The neckline gives the quality away

Short answer: The neckline is the first thing to go slack. If it is narrow, stretchy and sewn with a tape at the back, it will hold. If it is wide and soft, it will not.

Why that part

The neckline is pulled over the head every time the garment goes on and off. No other part of a t-shirt gets stretched as often. That is why it is the first to go wavy and droop.

What a good one looks like

It is knitted as a rib, not just a folded strip of fabric. It is about one to two centimetres wide and springs back when you pull it. See bamboo t-shirts for men.

The tape at the back

There should be a tape at the back of the neck joining the two shoulders. It takes the load so the neckline does not carry it alone. See bamboo t-shirts for women and bamboo clothing for women.

Frequently asked questions

Can a wavy neckline be fixed

Partly. Dampen the edge, pull it back into shape and dry the garment flat.

Why does it get worse after the tumble dryer

Heat makes the elastane in the edge give. Dry the garment on a line.

Is a wide neckline always bad

No, not if it is rib knitted. The problem is a soft, folded strip.