1. T-Shirts 2007 CBCJ Class Item

2. Purpose of T-Shirts Original Purpose – to be worn as an undergarment because they are lightweight and comfortable Now, T-shirts are worn for fashion and style. Today’s society accepts people wearing T-shirts as outerwear. Many are decorated with iron-on designs, lace, embroidery, and silk-screened images. The crew neck is the most popular type of T-shirt.

3. Structure of T-Shirts The structure of the T-Shirt determines its durability, care needed, and even comfort. Single Knits – most popular for T-shirts; lightweight; stretchy; tend to “run”; have a definite fabric face Double Knits – look the same on face and back; hold shape well, don’t “run”; excellent choice for knit shirts

4. Fabrics Cotton – popular, can buy 100% cotton or a cotton blend (usually with polyester or nylon), comfortable, absorbent, cool, does not pill, soft, durable, and strong. One major disadvantage is that 100% cotton has a high shrinkage. Sometimes the fabric is pre-shrunk. Polyester – can be blended with cotton, durable, shrink resistance, wrinkle resistance, easy to care for, and does not take long amount of time to dry. Nylon - usually blended with cotton and helps to reinforce material.

5. Necklines Both the style and design of the neckline is important. Look for the following: smooth and even stitches, no loose threads Stretch the neck to ensure that is will return to its original shape The female embroidered/cut-work design is not very durable and often looses its shape unless the area is interfaced.

6. Shoulders Check the shoulder area seams for reinforcement. This reinforcement tape should be sewn into the seams. It will help keep the shoulders keep their shape and prevents excess strain on this area.

7. Seams and Hems T-shirt seams are generally narrow. Inspect seams to see if there are any loose threads and/or holes. Ensure that the side seams are perpendicular to the hemline at the bottom of the shirt. Inspect hems to see if there are any loose threads and/or holes.

8. Sleeves Most shirts have hems that are similar to the hem at the bottom of the shirt. Inspect this hem as well for loose threads and holes. If ribbing is used, ensure that the ribbing stretches, but then it retains its shape.

9. Care Most T-shirts require mash wash warm or cold and tumble dry low. It is very rare that a T-shirt requires dry- cleaning. Check the manufacture’s label. T-shirts with iron-on images or printed designs often require special care. Again, check the label.

10. Availability T-shirts are available year-round. Short-sleeved T-shirts are commonly worn in the spring and summer. Long-sleeved T-shirts are commonly worn in the fall and winter. T-shirts come in a variety of colors, designs, and have many different images and/or slogans printed on them.

11. Cost T-shirts are usually inexpensive. Higher-quality typically cost more money. Check the quality of the fabric, construction, and require care to ensure you are buying a durable T-shirt worth the purchase price.

12. General Reminders Read the scenario. Decide what is or is not important. Check the care label – composition and care instructions. Check the sale tag – style, design, special features, and price. Inspect the garment – seams, hems, neckline, shoulders, and sleeves.