How to Soften T-Shirts

T-shirts are plentiful and can be found almost anywhere. These can be worn casually, as well as comfy companions and stylish additions to blazers and dress shirts. Nothing beats putting on a really soft vintage t-shirt and even when your body is encased in the softest of cloth; it enhances every action, effort, and movement. However, unlike Freshly Clean Tees, there are situations when some t-shirts are unfortunately not as soft as they really ought to be. A well-worn T-shirt must have a beautiful, soft and comfy feel into it. T-shirts are also great for layering, but all of this versatility means that they come into close contact with the body. It's either too extremely stiff and bulky, or it's itchy and uncomfortable, and that's where the pain begins maybe they are irritating your skin, and you're thinking about throwing them out or giving them a way in exchange for some used tees from thrift store.

In fact, the only certain way of getting a worn-in feel from your t-shirt is to let it age, but then you can try a few tricks to soften a fresher T-shirt. Although there are variety of ways through which you can soften your t-shirt but some of those are explained below that you might not know in order to keep your t-shirts smooth, softer, and beyond gentle.

The main part is of the softening process is that you can really try all of these DIY hacks at home with only a few common household items and methods. Take into account, although, that the fabric of your t-shirt will determine which method works best. To begin, let's look at some of the most prominent t-shirt fabric varieties that you might want to soften for example cotton, rayon, jersey and polyester etc.

Cotton

Cotton is the most usual fabric for making t-shirts. But, as you'll soon discover, not all cotton is prepared similarly, and the quality of the crop, as well as the production and processing process, have a big role. Combed cotton, on the other hand, is still a superior type of cotton with longer, straight strands that result in stronger, gentler, and finer weaves on a t-shirt.

Rayon

Rayon is a flexible material that is generally claimed to offer the same comfy attributes as natural fibers, despite the fact that the draping and slickness of rayon fabrics are frequently more similar to nylon. Linen, cotton, Silk and wool can all be imitated in feeling and texture. The material is perhaps most like rayon if you've already worn silky scarf or lovely, flowing tops. This is an organic fabric that resembles nylon but also has silk-like features. That's why it drapes so nicely and doesn't shrink. However, because rayon is a fragile fabric, it is best to air-dry it naturally.

Jersey

Jersey material is also synthetically fabricated and is soft, flexible, comfortable to wear, and stretchy. Because it's formed from cotton and is extremely comfy, jersey blends are frequently seen in t-shirts, cardigans, knitted dresses, bandannas and sweaters. Jersey clothing is both lightweight and comfortable.

Pima Cotton

This one is truly the best cotton that you can get your hands on. Pima cotton, sometimes known as "supima" cotton, is long-fiber cotton grown in the South America, Australia, and United States. These fibers are also stronger and more durable than Egyptian cotton, which is a significant distinction. Pima cotton clothing lasts longer and is well worth the money.

Polyester

Then there's polyester, which is another popular t-shirt fabric. Since this fabric holds its shape and prevents shrinking and wrinkles, it's frequently blended with cotton to give the wearer the better of the two. Polyester is actually a synthetic fiber that is made from petroleum and a few other compounds as a by-product. The end outcome is outstanding. This combination is generally both water and wind resilient, making it ideal for overcoats and jackets.

Let's assume, regardless of your best attempts to select a high-quality t-shirt, it is boxy and tight due to its being packaged after so long. Here are the ways to soften your t-shirt:

Best Ways to Soften Stiff T-shirts

1. The vinegar rinse

2. Using a Pumice stone

3. The tumble dry

4. Cleaning with saltwater

5. The scouring pads

1. The vinegar rinse

Vinegar is indeed a common household item that we usually connect with cleaning, but it may also be used to soften the t-shirts. This process works best with fabrics which are either 100 percent cotton or organic cotton, or a cotton-based blend. First and foremost, pure vinegar should be used. Red wine and apple cider will discolor your t-shirt, so avoid them. Baking soda, as well as cups and some measuring spoons are required. Add one spoonful of baking soda to a very large bowl. Then carefully pour in 1 cup of vinegar, making sure that most of the fizz stays in the basin. Once the solution has stopped fizzing, then start giving it a gentle stir to ensure that almost all of the baking soda has completely dissolved.

Then, together with the t-shirt, add the solution of vinegar and baking soda into the washing machine and give it a good regular rinse. Focus on running it through appropriate coloring and temperatures. Then hang to dry as usual, and enjoy the softer t-shirt!

2. Using a pumice stone

This is an interesting and simple technique. Why can't one use pumice stones for your scratchy or uncomfortable t-shirts like you do for your pedicures? Although it is usually used for skincare but the pumice stone can make your t-shirt soft in the same way that it softens your skin. However, remember that stone-washing your clothing increases the risk of them looking worn out. In reality, stone-washing is frequently employed to give jeans and denim jackets that distinctively beaten-up look. As a result, it's essential to brush your t-shirt gently with that pumice stone. After you're done, leave your t-shirt overnight in fabric softener and cold water before washing it regularly the next day.

3. The tumble dry

Sometimes, due to air drying your t-shirts, they can become overly stiff at times. That is, mainly a positive factor. Drying your t-shirts on the line or in a rack is not only more environmentally friendly, but it also preserves the fabric quality of your t-shirts throughout times. However, there is such a thing as too much of a good thing. Wash your rough or stiff t-shirts through a regular wash cycle, using fabric softener, to soften them up. Then hang them to air dry until they're about 60-70 percent dry. Then, on a low tumble dry setting, put them in the dryer. You may also use a few tennis balls to iron out any kinks in the cloth and give it a thorough "beating."

T-shirts will be softened without being stretched using this method.

4. Cleaning with saltwater

Fill a big pot halfway with water. After adding a cup of salt, keep stirring until salt gets completely dissolved. Increase the heat to high and allow the solution to boil. Wet your t-shirt in the sink now. Then carefully start by putting it in the salt solution. To keep your hands from becoming burned, use a wooden spoon.

Reduce the heat to low and soak the t-shirt for 30-45 minutes in the salt solution. Keep the lid on the container. Drain the t-shirt carefully in a strainer when the time has passed.

Allow the t-shirt to cool before rinsing to remove any remaining salt. Now wash it in the machine as usual. This method is suitable for polyester and cotton mixes. It isn't recommended for rayon combinations.

5. The scouring pads

This is an excellent technique for t-shirts with printing, inscriptions, or designs. You don't want to destroy the ink or cause the pigment to spill, but you also want that vintage, smooth quality.

So, what you need to do is!

Simply substitute a cup of powder detergent or washing "soda" for your liquid detergent. After that, get some salt and a pair of heavy-duty scouring pads or sandpaper. After that, mix one cup of salt with a quarter cup of washing soda. The t-fibers shirts will be broken down as a result of this. After that, put your t-shirts in a high-heat cycle and wait for the water to fill in. Place the soap and salt combination in the tub when it is almost full with water. Close the machine again and let it complete the cycle. Then dry them once more on high heat.

This procedure works well, but you'll have to repeat it at least 2-3 times to notice results. Just be careful not to scrape too hard with pads or you'll shred the collar.