keeping them fresh and comfy. As sleek as t-shirts look, the efforts to maintain them can be challenging without the right knowledge on the procedures to be carried out.
To clear the air on increasing the longevity of clothes, we present to you a compilation of some effective ways to care for your t shirt and make them last longer.
Avoid Overwashing
Each wash cycle exposes the fabric to friction, and detergent chemicals, which can cause fading, pillaging, and fibre deterioration. Unless your T-shirt is visibly soiled or has an odour, it is recommended to get a few wears out of it before washing it. This approach not only saves resources, but it also helps to preserve the fabric's integrity and look over time.
Use Stain Removers
There are inevitable instances and situations where t-shirts are soiled with stains that may be hard to get rid of. At such times using the right stain removal product or method is essential to ensure minimal damage to the fabric and quality of t-shirts. It is recommended to only wash the stained portion of the t-shirt with mild but effective stain removers or detergents instead of washing the entire apparel.
Washing with Mild Detergents
Choosing a suitable detergent is critical to ensuring the longevity of your t-shirts. Harsh detergents can be excessively harsh and may lead to damage and deterioration to the pigment and the cloth fibres. It is recommended to choose moderate, bleach-free detergents formulated specially for delicate material allowing them to retain their softness and luminosity over time.
Sort the Laundry
It is recommended to segregate the pile of laundry to prevent discolouration, colour bleeding, and overall damage to the apparel. Washing dark and bright clothes together can result in colour bleeding, while combining delicate textiles with heavier things can cause abrasion and damage. Proper sorting ensures that the t-shirts are cleaned in the optimal atmosphere, retaining their colour and fabric quality.
Turn The T-Shirts Inside Out
Turning your T-shirts inside out before washing is a simple yet efficient way to maintain their appearance. This technique minimises the direct friction between the fabric’s outer surface and other items in the wash, reducing pilling and fading. It also protects any prints, embroidery, or embellishments on the stylish tshirt against wear and tear during the washing process.
Factors to Consider When Caring for T-Shirts
One of the most important factors to take into consideration is the fabric of the t-shirt. The material determines the exact measures that are suitable for taking care of the apparel.
The colour and print on the t-shirt are determinants in crafting the perfect care plan for the t-shirt as solid tshirt require different efforts in comparison to printed or graphic tees.
The method of drying also impacts the rate of t shirt deterioration as it may weaken or shrink the fabric
The instructions printed on the inside of the t-shirt must be considered and adhered to in order to ensure apparel longevity.
Frequency of ironing may also impact the quality of the fabric of the t-shirt and must therefore be considered.
