Here’s what the experts have to say about finding the perfect Tee
Tees are one of the greatest contributions to the clothing industry, they can be cute, classy, and comfy at the same time. A good tshirt is one that can be worn everywhere, from the gym to college or to work. There are many things that may contribute to finding the perfect tee that is comfortable, soft, and has a good fit. So, to get the perfect tee, here’s what our team of experts have to say:
1. Yarn
The biggest factor affecting the quality of a garment is yarn. Yarn is an essential element that affects the texture and strength of the fabric, and therefore the tshirt. A regular tshirt is usually made of 100% cotton or a blend of cotton and synthetic fibres or 100% polyester or a blend of polyester, cotton, and rayon.
Due to the water absorbent property and softness, cotton tees are super comfy and perfect for a hot summer day.
Cotton, and synthetic blend, however, are soft and durable, but they don’t always feel as soft as the 100% cotton ones. The perfect and most comfortable tees are ring spun cotton as they are good on the skin, durable, and lightweight, just the kind of tees one could wear on a daily basis.
2. Graphics and Prints
The prints and graphics on tshirts have a great deal to do with quality. A cheap, sloppy print might fade with time and end up spoiling the fabric.
It is important to check for any possible peels or cracks in the print and a simple light stretch will reveal any such defect.
Prints may also leave behind a colour stain after wash. Rubbing a clean white cloth against the print before tossing it into the machine helps finding out if the print colour could possibly bleed
3. Size and Fit
Size and fit are two different things. Everyone has a different body structure, for example- someone might have a smaller waist while someone might have a long upper body. For this, most brands follow the general criteria:
- Slim fit (for those with a petite body)
- Regular fit (basic size that fits almost everyone)
- Big/tall fit (for those who are taller than the average height)
No matter how soft the fabric is, if the fitting is not good, it all goes down the drain. Every brand has a different size chart, so, relying solely on that might be misleading. Do check your fit by trying on the tee. In case of online shopping, study the size chart thoroughly before placing an order for a tee.
At El Paño, we have a standard sizing chart that we follow across all our production — to make sure you face no issues with sizes!
4. Construction of Tee
This is the most important factor when it comes to determining the quality of a tee. In order to achieve durability, and comfort, it is important that the pieces of fabric are put together in the right manner. To assess the construction of tee, inspect the seams and hems to make sure there are no missing, or loose threads. One factor to assess the quality of a tee is a neat rib (the stripe of fabric at the neck of any round neck tshirt). A good quality rib keeps the collar and arms stretch-resistant making the tshirt durable and sturdy.
Apart from that, checking the necktape, shoulder tape, armholes and the overall stitch of tee shirt is advisable. A well stitched tee shirt will have straight and tight stitching threads in a systematic pattern.
5. Shrinkage or Stretch
Another common issue is shrinkage or stretching out of fabric. Mostly observed in a 100% cotton fabric, it can shrink to the size of a crop top after several washes. If the tshirt is not pre-shrunk, choose a larger size.
Note, that apart from these factors, it is important to take proper care of your tee to ensure durability. Reading washing instructions given on the label or tag of tee should not be ignored. Washing cotton garments in cold water with the specified amount of good quality detergent is recommended. Air drying is always better than a spin dry and will definitely increase the life of your tees and other clothes.
