T-shirts and Polos in private sale

Gram weight and quality of cotton: judging a t-shirt

The quality of a t-shirt is first seen in its gram weight, measured in grams per square metre. Below one hundred and fifty grams, the jersey is lightweight and may reveal the skin under a light colour; above one hundred and eighty grams, it becomes more opaque, more structured, and better resists deformation. The fibre also matters: combed cotton, which has been stripped of its short fibres, produces a smoother, softer yarn that is less prone to pilling compared to carded cotton. A t-shirt with reinforced shoulder seams with a stay tape also maintains its drape for longer.

The other private sales lifestyle

Private sales lifestyle also come in:

• Sweatshirts and Jumpers.
• Trousers and Jeans.
• Sneakers.
• Coats and Jackets.
• Boots and Ankle Boots.

All offers are collected on the lifestyle page.

Round neck, V-neck or Tunisian collar: which neckline

The neckline changes the look of a t-shirt more than its colour. The round neck, edged with a ribbed band, is the most versatile: it suits all body shapes and can be worn alone without looking sloppy. The V-neck shows off the neck and visually elongates the torso, which is interesting for round faces and broad shoulders. The Tunisian collar, open with a few buttons, links to the polo without having its collar. On a quality t-shirt, the collar band is sewn with a double stitch: it retains its shape after washing instead of flaring out over the months.

The polo: pique knit, placket and ribbed collar

The polo distinguishes itself from the t-shirt by three details. Its pique knit, with a textured surface, breathes better than a jersey and holds its shape in the heat. Its button placket, with two or three buttons, can be worn open or closed depending on the occasion. Its ribbed collar, knitted separately, stays upright if laid flat to dry. The Fred Perry polo, launched at Wimbledon in 1952, set these standards with its embroidered laurel crown. The long-sleeved version, rarer, is worn from autumn onwards. For women, the polo is cut shorter and more fitted, often with a reduced placket.

Organic cotton and fibre blends

Organic cotton is grown without pesticides or synthetic fertilizers; labels like GOTS then control the entire supply chain, from spinning to dyeing. The German brand Armedangels, founded in Cologne in 2007, has built its t-shirt collection on this certified cotton. Blends also have their advantages: a touch of elastane helps a fitted t-shirt hug the body without distorting, while a cotton-polyester blend dries faster and creases less. One hundred percent cotton remains the most pleasant against the skin and the most breathable in warm weather.

Frequently asked questions

How can I prevent a t-shirt's collar from stretching?

Wash it at thirty degrees, inside out, and dry it flat rather than on a hanger that stretches the neckline. Avoid pulling the collar when putting it on: first, slide your arms in, then your head.

What size should I choose for an oversized t-shirt?

An oversized model should be taken in your usual size: the looseness is already accounted for in the pattern. To achieve this effect with a classic cut t-shirt, you need to go up one or two sizes, with sleeves that then fall below the shoulder.

Why does a white t-shirt yellow under the arms?

Stains come from the reaction between sweat and the aluminium salts in some deodorants. Soaking in baking soda or percarbonate before washing helps reduce them, and using an aluminium-free deodorant prevents them.

Why does a t-shirt pill?

Little balls form when the short cotton fibres rise to the surface due to friction. Combed cotton, washing it inside out, and using a gentle cycle help limit the phenomenon; a lint remover refreshes the fabric.

Long sleeve or short sleeve polo: which one to choose?

The short sleeve polo is suitable for spring and summer. The long sleeve version, often made from a thicker knit, takes over in autumn and retains the neat collar look without needing an extra layer.