Cotton t-shirts are the single most searched, most purchased clothing item online — and also one of the easiest to buy badly. Here's what actually separates a t-shirt that lasts years from one that shrinks, pills, or goes see-through after a month.
100% cotton vs. cotton blends
A 100% cotton t-shirt breathes better, feels softer against skin, and ages more predictably than a poly-cotton blend. Blends (like 60/40 cotton-polyester) resist wrinkling and dry faster, but they trap heat and often develop a slightly plasticky feel over time. For everyday wear in a hot climate, pure cotton is almost always the better call.
Combed cotton vs. regular cotton
Combed cotton goes through an extra processing step that removes shorter, weaker fibers before spinning — the result is a smoother, stronger, more durable fabric with fewer stray fibers that cause pilling. If a product listing specifically mentions "combed cotton" or "ring-spun cotton," that's usually a genuine quality signal, not just marketing language.
Pre-shrunk and bio-washed: what these terms actually mean
Pre-shrunk cotton has already gone through its major shrinkage before the garment is cut and sewn, so you don't lose a size after the first wash. Bio-washed fabric has been treated with enzymes to soften the fibers and reduce pilling — it's why some tees feel noticeably softer straight out of the packet instead of only after several washes.
How to check quality before buying online
- Read the fabric composition — not just "cotton," but GSM weight, combed/ring-spun status, and any treatment (bio-washed, pre-shrunk).
- Check GSM — 180-200 GSM for lightweight everyday wear, 220+ GSM for structured, longer-lasting tees.
- Look at stitching photos — double-stitched hems and collars hold up far longer than single-stitch construction.
Caring for cotton t-shirts properly
Wash inside-out in cold water to protect prints and color, avoid high heat when drying (it's the single biggest cause of shrinkage over time), and iron inside-out if the tee has any print or graphic on it.
Every VASQ tee is made from 100% combed, bio-washed, pre-shrunk cotton at 240 GSM — browse the full range in our Best Sellers collection.