A good t-shirt can last for years if you treat it well. Most of the wear we blame on cheap fabric is actually caused by how the shirt is washed and dried.
Wash cold and inside out. Cold water protects the colour and the print, while turning the shirt inside out keeps the outer surface from pilling against the rest of the load. Skip the fabric softener — it coats the cotton fibres and slowly reduces their softness and breathability. Wash with similar colours and avoid overloading the machine so everything moves freely.
Drying is where most damage happens. High heat shrinks cotton and breaks down prints, so tumble dry on low or, better still, lay the shirt flat or hang it to air dry. Reshape it while damp and your tee will keep its collar and length far longer.
