White T-Shirt – Guide to Fit and Care
Short answer: A white t-shirt has to fit properly and stay white, otherwise it loses its whole effect. Choose a style in bamboo viscose with the right shoulder width, wash it at 30 degrees and avoid the tumble dryer, and it will keep both its shape and its colour.
The fit decides everything
Every flaw shows on a white t-shirt: too tight and it reveals everything, too loose and it looks like an undershirt. The shoulder seam should end at the edge of your shoulder, the sleeve halfway down your upper arm, and the length should reach the middle of your trouser fly. See the styles under bamboo T-shirts for men and bamboo T-shirts for women, and use the size guide for bamboo clothing.
Why a white t-shirt in bamboo
White t-shirts are challenged by sweat and frequent washing. Bamboo viscose moves the sweat away before it settles as yellow marks, and the fibres cope with many washes without pilling. At the same time the fabric drapes heavier than cotton, so the t-shirt looks less see-through. The comparison is in bamboo T-shirt vs. cotton T-shirt.
Keep it white for longer
Wash white t-shirts separately at 30-40 degrees, and treat sweaty areas with gall soap before washing. Avoid chlorine bleach, which makes bamboo viscose brittle, and dry on a line rather than in the tumble dryer. Yellowed armpits are often caused by deodorant containing aluminium, so switching deodorant can help too.
Frequently asked questions
How should a white t-shirt fit?
The shoulder seam at the edge of your shoulder, the sleeves halfway down your upper arm and the length to the middle of your trouser fly. Neither tight nor baggy.
Why do white t-shirts go yellow under the arms?
It is a mix of sweat and deodorant containing aluminium. Pre-treat with gall soap and wash soon after wearing, and it will not settle in.
Can white bamboo t-shirts be boil washed?
No, wash at 30-40 degrees. Bamboo viscose stays good-looking with a gentle wash, and high heat wears down the fibres without making the t-shirt any whiter.
