T-Shirt Buying Guide: How Many Of The Same Style?

Deciding how many of the same T-shirts to buy can be a tricky question, as it depends on a variety of factors, including how often you plan to wear them, how often you do laundry, and whether you're buying for a group or an individual. A general rule of thumb is to have enough T-shirts to last between laundry days, which could range from 7 to 20 or more. Additionally, when buying for a group, it's recommended to include a range of sizes, with a slightly higher number of medium, large, and extra-large sizes.

How many t-shirts to keep for a quilt

The number of t-shirts you will need for a quilt depends on several factors. These include the size of your t-shirts, the size of the quilt you want, the thickness of the batting, the type of quilt, and the size of the blocks.

If you want a thicker quilt with more loft, you will need more batting between the layers of fabric, which means using more t-shirts. On the other hand, if you prefer a thinner quilt, you can use less batting and fewer t-shirts.

The type of quilt you choose will also impact the number of t-shirts required. For instance, a patchwork quilt made entirely from t-shirt fabric will necessitate more t-shirts, as they will be cut into smaller pieces. Conversely, a simple tied quilt made from larger squares of fabric will require fewer shirts.

The size of your blocks is another crucial factor. Larger blocks will cover more area, so you won't need as many t-shirts, whereas smaller blocks will necessitate more t-shirts to make up for their reduced size.

As a general guideline, it is recommended to use between 15 and 40 t-shirts for a quilt. For a lap-size quilt, you can get away with as few as 8 shirts, while 15 t-shirts are suggested for a full-size quilt. If you're using standard-sized adult t-shirts and aiming for a quilt that's around 60 inches by 80 inches, you'll need approximately 36 t-shirts in total.

It's important to note that these estimates are flexible and depend on your specific requirements and the look you're aiming for. If you want a denser quilt with less negative space, you'll need to gather more t-shirts.

How many t-shirts does one person need?

T-shirts are often more than just clothing items; they can be mnemonic devices for storing memories. Most T-shirts are purchased or received as gifts at events or for reasons that hold a special place in our hearts. Therefore, it can be challenging to part with them. However, it is essential to determine how many T-shirts one person needs to avoid clutter and ensure a functional wardrobe. Here are three methods to help you decide:

Mathematical Method:

The first method involves removing emotions from the equation and focusing on the numbers. Consider the frequency of your laundry and the number of T-shirts you wear each week. For example, if you do laundry every other week and wear two T-shirts each workday and three on weekend days, you will need 32 T-shirts. On the other hand, if you do laundry every week and wear one T-shirt each workday and two on weekends, nine T-shirts will suffice. Any excess T-shirts can be set aside for a quilt or stored for future use.

Out & In Method:

This method involves taking all your T-shirts out of your drawers and placing them somewhere accessible but outside your room. When you need a T-shirt, grab one, wear it, and put it back in your drawer after washing. If you need a T-shirt and there is one in your drawer, wear that one instead. Continue this practice for 3-6 months. After this period, any T-shirts that remain outside your drawer are considered excess and can be set aside for a quilt or stored.

Find a Box for Themed T-shirts:

If you have a collection of themed T-shirts, such as concert or Harley Davidson T-shirts, don't get rid of them! Instead, find a box or tote to store them safely. Go through your collection and choose 5-7 T-shirts that you love to wear and put them in your dresser. The rest can be stored in the box until you are ready to create a themed quilt.

By using these methods, you can determine how many T-shirts you need to keep for wearing and how many can be used for other purposes, such as quilts or donations. It helps to free up drawer space while preserving the memories associated with your T-shirts.

T-shirt sizes for groups

When ordering T-shirts for a group, it can be challenging to determine the right sizes for everyone, especially if you don't have a list of everyone's size preferences. To make the process easier, consider the following:

Group demographics

The first thing to consider is the demographic of the group you're ordering for. If you're ordering for a group of adults, you can expect that most people will wear Medium, Large, or Extra Large sizes. However, it's important to include a range of sizes to accommodate different body types. If you're ordering for a smaller group, you may not need XS or 3XL sizes.

Fabric type

The type of fabric you choose can also impact the sizing. For example, 100% cotton T-shirts can shrink by about 2%, while shirts made from a 50/50 poly-cotton blend, tri-blend fabric, or 100% polyester won't shrink. Keep this in mind when deciding on sizes, and consider sizing up if you're unsure.

Gender-specific sizes

Gender-specific sizes should also be considered, especially if a significant portion of the group is female. Unisex sizing differs from women's sizes, with unisex cuts having wider shoulders, longer arms, and added length in the body. Women's cuts, on the other hand, have narrower shoulders, contoured torsos, shorter and tighter sleeves, tapered waists, flared hips, and are relatively longer at the bottom. Some women may prefer the unisex cut, while others may opt for the more form-fitting women's cut.

Event type

The type of event you're ordering for can also impact the sizing distribution. For example, you may want to skew sizes larger for a BBQ festival and smaller for a yoga retreat.

Recommended size breakdown

Based on sales data from a popular T-shirt brand, here is a recommended size breakdown for a group of adults: 14% Small, 25% Medium, 28% Large, 21% Extra Large, 9% 2XL, and 3% extended sizes (3XL and up). However, this may vary depending on the specific group you're ordering for.

How often to wash t-shirts

T-shirts are a wardrobe staple for many, but how often should you wash them?

It depends on a few factors, such as how much you sweat, the type of fabric, and personal preference.

T-shirts are typically considered daily-wear items, and due to their direct contact with the skin, they can collect sweat, dirt, and dead skin cells. For this reason, it is generally recommended to wash T-shirts after each wear.

However, some people may choose to re-wear their T-shirts a few times before washing, especially if they have only worn them for a short period or have not engaged in any strenuous activities. Rewearing T-shirts can be more common in the winter when people tend to sweat less.

Factors Affecting Wash Frequency:

Activity Level and Sweating:

The amount of physical activity and sweating can impact how often you should wash your T-shirts. If you engage in sweaty workouts or physical labour, it is recommended to wash your T-shirt after each wear to prevent the build-up of odour and bacteria.

Fabric Type:

The type of fabric your T-shirt is made of can also be a factor. For example, cotton T-shirts tend to absorb more moisture and may require more frequent washing compared to synthetic blends.

Sustainability and Garment Care:

Over-washing clothes can contribute to their deterioration and also has an environmental impact. Reducing the frequency of laundry loads, using eco-friendly detergents, and air-drying clothes can help reduce a garment's carbon footprint and make it last longer.

While the general recommendation is to wash T-shirts after each wear, it is important to consider factors such as activity level, fabric type, and personal preference. Adjusting your laundry habits can not only save time and resources but also contribute to the longevity of your T-shirts and benefit the environment.

How many t-shirts to own

The number of T-shirts a person should own depends on a variety of factors, including their lifestyle, fashion preferences, comfort level, and whether they need to follow a dress code for work. According to a survey by ClosetMaid, the average American woman has around 20-30 T-shirts, tank tops, blouses, and dress shirts, with 5-7 of those being dress shirts.

If you do laundry every week and wear one T-shirt each workday and two each day on the weekend, you will need around 9 T-shirts. However, if you do laundry every other week and wear two T-shirts each workday and three each day on the weekend, you will need 32 T-shirts.

One method to determine how many T-shirts you need is to take the emotion out of the decision and break it down to numbers. Consider the frequency of laundry, the number of T-shirts worn each weekday and weekend, and whether you wear T-shirts to work or for workouts.

Another method is the "Out & In" approach, which involves removing all your T-shirts from your drawers and placing them somewhere accessible but outside your room. When you need a T-shirt, grab one and wear it, and after washing it, put it back in your drawer. Continue this process for 3 to 6 months. At the end of this period, any T-shirts that are not in your drawers are considered excess and can be set aside.

For those who collect themed T-shirts, such as concert or Harley Davidson T-shirts, the "Find a Box" method can be useful. Pick 5 to 7 T-shirts from your collection that you love to wear and put them in your dresser. Put the rest in a box for storage until you are ready to make a quilt or need more variety.

Ultimately, the number of T-shirts a person should own varies depending on individual circumstances and preferences.

Frequently asked questions