The neckline on your t-shirt has gone slack

Short answer: A slack neckline comes from pulling the garment over your head and hanging it on a hanger. Fold it instead, and tighten the edge with heat while it is damp.

Why the neckline gives first

The neck edge is stretched most every time you put the garment on. It is also thin and often contains less elastane than the rest. After a couple of hundred wears it gives up and goes wavy.

Habit number one

Put the t-shirt on by guiding your head through without hauling on the edge. Fold the garment away instead of hanging it, because the weight stretches the edge lengthwise while it hangs. See bamboo t-shirts for men.

How to tighten the edge again

Dip the neck edge in hot water for a minute, squeeze it out and gather it gently with your fingers. Lay the garment flat to dry with the edge held together. This works best when the edge contains elastane.

When the edge is finished

If the edge is wavy and thin, an alterations shop can cut it off and sew on a new ribbed band. Otherwise the garment is best kept for wear at home. See bamboo t-shirts for women and bamboo clothing for men.

Frequently asked questions

Why does it happen faster on thin t-shirts

Because the edge is narrower and has less material to spread the load across.

Does washing cold help

Yes. Heat tires the elastic in the edge faster than wearing does on its own.

Can the edge be ironed flat

Temporarily. Steam and gathering in hot water give a better result.