A good T-shirt can last for years. Most of the wear it shows comes not from wearing it but from washing and drying, so small changes to your laundry routine make a real difference.
Before you wash
- Always read the care label first; it is written for that fabric.
- Turn T-shirts inside out to protect prints and the outer surface.
- Sort by colour: darks, lights and whites separately.
- Close zips on other garments so they cannot snag the cotton.
In the machine
A cooler wash is gentler on cotton and colours and is usually enough for everyday wear. Use a mild detergent, do not overload the drum, and choose a lower spin speed to reduce creasing.
Drying
Air drying is kindest to cotton. Give each T-shirt a firm shake, pull the seams straight and dry it flat or on a hanger away from strong direct sun, which can fade colours. If you use a dryer, a low heat setting helps limit shrinking.
Shake, straighten, hang: three seconds per T-shirt saves a lot of ironing.
Storing
Fold T-shirts rather than hanging them for long periods, so the shoulders do not stretch. Ready for something new? See the men's T-shirts and women's tops.
