White bamboo t-shirt for men and how to keep it clean
Short answer: A white T-shirt in bamboo viscose is softer and less see through than a thin cotton shirt of the same weight. Yellow marks under the arms come from deodorant and sweat, not from the material, and they can be prevented.
White and see through fabric
Thin white shirts often become see through. Bamboo viscose drapes more densely and has a smoother surface, which reduces the effect, but the weight of the fabric matters most. See the styles in bamboo T-shirts for men.
Yellow marks under the arms
The yellow marks appear when aluminium from deodorant reacts with sweat and settles in the fibres. Let your deodorant dry before putting the shirt on, and wash the shirt within a couple of days. The full method is in the washing guide for bamboo clothing.
White as an undershirt
Under a light shirt, a white undershirt is less visible than a black one. If you want a closer fitting style that does not show at the collar, see bamboo undershirts for men.
Washing that keeps white white
Wash whites separately at 40 degrees without bleach or fabric softener. Chlorine weakens bamboo viscose, and softener leaves a film that traps dirt and dulls white. Air drying gives the longest life. You will find the rest of the wardrobe in the same material in bamboo clothing for men.
Why white turns grey
White turns grey from dye released by other clothes, even light colours that do not seem to bleed. A single blue or grey shirt in the machine is enough. Gather your whites and wait to wash until you have a full drum.
Treat stains quickly
Coffee, sauce and grass set into white the longer they are left. Rinse the stain with cold water from the back of the fabric and rub in a little liquid detergent before the shirt goes into the wash. Hot water can fix some stains permanently.
Drying and daylight
The tumble dryer wears the fibres and can give white a yellowish tint over time. Hang the shirt on a hanger or rack instead, ideally in daylight, which helps keep white bright. Take it down as soon as it is dry, so the shoulders do not stretch.
Fit and length
A white T-shirt should sit lightly on the body without pulling across the stomach or chest. The length should reach a little past the waistband, so it stays in place when you lift your arms. Measure yourself and compare with the chart if you are unsure about the size.
White for everyday and work
A white T-shirt can be worn on its own with jeans, under a knit or under an open shirt. It is easy to combine but shows dirt faster than darker colours. With several white shirts in rotation, each one can be washed thoroughly without wearing out too quickly.
When to replace it
If the shirt has turned grey or yellow despite proper washing, or the neckline has started to ripple, it is time for a new one. A white T-shirt shows wear more clearly than a dark one, so wear the oldest ones at home and the newest when you go out.
Frequently asked questions
How do I avoid yellow marks under the arms?
Let your deodorant dry completely before putting the shirt on, and wash it within a couple of days. Wash whites separately at 40 degrees without bleach.
Is a white bamboo T-shirt see through?
Bamboo viscose drapes more densely than thin cotton and reduces see through effects, but the weight of the fabric matters most. A denser quality covers better than the lightest one.
Can I use bleach on a white bamboo T-shirt?
No, chlorine bleach weakens bamboo viscose and makes the fibres brittle. Wash at 40 degrees with an ordinary detergent for whites instead, and let the shirt air dry.
See our range of bamboo t shirts for men.
