What to look for in a new t-shirt
Short answer: Four things decide whether a t-shirt gets worn: shoulder width, length, neckline and fabric weight. The first three are about fit, the last about durability and when the top works best.
The shoulder
The shoulder seam should sit on the edge of the shoulder. If it sits further out, the sleeve hangs and the top looks too big, even if it fits the chest. If it sits further in, it pulls across the back. The shoulder is hardest to change, so start there. Use the measuring guide.
Length
The top should stay covering you when you lift your arms or bend down. If it is too short, it rides up over the waistband and needs pulling down. If it is too long, it bunches at the hips. Try it with the trousers you wear most. Read more in the top that rides up over the stomach.
The neckline
The rib collar is the first thing to go slack and wavy, and it often decides when an otherwise intact top stops being worn. A firm, dense rib that springs back when you pull it lightly lasts longest. Read more in the neckline that goes slack.
Fabric weight
A light quality is cooler and drapes more softly, while a heavy one lasts longer and covers better, so it is not see-through in pale colours. Choose by use: light for summer and as a base layer, heavy to wear alone. See what fabric weight and GSM mean.
Colour
Neutral colours get worn more often than strong ones, because they go with more of what you already own. Black, white, grey and navy cover almost everything, and one muted colour adds variety. White tops show wear and stains first. See bamboo t-shirts for men.
For women
The same four points apply for women. The cut varies more here, from straight to fitted, and the neckline can be round or V. Choose the fit you wear most often, and check the length. See the matching styles in bamboo t-shirt for women.
Washing
Wash at 40 degrees inside out and let the top air dry. Inside out protects the surface, and air drying spares the neckline, which loses its spring in the heat of a tumble dryer. Skip fabric softener. Read more in the washing guide.
Sleeve length
The sleeve should end where you want it, and this varies more between styles than anything else. A short sleeve should not grip the upper arm, and a long one should reach the wrist without bunching. See bamboo long sleeve t-shirt for men.
Frequently asked questions
What matters most in a t-shirt?
Shoulder width. It is the hardest thing to work around, because a top that is too wide or narrow across the shoulders looks wrong however the rest fits.
How can I tell whether the neckline will last?
Pull the rib collar lightly. If it springs straight back and lies flat, it is dense and firm. A thin, loose rib often goes slack after a few washes.
Should I choose a light or heavy quality?
Choose by use. A light quality is cooler and good for summer and as a base layer, while a heavy one covers better and suits wearing on its own.
See our range of bamboo t shirts for men.
