How to Look After Your T-Shirt

Whether your favourite top is a plain white tee or a bold design from Vans, it deserves some TLC to keep it looking as good as the day you got it. From washing hacks to storage tips, here’s how to keep all your tees in great shape.

How to Wash a T-Shirt

Washing a t-shirt is pretty straightforward - as long as you keep a few simple rules in mind. Want to keep your favourite Vans tees or other tops looking their best, wash after wash? Here are a few things to remember:

Step 1: Sort Smartly

Whites Only: Keep your white t-shirts super bright by always washing them separately from other colours. And if you want to add some extra glow, use a special detergent made for whites.

Colours Matter: Before you wash, group similar colours together. Clothes in dark tones especially can leave marks on or dull lighter clothing. Plus, wash colours in cold water to lock in those vibrant hues. The same goes for men’s and ladies hoodies and sweats.

Protect Prints: For screen-printed graphics or transfers, turn your t-shirt inside out before you toss it in the wash. Go for a gentle cycle, too, to help preserve the design.

Step 2: Stains? No Sweat

Tackle White Tee Stains Fast: The best way to get a stain out of a white t-shirt? Don’t let the stain sit. Rather, treat marks or messes immediately with a stain remover or a baking soda paste. Gently scrub with a soft brush before tossing it in the wash.

Revive Dingy Whites: If you want to get t-shirts white again, start by soaking them in water with detergent and a splash of oxygen bleach (skip the chlorine—it’s too harsh). Let it soak for 30 minutes, then wash as usual.

Beat yellowed collars: For stained or marked areas like collars or armpits, you can pretreat them with a paste made of baking soda and water or a splash of white vinegar. Let the solution sit for 10–15 minutes before the clothes go in the wash.

Step 3: Detergent Decisions

Use mild detergents to keep your t-shirts in good condition. And skip the fabric softeners too—they leave a residue that can make your tees less breathable and dull them over time.

Step 4: Drying Tips

Air drying is the best way to keep any men’s or ladies' t-shirt looking new. To dry, lay a newly washed top flat or hang it on a hanger. Avoid direct sunlight, as it can fade colours. If you must use a dryer, stick to the lowest heat setting.

How to Fold a T-Shirt

Folding your t-shirts properly is easy. Here’s a quick guide to getting it right in no time:

The Basic Fold

1. Lay your t-shirt flat on a clean surface.
2. Fold one side toward the centre, about a third of the way.
3. Fold the other side in the same way, so the sleeves overlap.
4. Fold the bottom up toward the neckline, creating a rectangle.

The KonMari Method

Want your t-shirts to stand upright in a drawer?

1. Lay the tee flat and fold it in half lengthwise, with the sleeves touching.
2. Fold in the sleeves to form a long rectangle.
3. Fold the rectangle in thirds until it can stand up on its own.

How to Stretch a T-Shirt

If your favourite t-shirt shrank in the wash or feels a bit snug, don’t panic—you can bring it back with these simple hacks:

The Soak-and-Stretch Trick

1. Fill a sink or bucket with lukewarm water and mix in a tablespoon of hair conditioner or baby shampoo. This helps to loosen up the fibres.
2. Let your t-shirt soak for 15–30 minutes.
3. Gently squeeze out the excess water (no wringing allowed). Lay it flat on a surface.
4. Slowly stretch the shirt back to its original shape, focusing on tight spots.

The Wear-and-Shape Method

For minor adjustments, put on the damp t-shirt and let it dry while you wear it.

Pro tip: If you need to stretch out specific areas on a tee—like the neckline or sleeves—use your hands to gently pull while the shirt is still damp. For an extra boost, place a heavy object like a book on the stretched area for a few minutes to set the fibres. This works especially well for fabrics prone to shrinking, like cotton.

Another creative trick? Steam it. Using a handheld steamer or the steam setting on your iron, gently work over the tight areas while pulling the fabric. This helps relax the fibres and makes stretching easier without damaging the material.

How to Iron a T-Shirt

Ironing your favourite tee the right way not only keeps it looking sharp but also protects the fabric and designs from possible heat damage. Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Read the Label

Before you grab the iron, check the care label. Some tees—especially delicate fabrics or those with transfers—might need special attention. Some might do best with no ironing at all.

Step 2: Prep Your Tee

Turn graphic tees inside out to protect the design.

Lightly spritz the fabric with water using a spray bottle—this makes ironing faster and gets wrinkles out more easily.

Step 3: Set Your Iron

For cotton tees, go for medium to high heat.

For delicate fabrics like polyester blends, stick to low heat to avoid damage.

Step 4: Iron with Finesse

Lay your t-shirt flat on an ironing board.

Start with the sleeves, then move to the body, using smooth, even strokes.

For stubborn wrinkles, switch on the steam function.

Does your tee need only a light iron? Use your shower! Hang it in the bathroom while running hot water, and let the steam work its magic. Afterwards, smooth out any remaining wrinkles with your hands or a cool iron setting.

For travel or quick touch-ups, a wrinkle-release spray can also save the day. Spray the shirt lightly, then tug and smooth it out with your hands. This works well when an iron or steamer isn’t an option, keeping your t-shirt sharp on the go.

Pro Tip: Worried about ironing a Vans tee with transfers? Place a clean cloth or parchment paper over the design to keep it safe.

By taking a little extra care, your t-shirts—whether classic white or bold and graphic—will stay looking fresh and feeling amazing, wear after wear.