Most wardrobes have too many t-shirts and too few good ones. A small set of well-made tees, in colours that work together, covers almost every day and lasts longer than a drawer of cheap ones. Here is how many to own, which ones, and how to make them last.
For most people, five to seven everyday t-shirts and two or three polos cover a week of wear, with a wash every few days. In an Indian summer, when you change once or twice a day, add a few more. Start with black, white and blue, then add one or two colours.
A simple basics set
| Item | How many | Colours |
|---|---|---|
| Round neck t-shirts | 5–7 | Black, white, blue, plus 1–2 colours |
| Polos | 2–3 | Blue, white, black |
| Extra for summer | +2–3 | Light colours and white |
Why fewer, better tees last longer
Each wash wears a t-shirt a little. Rotating five or more tees spreads that wear, so each lasts longer. A well-made tee in long-staple cotton also survives far more washes before it pills, fades or loses shape, so the cost per wear drops. See is Supima cotton worth the price.
Round necks or polos?
Round necks are for everyday wear and layering; polos are for the office and smarter plans. If you work in a smart-casual office, own more polos. See polo vs round neck.
How to rotate them
- Put clean tees at the back of the pile and take from the front, so each gets worn equally.
- Keep one white for smart plans, so it stays bright.
- Wash cool and dry in the shade: see how to wash Supima cotton.
When to replace a t-shirt
- The neckline waves or sags.
- The fabric has pilled or thinned.
- White has yellowed under the arms beyond saving: see removing sweat stains.
- Dark colours have faded grey.
Building the set with Abraca
Start with a pack of three Lokee round necks in black, white and blue, and two Gutmann polos for the office. Packs cost less per tee, and you can mix colours and sizes. Lokee round necks also come in a women's fit.
T-shirt wardrobe questions
How many t-shirts should a man own?
Five to seven everyday t-shirts and two or three polos cover most weeks; add a few more for summer.
How many t-shirts do I need for a week?
Seven if you wear one a day and wash weekly; five if you wash midweek.
What colour t-shirts should I buy first?
Black, white and blue. Then add one or two colours such as green or red.
How long should a good t-shirt last?
A well-made long-staple cotton tee, washed cool and dried in the shade, can look good for years of regular wear.
Is it better to buy t-shirts in packs?
For basics, yes: you get matching quality in several colours, usually at a lower price per tee.
