T-Shirts, Undershirts & Tank Tops
Questions on T-shirts, undershirts, polos and tank tops: necklines, yarn, weight, shrinkage, twisting, print durability, sweat stains and care.
Questions in this topic (34)
- What should I check when a moisture-wicking undershirt does not wick?Troubleshooting moisture-wicking undershirts: fibre and knit, finish durability, fabric softener residue, fit and how to test wicking with AATCC TM195.
- Why does a T-shirt neckline stretch out after washing?Why a T-shirt neckline stretches out after washing: rib construction, elastane content, rib length and tension, seam and stitch choice, and how to specify and test neck rib recovery.
- Why do T-shirt side seams twist after washing?Why T-shirt side seams twist after washing: spirality from yarn twist and circular knitting, fabric finishing, cutting off-grain, and how to test spirality with ISO 16322-3 and reduce it.
- What T-shirt weight should a print brand choose?How to choose T-shirt fabric weight (GSM) for a print brand: what weight changes for print quality, drape, opacity and cost, typical ranges, and how to sample and specify it.
- Combed or carded cotton: does it matter for T-shirts?Combed vs carded cotton for T-shirts: what combing removes, how it changes softness, pilling, print surface and cost, and how to check what you are buying.
- Ring-spun or open-end yarn for T-shirts?Ring-spun vs open-end yarn for T-shirts: how the spinning methods differ, what changes in softness, strength, surface and cost, and which suits which product.
- How do I allow for shrinkage in a T-shirt pattern?How to allow for shrinkage in a T-shirt pattern: measuring fabric shrinkage, calculating allowances, applying them by direction, and confirming on washed samples.
- Why do cotton/polyester T-shirts pill?Why cotton/polyester T-shirts pill: how polyester holds pills, what yarn and fabric choices reduce pilling, how to test with ISO 12945-2, and care advice.
- Which lasts longer on T-shirts, DTG or screen print?DTG vs screen print durability on T-shirts: how each method bonds ink to fabric, what affects wash life, when each makes sense and how to test colour fastness and cracking.
- Why do T-shirt prints crack after washing?Why T-shirt prints crack after washing: under-curing, ink film too thick or too rigid for the fabric, poor adhesion, harsh care, and how to diagnose and prevent cracking.
- How do I stop a white T-shirt from looking see-through?How to stop a white T-shirt from looking see-through: fabric weight, yarn, knit density, optical brighteners, double layers and how to compare opacity on samples.
- Why does the neck rib not match the T-shirt body colour?Why the neck rib does not match the T-shirt body colour: different fabric, yarn, dye lot and dyeing behaviour, and how to approve and control rib and body shade.
- Does a T-shirt need shoulder taping?Does a T-shirt need shoulder taping? What shoulder tape does, tape types, when it helps, and how to check shoulder seam stretch and comfort.
- Why is the hem of my T-shirt wavy?Why a T-shirt hem looks wavy: stretched fabric under the needle, feed settings, stitch tension, hem depth, fabric shrinkage differences, and how to fix and check it.
- How should I size an oversized or boxy T-shirt?How to size an oversized or boxy T-shirt: setting garment measurements, ease, shoulder drop and length, writing a clear size chart and testing fit across sizes.
- How do I choose T-shirt sleeve length and width?How to choose T-shirt sleeve length and width: the effect on look and comfort, regular, fitted, boxy and longline options, measuring points and testing fit.
- What does enzyme washing or silicone softening do to a T-shirt?What enzyme washing or silicone softening does to a T-shirt: bio-polishing, surface fibre removal, softness, pilling, strength loss, shrinkage, absorbency and printing considerations.
- Can I call my T-shirts "pre-shrunk"?Can you call your T-shirts "pre-shrunk"? What the term implies, why it needs test evidence, how to set a shrinkage limit and wash procedure, and how to word the claim safely.
- Why do T-shirts get small holes near the belt line?Why T-shirts get small holes near the belt line: abrasion from belt buckles, waistbands and counters, fabric weight and yarn, and what brands can change in fabric and design.
- Why do polo shirt collars curl, and how do I prevent it?Why polo shirt collars curl and how to prevent it: flat-knit collar construction, yarn and tension, shrinkage differences, interlining, pressing and washing tests.
- What are the advantages and limits of seamless T-shirts?Advantages and limits of seamless T-shirts: how seamless knitting works, comfort and stretch benefits, design limits, sizing, minimums and what to test.
- Binding or rib: how should a tank top armhole be finished?Binding or rib for tank top armholes: how each finish looks and performs, stretch, comfort, shape retention after washing and how to choose and test.
- How deep should an undershirt V-neck be?How deep an undershirt V-neck should be: hiding under open-collar shirts, measuring neck depth, grading by size, neckline stability and testing.
- How do I make an undershirt invisible under a dress shirt?How to make an undershirt invisible under a dress shirt: colour close to skin tone, neckline depth, flat seams and hems, tagless labels, fabric weight and a close fit.
- How long should an undershirt be to stay tucked in?How long an undershirt should be to stay tucked in: body length versus torso and rise, shrinkage, hem finish, stretch, fit grading and testing with real trousers.
- What helps prevent sweat stains on undershirts?What helps prevent sweat stains on undershirts and dress shirts: underarm coverage, absorbent or wicking fabrics, fit, colour, care and perspiration fastness tests.
- Crew neck or V-neck: which undershirt should I launch first?Crew neck or V-neck undershirt first: how customers choose, open-collar and tie wearers, regional preferences, SKU and MOQ planning, and how to test demand.
- How durable are bamboo viscose undershirts?How durable bamboo viscose undershirts are: wet strength, pilling, holes, shrinkage, fabric blends and weight, labelling, and how to specify and test before bulk.
- How should TENCEL undershirts be washed and dried?How to wash and dry TENCEL lyocell or modal undershirts: temperature, cycle, drying, creasing, fibrillation, care label wording and testing the instructions before bulk.
- Can a long-sleeve undershirt work as a thermal base layer?Can a long-sleeve undershirt work as a thermal base layer? What makes a base layer warm, fabric choices, fit, moisture handling, tests and honest product claims.
- Why do undershirts develop armpit odour that does not wash out?Why undershirts develop armpit odour that does not wash out: fibre type, residues, low-temperature washing, fabric softener, and what brands can change in fabric and care advice.
- Why do cotton undershirts get shorter after washing?Why cotton undershirts get shorter after washing: knitting tension, length versus width shrinkage, tumble drying, compacting, and how to specify, allow and test.
- Is a very light T-shirt jersey strong enough?Is a very light T-shirt jersey strong enough? Bursting strength, yarn, knit tightness, seam strength, needle damage and how to specify and test lightweight tees.
- What specs do printers want from a blank T-shirt?What specs printers want from a blank T-shirt: fabric surface, fibre content, shrinkage and twist limits, consistent sizing, labels, packing by size and shade consistency.