Key Takeaways
- Most t-shirts have a band of knitted, ribbed fabric around the neckline.
- The fabric is designed to return to its original shape, but can lose its elasticity over time.
- Washing a t-shirt properly can help prevent the neckline collar from stretching out.
We all have a favorite t-shirt with a stretched-out neckline. We just can’t bear to toss it because it feels so good and has so many memories. Depending on the condition of the collar, you may be able to shrink it back into shape, but you can also learn how to care for these shirts better in the future.
Learn what causes t-shirt collars to stretch, how to prevent it, and how to possibly shrink the damage.
Why T-Shirt Collars Stretch
The ribbed fabric around the neckline of a t-shirt is there to provide extra stretch as you pull the shirt over your head. It also protects the knitted cotton, bamboo, or synthetic blend fabric from unraveling. The stretching happens after you’ve worn the shirt too many times, by hanging the shirt rather than folding it, and aggressively washing and drying it with high heat.
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How to Wash a T-Shirt Without Stretching the Collar
- Check the t-shirt for stains and pretreat with a dab of laundry detergent or an enzyme-based stain remover.
- Sort laundry to wash similar colors and weights together.
- Turn the t-shirt inside out before tossing it in the washer.
- Use cold water and a gentle cycle.
- When hand-washing a t-shirt, use cool water, rinse well, and do not wring the fabric. Gently squeeze out the excess water.
- Air-drying a t-shirt on a clothes drying rack is best. If you must tumble dry, use a low heat setting and permanent press cycle that cools the fabric at the end of the cycle to help prevent wrinkles.
How to Fix a Stretched T-Shirt Collar
Though it may seem impossible, there are some steps you can take to hopefully bring a stretched-out t-shirt collar back from the dead.
Use Hot Water
Fill a sink or bowl with hot water. Submerge only the neckline in the hot water for 5 to 10 minutes. Gently squeeze out the excess water (no wringing!) to avoid additional stretching. Lay the shirt flat on a towel, reshape the neckline with your hands, and allow it to dry flat.
Use a Clothes Steamer
Hang the shirt and direct steam from a handheld clothes steamer to the collar for around 5 minutes. Keep the steamer about 6 inches from the fabric to prevent overheating. Gently remove the shirt from the hanger and lay it flat on a towel. Reshape the neckline with your hands and allow the fabric to air dry.
Use a Hair Dryer
With the shirt lying flat on a towel, lightly dampen the collar with a spray bottle of water. Set the hair dryer on medium heat and holding it about 6 inches from the fabric, gently reshape the collar with your hands and dry it with the hair dryer.
Add a New Collar or Reinforce with Elastic
If you have skills with a sewing machine, you can remove the stretched collar and replace it. The ribbed binding is sold in fabric stores in several colors. You can also measure the neckline and cut a strip of clothing elastic to fit inside the neckline.
5 T-Shirt Care Tips
- If you are hanging a t-shirt, use a sturdy hanger to support the shoulders to prevent the neckline from stretching. Run the hook of the hanger into the shirt from the bottom instead of stretching the neck over the hanger.
- When folding a t-shirt, fold the sides inward and then fold in half from the bottom so the neckline remains untouched.
- Don’t pull excessively on the neckline when putting on or taking off the shirt. Pulling too hard on the neckline weakens the fabric and stitches and speeds stretching.
- Sort your laundry correctly and use cold water and a gentle cycle to keep your t-shirt looking its best for longer.
- Air dry t-shirts or avoid high temperatures in an automatic dryer.
