I’ve done a relatively large number of style interviews in the past eight years since I started as a fashion journalist. And whenever I’d ask my interviewee where she buys her basics, the answer would be Zara, H&M, Uniqlo, insert high street brand here. This doesn’t come as a surprise to me. People think of basics as disposable garments. White T-shirts especially tend to get ruined quickly. They can turn yellow under your armpits, their side seam can get dislocated, and they become gray over time. That’s why people buy them cheap in high street stores since they already know they’ll have to replace them in a few months. This, however, doesn’t have to be the case.
Yellow stains appear when your bodily fluids mix with deodorant ingredients, primarily aluminum. Try to find a natural deodorant that works for you (I like Nelipot). To prevent white T-shirts from going grey, wash them separately and try drying them in the sun. And how to keep those seams in place? Avoid the high street and go for quality basics. There are three options I’d consider if I was buying a new white T-shirt right now.
Go for quality
If you want a T-shirt that will last a lifetime, you should go with one made on a loop wheel. The cotton for these T-shirts is knitted on a cylinder. The result is a fabric shaped like a tube which eliminates the need for side seams. These T-shirts last longer, don’t lose shape and don’t shrink, stretch or twist. Because of all that, they don’t need that many chemicals in the process. There are a few brands around the world that still produce these T-shirts, the most famous ones being in Germany and Japan. If you want to buy them in Croatia, get in touch with Salt Clothing. They know their loop wheel T-shirts.
Support a local designer
Getting a new T-shirt while simultaneously supporting local artists and designers is always a win-win situation. I bought a white T six years ago from a Croatian brand E.A. 1/1 S.V., for 25 euros (it was on sale). It was made on a loop wheel, hasn’t turned grey, and doesn’t have yellow stains, holes, or anything like that. Just make sure you know where their fabrics come from. Recently I read that most 100 percent pure cotton clothing is only 75 percent cotton, and the rest is composed of chemicals like formaldehyde that are put on to stop wrinkling and stabilize shrinkage. A 100 percent cotton label does not guarantee a sustainable product. Small brands can be toxic too. Get all the info you can before making a purchase.
Support a cause you care about
Consider merch. Charity organizations, art projects, museums… they all sell merch. By buying their T-shirts, you’re getting a new item while supporting their cause and helping them to continue their work. Of course, these T-shirts are often not ideal. So try to go for organic cotton whenever you can, ideally one with a GOTS certificate. But don’t be too hard on yourself. Going sustainable is a process. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Asking questions gets us to a more transparent industry.
Do you have more ideas on where to get a long-lasting white T-shirt? Share in the comments!