A favourite t-shirt can last years if it’s treated right. The problem is most people don’t think much about storage. A tee that’s thrown on the back of a chair, left damp in a pile, or stretched over a hanger starts losing shape long before the fabric wears out. The good news is that a few small habits can make all the difference. Keeping your tees looking sharp isn’t about complicated routines. It’s about a bit of care, a bit of airflow, and keeping things simple.
Start Clean and Dry
The fibres in cotton and cotton blends slowly break down when they’re left damp or dirty. Sweat, body oils, and detergent residue all speed up that process. Always make sure your tees are completely dry before storing them. Even slight moisture can cause mildew or that musty drawer smell.
After washing, shake each tee to loosen wrinkles and let it air-dry whenever possible. High heat from tumble dryers causes shrinkage and warping, especially around the neckline. If you prefer machine drying, stop before the fabric feels crisp and let the last bit of moisture evaporate naturally. For deeper guidance, Good Housekeeping outlines hand-washing and drying steps that protect shape.
Folding vs Hanging
Whether you should fold or hang your tees depends on your space and the shirt itself. In most cases, folding is safer. Hanging can stretch out the shoulders and neck, especially if the tee is light or already well worn. If you do hang them, use wide, rounded hangers that support the shape, not thin wire ones that pinch the fabric.
Folding doesn’t have to be fancy. Lay the shirt flat, fold the sleeves in, then fold the body in half or thirds. The goal is to keep it compact without harsh creases. Some people prefer rolling their tees to save space, and that works too if you avoid over-tightening. For a clear visual, The Spruce shows five easy folding methods that help reduce wrinkling.
If you have heavy graphic tees or thicker materials, stacking them folded is best. Hanging can make the bottom hem stretch under its own weight. Keep the stacks small and balanced so the ones at the bottom don’t get crushed.
Keep Them Cool and Out of Direct Sunlight
Sunlight fades colour and weakens cotton over time. A drawer, shelf, or wardrobe that stays cool, dry, and shaded is ideal. If you store clothing in open shelving, try to keep it away from direct windows. Heat and UV light both shorten the life of the fabric. Think of it like skin on a long hike: constant sun exposure does damage even when it doesn’t look serious at first.
Avoid sealed plastic boxes or bags for long-term storage. They trap moisture and prevent the fabric from breathing. Cardboard boxes can absorb dampness too. A cotton storage bag or breathable bin keeps airflow steady and prevents mildew.
Stack Smart and Rotate
Stacking might seem harmless, but a heavy pile can stretch the tees at the bottom. Stack loosely and keep the weight even. If you store your shirts vertically in a drawer—like file folders—you can see them all at once and reduce pressure on the fabric. It also helps you wear more of your collection instead of cycling through the same few pieces.
Rotate your tees regularly. When you wash and refold, place the newly cleaned ones underneath the stack. That way everything gets used evenly. It’s the same logic as rotating your gear or hiking boots: even wear keeps everything lasting longer. If you like a tidy drawer, Real Simple explains vertical folding so tees stand up and stay visible.
Give Them Air
Airflow is the simplest defence against stale smells and dampness. Drawers and wardrobes that never get opened tend to trap moisture. Every so often, open them up for a few hours to let fresh air move through. If you live somewhere humid, silica gel packs or cedar blocks help absorb moisture naturally. They also add a clean, dry scent that keeps clothes fresh.
Avoid plastic bags, vacuum storage, or tight containers for anything you wear often. Those options are better for seasonal or long-term storage, but even then, make sure the clothes are fully dry before sealing. If you want to store tees over a season, wrap them in acid-free paper or cotton fabric inside a breathable box. That keeps dust off while allowing the fibres to relax.
A Note on Sustainability
Taking care of your tees is about more than keeping them tidy. Extending the life of your clothing reduces waste and the energy needed to produce replacements. Cotton farming, dyeing, and transport all carry environmental weight. The longer you keep a shirt in rotation, the lighter your footprint becomes. It’s quiet sustainability—the kind that starts at home, one folded tee at a time.
If you’re building a wardrobe that lasts, start with well-made basics. Explore our collection of cotton tees built for the long haul and give them the care they deserve.