If you want to keep your white T-shirts looking fresh and clean, you might be wondering just how often you should be swapping them out for new ones. Fresh white tees are a wardrobe essential for those moments when you need to pull together an effortlessly stylish and flattering outfit with little thought. Whether you’re aiming for a casual vibe with jeans and sneakers or dressing it up under a blazer, a white tee is your best friend. But as we all know, even the best white tees don’t stay perfect forever—they get discoloured and worn out over time, no matter how well you look after them.

I totally get it if you have a favourite white tee that you’re so attached to. Perhaps its breathability is just what you need, or you love the boxy fit – but it’s important to recognise when to refresh your wardrobe, especially if white T-shirts are a staple in your daily outfits. Keep reading as we explore how to keep your white t-shirts looking pristine and when it’s time to replace them. Next, find out why your white t-shirts turn yellow and what colour bra to wear under a white shirt.

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How often should you replace white T-shirts?

It’s up to you how often you want to replace replace your white T-shirts, but it’s generally recommended to get new ones every 6 months to a year to ensure your they look as fresh and crisp as possible. Sometimes you can likely get away by replacing them longer, depending on a few factors. Obviously if you never wear yours, you won’t need to replace it very often at all but if you wear yours a few times a week and wash it regularly too, it will wear much more quickly.

The quality of your tee is also a factor. If your white t-shirt is made with thicker, natural fabrics like cotton or linen, it will naturally last longer than thin, synthetic fabrics like polyester. Additionally, thicker fabrics are less likely to show wear and tear as quickly.

Another factor to consider are your washing habits. The more frequently you wash and dry your white t-shirt, especially with high heat, the quicker it will wear. Using cooler water often can help extend the lifespan, as well as washing yours less often. Try spot cleaning instead! You can also use warm water occasionally to remove stubborn stains and to eliminate body odour.

Look for signs of wear, like holes, pilling, or significant fading, and you’ll know it’s time to get a new one.

How often should you wash a white T-shirt?

It’s recommended to wash your white T-shirt after one or two wears, especially if you sweat a lot. When sweat, deodorant and dust build up on your shirt, they can cause yellowing. Obviously if the shirt has dirt smudges or stains, wash it ASAP to remove visible stains. But if you haven’t sweated and it still feels and smells fresh, you can get away with wearing it a couple more times before washing it. Simply air-dry it outside and wear it again.

Do expensive T-shirts last longer?

In 2020, a team of researchers from the University of Otago found that price isn’t an indicative factor to tell how well a T-shirt will hold up after washing. Further research from environmental charity Hubbub and Primark in 2023 also discovered that clothes with high price tags do not guarantee they will last longer. In their findings, they found out that women’s T-shirts retailing under £10 are more durable than those at around £40, while women’s hoodies priced between £11 to £20 were more durable compared to those under £50 and around £100. 

The bottom line is that the price and brand name do not determine whether or not t-shirts are durable. As long as t-shirts are made from thicker, natural fabrics and have well-made seams, they will serve you well.

Following proper care instructions also matters in extending the life of any T-shirt. These include washing your garments gently, avoiding bleach as much as possible, refraining from using too much detergent, and air drying them out. 

How many times can I wear my T-shirt?

I can’t tell you exactly how many times you should wear your T-shirt before you wash it, but basically, if your T-shirt feels damp, smells sweaty, or looks dirty, you should throw it in the laundry bin to maintain good hygiene and keep your clothes looking their best. In my case, I would wear mine twice for light activities like food shopping before washing it.

How can I whiten my white T-shirt?

Whitening your clothes can be a challenge, especially when yellow or stubborn stains are visible. But not to worry, as there are several natural and commercial options for whitening your white T-shirt. 

Natural products that are effective in brightening your T-shirt include those you can find easily at your kitchen counter – baking soda, vinegar, and lemon juice. You can use these items for pre-treating stains or during laundering, along with your whitening detergent. These natural products are best used if your white t-shirt is lightly discoloured, made from delicate fabrics like silk or wool, or if you want to use them as a regular maintenance. Find out more on how to remove yellow stains using baking soda here.

You can also use commercial products, especially if your tee is heavily discoloured or you want it to be deep cleaned. Commercial products include chlorine bleach like Clorox or Domestos, oxygen bleach like OxiClean, and other commercial whiteners available in laundry detergent aisles. But remember to use them only when necessary, as bleach can damage the fabric. Also, according to Zoe Mellick, a fashion lecturer at Queensland University of Technology, using oxygen bleach is better than chlorine-based as they are gentler on the fabric.