There’s a big difference between a good, high-quality t shirt and a basic, poor-quality one. You’ll soon feel it when you put it on. Or worse, see it when you wash it and notice the colour draining.
Read on for five of the hallmarks of a great quality t shirt.
The Fabric’s Origin and Composition
You need high-quality fabric. And put them side by side, and you can definitely tell the difference between high and low-quality fabric. Varieties like Pima or Egyptian cotton are known for their long fibers. They’re softer and more durable fabric. The origin of the fabric sometimes defines the quality – threads from Belgian and France of typically high quality.
The Weight and Feel of the Fabric
The weight of the fabric is a good quality indicator.
Heavier fabrics are a denser weave or knit. They’ll be more durable and retain their shape. Still, the desired weight can vary depending on personal preference. Not everyone wants a heavier-feeling t shirt, especially in the summer.
The feel of the fabric is equally important. Smooth textures indicate higher-quality fibres.
The quality of the tailoring makes a difference. Hand tailoring isn’t so common with mass production of t shirts, but some machine-woven tops just aren’t high quality. The material can feel thin. Then again, this also depends on the quality of the thread in the first place.
The alignment of the fabric’s grain along the seams should be consistent to prevent twisting after washing. The precision of the stitching and the finish of the hems also matter. Tops with fraying hems are ready for the bin.
A great quality t shirt has to be well-fitted. No, that does not mean tight. It means the opposite. Tight t shirts don’t always look the best. You want some bagginess to it so it’s more comfortable.
Beware, not every t shirt will be the same size in different colours. If you’re going for cheap t shirts from websites like Wordans, make sure the size fits you no matter what the colour.
Colour Fastness and Print Quality
There’s nothing worse than a t shirt that begins to lose its colour after three or four washes. Typically it’s only the low-quality t-shirts that do this. High-quality t shirts retain their vibrant colours and sharp prints even after multiple washes. The best can withstand high washes, although you must be crazy if you’re doing hot washes when they’re so expensive!
Colourfastness is particularly important for darker shades and brightly coloured t shirts. They’re more susceptible to fading.
The quality of any printed designs, including their resistance to cracking or peeling, makes a better aesthetic.
Environmental and Ethical Considerations
The quality of a t shirt is more than just how it feels – people are worried about the environmental and ethical considerations. Fast fashion is getting a bad reputation. Some documentaries have highlighted the poor working conditions and environmentally damaging processes.
Brands using organic cotton, employing sustainable manufacturing processes, and ensuring fair labour are more desirable.
Now you know what makes a good t shirt. Buying a low-quality t shirt sucks. The quality, fit, and feel are rubbish. Understanding what makes a good t shirt and where to buy one makes the difference. Don’t go for a subpar t shirt that doesn’t last.