Ah, the beloved t-shirt. The ultimate casual clothing item that can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. But let’s face it, as much as we love our tees, they can be a pain to care for. Whether it’s that dreaded pit stain or the infamous shrinkage issue, there are plenty of challenges that come with keeping your t-shirts looking great. But fear not, dear reader, because in this article, we’ll be sharing some tips and tricks on how to properly care for your t-shirts and keep them looking fresh and fabulous.
Afterall, if you have a decent t-shirt collection going, or a couple favourites, it’s important that they last as long as possible, wear after wear and wash after wash. Graphic t-shirts are all the rage, and modern t-shirt printing technology means the prints will last. But at the end of the day things wear out.
T-Shirt Washing Tips
First things first, let’s talk about washing. We get it, doing laundry can be a real drag, but it’s a necessary evil if you want to keep your t-shirts looking their best (and just generally making sure you don’t smell bad). When it comes to washing, it’s important to pay attention to the care instructions on the label. Yes, we know, reading is hard, but trust us, it’s worth it. Different materials require different washing techniques, so make sure to check the label before you throw your tee in the wash. And if you’re feeling extra fancy, consider washing your t-shirts separately from your other clothes. Not only will this help prevent any potential colour bleeding, but it’ll also give you an excuse to do more laundry (said no one ever).
And yeah, watch out for colour bleeding. Don’t go an wash your white t-shirts with your black t-shirts. That’s a recipe for disaster. Yes, the t-shirts sold in our online t-shirt store are pre-washed and shrunk (more on that later), but we still advise to play it safe if you can.
Drying Your T-Shirts
Next up, let’s talk about drying. Ah, the age-old debate of whether or not to put your t-shirts in the dryer. Some people swear by air-drying, while others are all about the tumble dry life. So, what’s the right answer? Well, it depends. Again, make sure to check the care label before you make any decisions. If the label says “tumble dry low,” then go ahead and toss your tee in the dryer, but if it says “line dry only,” then you better break out that clothesline (or drying rack, if you’re a city dweller). And if you’re really committed to the air-drying life, consider investing in a drying rack. Not only will it save you money on your electricity bill, but it’ll also give your t-shirts that old-school, vintage vibe.
Our t-shirts here at A Lot of T-Shirts are pre-shrunk, so you shouldn’t have to worry about thinks shrinking in the drier. This means your favourite novelty t-shirt is fine in the drier. Personally we prefer air drying though. It’s better for the environment and generally lengthens the life of all of your clothes.
How To Deal With Stains On A T-Shirt
Now, let’s talk about stains, especially the dreaded pit stain. You know the one we’re talking about – that yellowish discoloration that always seems to show up on the underarm area of your favourite tee. Gross, right? But fear not, because we’ve got a solution for you. Before you toss your t-shirt in the wash, treat those stains with a little bit of baking soda and water. Just mix a tablespoon of baking soda with a little bit of water to make a paste, apply it to the stained area, let it sit for a few minutes, and then wash your tee as usual. Voila! Say goodbye to stains and hello to fresh-smelling t-shirts.
If you’re dealing with deodorant stains on your favourite ironic t-shirt, we have another solution for you. Before you toss your t-shirt in the wash, try rubbing the deodorant mark with a dryer sheet. The anti-static properties in the dryer sheet will help lift the mark right off your shirt. Magic, right?
Dealing With T-Shirt Shrinkage
Nothing is worse than when your favourite alcohol themed t-shirt shrinks and is now too small to wear. We’ve all been there. It that happens, there’s really no going back unfortunately. So prevention is better than the cure.
If you buy a t-shirt from us, the solution is already there: our t-shirts are pre-shrunk. So you’re good to go! No need to worry about a shrinking t-shirt.
Obviously we can’t vouch for any other t-shirt companies. We’re sure some are pre-shrunk, some aren’t. Here it’s best to read the label and follow the directions. But we advise erring on the side of caution if you’re unsure. Air dry or dry on a cooler setting and you should be OK.
Final Thoughts
Hopefully you’ve learned a thing or two about keeping your t-shirts in tip top shape. It’s quite simple really. Everything wears out over time, but the key is keeping that wear minimal.