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Layering Clothes and the Versatile T-Shirt

Layering clothes is always fashionable. From time to time, certain layering combinations are more popular than others, but in general layering is always in. It gives your outfits more dimension and always looks more pulled-together than wearing just wearing one layer by itself. It is also more practical for a number of reasons, not the least of which is in case you have to deal with temperature fluctuations.

T-shirts have long been a staple of layering clothes. It is the basic layer that everyone from little children to the most senior of citizens wears. T-shirts are a lifesaver when it comes to layering because they work well under everything. You can put a T-shirt under the most casual of clothes to practically the most dressy of clothes and get away with it. The T-shirt is the most versatile and useful of all types of clothes. Therefore you should always have plenty of tees on hand and in a variety of colors for all your layering needs.

Some common clothes layering combinations include:
•    T-shirts under long sleeved button-down shirts
•    T-shirts under sweaters
•    T-shirts under and over polo shirts
•    T-shirts under T-shirts
•    T-shirts over bathing suits
•    T-shirts under overalls
•    T-shirts over and under tank shirts
•    T-shirts under jumpers
•    T-shirts under blouses
•    T-shirts under women’s suits
•    T-shirts over turtle necks

Another advantage of layering clothes is that it is an easy and inexpensive way to make your wardrobe more versatile and make it last longer. Different color T-shirts will change the look of your outfits quickly and easily when layering. By having a T-shirt next to your body, it will absorb more of the oils and dirt from your skin and therefore your clothing layer above it will remain cleaner. You may not need to clean those other layers as often, saving on the wear and tear associated with washing and drying. You will also be able to get away with wearing the same outfit more often, just with different tees.

When you layer T-shirts with other shirts, you get to wear favorite, soft comfortable T-shirts more often than you would otherwise. You are also ready to shed the more formal outer layer after work or school in order to relax, play sports, exercise or just have fun. With layering you can also get more use out of those printed shirts that are not always appropriate. It’s fun to wear things that have a message on them that you feel strongly about. However, many workplaces and schools forbid such tees. By layering them under other things you can still wear them, but follow the dress code too.  You can have fun with layering by having T-shirts custom-printed with all sorts of lines like:
•    Goes with red, black, blue, green, etc.
•    Official layering T-shirt
•    Instructions: Put this on first, then add other layers
•    Layer #1
•    Layering Rocks
•    I heart layering clothes
•    More layers please

Get your custom-made layering T-shirt today and look fashionable while saying what you want to say.

How to Avoid Showing Sweat by Wearing T-Shirts as Undershirts

There are a number of fabrics that show sweat easily. Most of them will show sweat to some degree. However, the kinds of shirts that many people have to wear to a work environment make it easy for the sweat to show. To avoid a sweat stain, there is a way to take advantage of a better type of fabric to keep the sweat from showing through.

A t-shirt is often worn underneath another shirt as a way to keep sweat from going through to the top shirt. This is effective for several reasons. The first is simply that sweat has a lesser chance of showing through two layers of fabrics than showing through only one. This is true of any fabric, even if the top layer is another t-shirt.

The second reason, however, is the reason that people choose t-shirts as their undershirts of choice. Cotton is an absorbent and breathable fabric that will take sweat away from the skin easily. It will allow the sweat to dissipate quickly through the pores in the fabric. This makes it work like a sponge when worn under another shirt and keeps the sweat from going to the outer shirt and being visible to the world.

There are some cases in which this will work better than others, however. If the outer shirt is a little larger than the t-shirt worn under it, the results will be better. This will allow a little air in flow between the two shirts. The air flow will allow the sweat to evaporate more easily and to keep it from seeping through to the outer shirt.

Wearing a tight shirt over the t-shirt or wearing an outer shirt that fits just as closely as the t-shirt will not have the same results. Without even a small layer of air in between the two shirts, the outer shirt will start to show the sweat far sooner than if there is a layer of air.

If the weather is warm, it can be a problem to wear two shirts at the same time. It can actually cause more sweat, making it harder to then hide the sweat. The solution for warm weather days is to wear an outer shirt that is unbuttoned, leaving the t-shirt underneath it visible. This is a casual look that isn’t too warm but will hide any sweat that may occur. This look isn’t always acceptable for the office, but the look can be worn on casual Fridays and to more casual occasions.

Another variation of this in a business casual office is to wear a t-shirt and a loose-fitting button-up shirt on the outside, but with the top few buttons left undone. This is a casual look that can be offset by a formal-looking outer shirt. A clean, starched shirt that has a few inches of t-shirt peeking out from the top will still look business-like enough for most offices. And, it will keep you from being the guy in the office with the sweat stains.

Should I Wear A T-Shirt When In The Pool Or Swimming?

Whether or not to wear a T-shirt when in the pool or swimming is a complicated question to answer. T-shirts, especially light weight ones, are very easy to swim in and for many people may be more comfortable than even a bathing suit. However there are many things to take into account in deciding whether or not to wear one in the water.

If you are swimming competitively, you will not want to wear a T-shirt in the pool because it will slow you down by creating drag in the water. If you are training to swim competitively, you may want to wear a T-shirt in the pool occasionally during practice because it will force you to work harder to get through the water.

If you are a guy, you may want to keep your T-shirt on for a variety of reasons. If you are not comfortable with certain aspects of your body like your size, body hair, scars or other imperfections, you may choose to wear a t-shirt in the water. If you are outside, a T-shirt can actually provide some added protection from the sun, therefore it may be a good choice to wear in the water. This is especially important for those who are fair-skinned and burn easily.

For women, wearing a T-shirt in the pool or while swimming is often a modesty issue. Many women are not comfortable with their body shape or size and want to disguise it or at least downplay it by hiding under an oversized T-shirt. They may also not want the attention received from wearing a bathing suit. The thing to remember though is that once the T-shirt gets wet, it shows your shape as much as a bathing suit would.

T-shirt color choice is important if you plan to wear it in the water. If you decide to go into the water wearing just a bathing suit bottom and a T-shirt, you want to stay away from white and light colored T-shirts, because you will end up being revealed once you are wet. If you choose a darker color shirt and go into a chlorinated pool, remember that in all likelihood, your T-shirt will suffer some discoloration. If you are wearing a newer colored T-shirt, especially one that has not been washed yet, it is a good idea to avoid pools because you may end up dying the entire pool water, which will not make you popular with the pool owner or your fellow swimmers.

If you have a tendency to like wearing T-shirts in the pool or while swimming, you can have some fun with it by having a custom-made pool T-shirt printed just for that purpose. You can have lots of fun lines printed on such a T-shirt like:
•    Yes, this IS my bathing suit
•    Official Swimming T-Shirt
•    I heart my swimming tee
•    This is to protect my modesty

Get your custom-made T-shirt today for swimming, hanging out in the pool or just relaxing by the water.

How To Get Toothpaste Off My T-Shirt

There are many horrible stains that can be very pesky to deal with on your favorite T-shirt. Luckily, toothpaste is not one of them. It is in fact one of the easier stains to remove. Generally, you can just throw the shirt into the washing machine and it will come out clean. The key is, as with all stains, to not let it set in, especially if it is a colored gel or whitening toothpaste.

In fact regular white toothpaste, not the gel kind, is recommended to use as a stain remover for certain kinds of oily makeup stains, fresh marker stains, crayon stains and more. In fact plain, cheap toothpaste is a multi-purpose stain remover for white T-shirts with stains of all kinds. If you are wearing a white T-shirt and happen to get a colored stain on it, many tipsters recommend covering up the stain with plain white toothpaste to help you get through the day if you can’t deal with the stain right away. In addition to T-shirts, toothpaste is also suggested for cleaning carpet, shoes and more.

However, if you happen to get a glob of toothpaste on your T-shirt, it is in your best interest to scrape off the excess immediately and soak the T-shirt. This is especially true for dark T-shirts which have received a whitening toothpaste glob. Whitening toothpaste contains bleach and therefore can leave bleach marks on dark shirts, ruining the shirt irreparably. For this reason, getting to the stain as soon as possible is very important.

If you are getting ready for work and happen to get toothpaste splatters on your dark-colored T-shirt as you are brushing your teeth, you can attempt to get them out with a wet cloth. This sometimes works if the splatter is still wet. However, toothpaste really does need to be washed out with lots of soap and water typically. Therefore, your best bet, especially if you are crunched for time is to throw the T-shirt in soak and get another one.

If you are unlucky enough to not catch those whitening toothpaste stains in time and you end up with a spotty shirt, you can always choose to dye it or put it in the stock of clothes you use around the house when cleaning. Bleach of any kind is the worst thing that can meet your clothes.

Custom-made T-shirts are great for those sloppy tooth brushers. You can get a T-shirt made that pokes fun at your clumsiness or that talks about the benefits of toothpaste stain removal. Some fun options to print on a T-shirt include:
•    Official Tooth Brushing Shirt
•    Step 1: Clean Teeth, Step 2: Remove T-shirt with toothpaste splatters
•    I hate toothpaste splatters
•    Toothpaste stains suck
•    New markers for 2 year old – $3, White toothpaste to remove marker stains from sofa and carpet – $2, Saving 2 year old’s derriere – Priceless

Get a fun custom-made T-shirt and show off your feelings about toothpaste and stains today.

How to Prevent the Neck of Your T-Shirt from Stretching

There are many t-shirts that end up looking a little loose around the collar. When the neck of a t-shirt gets stretched out too far, it can make it a little less comfortable. It also makes it look wrinkled and a little worn out. There are several things that people do to stretch out the collar of their t-shirts. By avoiding those pitfalls, you can avoid the over-stretched collar look.

One of the ways that t-shirt necks get stretched is by changing the shape of the shirt. This can happen when the shirt is wet. One of the most important ways to avoid stretching out the neck is to never put on a t-shirt while it is wet. Even if the shirt is only damp, putting it on will stretch the neck a little. Dry a t-shirt until there is no moisture left in it before putting it on.

Unfortunately, there is the possibility of a t-shirt getting wet while it is being worn. If something is spilled around the neck area, or if sweat or rain causes the shirt to become wet, allow the shirt to dry out before taking it off. You can stand in front of a fan to make this go quicker, or you might sit in the sun.

When a t-shirt is wet, also avoid hanging it on a hanger. This can make the neck of the shirt stretch in both directions as the weight of the water in the shirt stretches it downward on the hanger. If you want to hang it up to dry, fold the t-shirt over the bottom of the hanger. Or, simply lay the shirt flat to dry instead of hanging it up. This will actually keep the shirt’s shape all over- not just at the neck.

To further protect a t-shirt from being stretched at the neck, avoid using hangers. Stretching the neck of a dry t-shirt over a hanger may not change the shape of it right away, but after it has been hung up many times, the neck will be stretched to some degree. T-shirts can be folded and put into a drawer for the best results. This will keep the neck area flat and keep it from being tugged down by gravity. Some people worry about their folded shirts developing wrinkles. But, cotton is a very soft fabric. This makes t-shirts are unlikely to wrinkle, even if they are folded. If a t-shirt does develop a wrinkle or two, simply put it into the dryer for a minute or two to smooth them out.

Another way to keep the shape of the neck is to be careful when putting it on. Some people get into the habit of stretching a shirt with their hands before they put it on. Others let the shirt linger too long on the head while it is being put on. Both of these habits may be unconscious, so being aware of the way the shirt is being put on is the key.

Are Tight T-Shirts Fashionable? Does Body Type Matter?

This is a question that a lot of people ask when they are buying a t-shirt. The answer, however, is yes and no. In general, there are some occasions when wearing a tight t-shirt is fashionable. For a day out shopping or a night out on the town, a tight t-shirt is an attention getter that always works. However, there are other times when a looser-fitting t-shirt will be more appropriate, even if the tighter shirts are generally fashionable.

Going out to a club or another trendy scene practically begs for a tight t-shirt. Anyone wearing loose-fitting clothes is probably not going to be as socially successful at one of these places as someone who wears a fashionable, tight-fitting t-shirt.

The fashionable way to wear a t-shirt is generally dictated by the way celebrities and people on TV are wearing their t-shirts. Young celebs do tend to wear their t-shirts tight to show off their toned figures. People who want to look like their favorite stars can wear tight t-shirts to try to recreate that look. But, there are times when wearing a tight t-shirt may not be the most appropriate look.

A tight t-shirt will likely not go over well at church, at a family reunion or when worn for casual Friday at the office. A fashionable casual look for many places is a t-shirt that is loose enough to look comfortable and casual. There may even be rules at work against wearing tight clothing. Even if there are not rules against it, wearing a tight t-shirt as an employee may not be the way to be taken as seriously as wearing a looser fitting t-shirt.

The main thing to remember about how tight to wear a t-shirt is that it may affect how comfortable you are. Body type matters because it will affect your comfort level. If you have problem areas and are embarrassed by them, wearing a tight t-shirt may make you feel uncomfortable. If you are proud of your body type and happy with the way it looks, a tight t-shirt may give you more confidence than a looser-fitting shirt.

Anyone who feels they are underweight or overweight may find that a tight t-shirt will cling to their form and will reveal the problems that they are embarrassed about. It should also be taken into consideration that a new t-shirt may shrink a little. Anyone not wanting a t-shirt that is tight should remember the possible shrinkage that can occur. Anyone who does want a tight t-shirt should also remember this, however, since the t-shirt may shrink slightly and become too tight.

Paying attention to the place and the circumstance will tell you whether a tight t-shirt or a looser one should be warn, But, also listen to yourself. If you think a tight shirt will make you feel uncomfortable, then don’t wear one- even if you’re going to a club. Being uncomfortable is no way to feel when you’re out trying to have a good time.

How Do I Remove A Beer Stain From My T-Shirt?

Everyone has one of those absolute favorite T-shirts. Doesn’t it always happen that it is inevitably that shirt that somehow manages to get the most stains? It’s always happens when you are least expected too. You are out with friends having a good time and all of a sudden you look down and you have a beer spilled on the front of your T-shirt. You know it’s going to leave a stain for you to do battle with. These things never happen when you’re at home near the laundry room. It’s always when you are away from home and the stain has the opportunity to sit and worsen.

Luckily it is relatively easy to remove beer stains. The key with removing such stains is the same as with many others: be sure to treat or wash the stain as soon as possible. Here are some tips to help you get beer stains out of a T-shirt:

–    Take it off as soon as it happens and soak it in cold water. If this is not possible right away, do so as soon as you possibly can.
–    After rinsing the stain, wash it in cold water as usual.
–    Remove the T-shirt from the water and examine it. If you can still see the stain, do not put it in the dryer, as this will set the stain.
–    Do a laundry pre-treat on the stain, by rubbing detergent onto the stain and letting it sit for at least 5 minutes or so. You may also try vinegar on the stain. This is very good on white clothes but will also bleach clothing. Therefore if you use vinegar you must rinse it out immediately after using it.
–    Rewash as usual to finish removing the stain.
–    If the stain is being really difficult, you may want to consider soaking it in bleach for colors overnight and then doing another wash.

It is rare for a beer stain to be this difficult to remove, although dark beer stains can be more challenging than others. If all else fails and your favorite T-shirt is stained, you can always just get another one to replace it. Custom-made T-shirts are great because you can have them made exactly to your specifications, so you can recreate your favorite T-shirt perfectly.

One of the best ways to avoid having to deal with beer stains is to buy dark T-shirts. Black T-shirts are always in fashion and you can customize them to say whatever you want them to. What a great way to cover up the fact that you have a tendency to spill beer. If you really want to though, you can have fun with it and flaunt the fact that you know the best way to deal with beer stains. Have a custom-made T-shirt printed that says something like:
–    Official Beer Drinking T-shirt
–    Under These Words Lie the Stains of Many a Good Beer
–    Beer Stain Disguise
–    I’m a Clumsy Beer Drinker

Get your custom-made beer stain T-shirt today and show that you know how to deal with beer stains.

Can I Take The Design Off My T-Shirt?

From time to time people ask “Can I take the design off my T-shirt?” The short answer is no. If you happen to have a t-shirt that you no longer like and want to change it, there are things you can do, but taking the design off the shirt is not one of them. All the various processes that are used to print T-shirts result in a permanent design. Certain quality of prints do not wear as well as others and may look like they may be coming off or disintegrating, but if you try to remove them yourself, the result will be disastrous. In all likelihood, you will destroy the T-shirt in question by making holes and rips in it. However, even if you succeed in getting lettering or designs off a shirt without too much damage, you will be left with the outline of the design below in a different shade than the rest of the shirt. In short, it’ll be ugly!

If you have come to the point of hating the design of your shirt, you will be relieved to know that you have solutions other than taking the design off your shirt. You can dye the shirt to the predominant color in the design, so that it blends in with the shirt and is not noticeable. You may be able to find a printer who will print something over the existing design. You can also have something printed on another part of the shirt to correct the error. For example, if you have a great comfy T-shirt that says “I love George” but you just don’t anymore, you can have NOT added below the existing line and your tee is perfect again.

However, the logical solution to a T-shirt with a design you don’t like is to get rid of it and get a new one. Custom-made T-shirts are the perfect way to go if you are looking for a new T-shirt. You can choose one in the color and style you want. You can personalize it any way you like. You can hand choose your favorite new T-shirt made to your exact specifications. The list of what you can have printed on a custom-made T-shirt is endless. Here is just a sample of the things you can print on a custom tee:
•    a picture of your favorite person
•    information about a cause you believe in
•    a picture of your favorite thing, animal, place, food, sport, etc.
•    a cartoon
•    dance steps
•    your personal slogan
•    your name
•    your feelings or mood
•    things you love
•    things you hate
•    your nationality
•    a flag or map of a country, state or city
•    your accomplishments
•    your goals
•    your religious beliefs
•    advice to others

Get yourself a new favorite T-shirt today. Have it custom-made in the design you want that says exactly what you want it to say. As for the tee with the design you no longer like, find it a new home! Surely someone will like it.

Makeup Be Gone! Tips on Removing Makeup Stains from Your Favorite T-Shirt

Let’s face it – we’ve all had this happen to us at some point or another. You’re getting ready for a big night out with a new date, or a fun day of shopping with your best girlfriend, when suddenly – whoops! Your makeup has gone from on your face to all over your most treasured t-shirt. As if that isn’t bad enough, you only have five minutes remaining until your friend or date shows up. If this has happened to you, don’t panic! There are simple and inexpensive tricks to use that can easily remove any makeup stain from your t-shirt – and many of the items you may already have stashed in your fridge or beauty cabinet. So before you decide to change your t-shirt, try a few of these shortcuts and watch how quickly those stubborn makeup stains will disappear!

Grab a makeup sponge or a slice of bread.
No, you’re not going to be making a sandwich. Makeup sponges and bread (white works best) are some of the most effective materials for erasing stubborn makeup stains, as they act as natural absorbers that soak up oil and powder. Gently rub the sponge or slice of bread on the makeup stain for maximum effect. Makeup sponges are also highly effective against dreaded deodorant stains, so make sure to always keep a stash in your purse!

Raid your kitchen cupboard.

Is that stain still refusing to give up without a fight? Head to your kitchen cupboard and grab a bottle of white vinegar and a light-colored washcloth. Pour just a bit of vinegar onto the cloth and gently dab at the stain until it completely disappears. Remember, vinegar should not be used on cotton material, so be sure to check your t-shirt’s label before using this method!

Get out the shaving cream.
Sounds peculiar, but shaving cream (not gel) is one of the most effective stain-fighters out there. Apply a bit of cream to a light-colored cloth (remember to never use dark colors, as this can bleed into your t-shirt’s fabric) and dab at the stain. Once you’ve completely covered the stain with shaving cream, rinse it out with a bit of club soda. Club soda acts as a great stain remover, but if you don’t have any on hand, water is fine as well. Be sure not to dry out your t-shirt until the stain is completely removed, as this can cause the stain to set in.

When all else fails…
If these neat little home tricks haven’t worked, grab a stain-remover pen (you can find them at your nearest pharmacy or grocery store) and dab the tip onto the stain. Be sure to follow all directions for maximum stain-fighting power.

As you can see, makeup stains don’t necessarily spell doom for your favorite t-shirt, especially with all the home remedies and stain-fighting products that are available today. All it takes is a little creativity – and a bit of patience! – and that stubborn makeup stain will disappear in no time at all!

Saving the Earth One T-Shirt at a Time

Every year, it seems like there’s more and more concern about keeping the earth clean. You can take actions such as recycling and driving your car less to make an impact on the environment. However, you may not have thought about how the clothing you wear can also affect the environment. Because t-shirts make up such a big part of your everyday wardrobe, finding ways to be more green with them can make a positive impact on the environment.

Cotton is a very popular fabric for t-shirts. It’s soft, breathable, and durable. Even though cotton is a natural fiber, conventionally grown cotton may not be the most earth-friendly fabric. Growing cotton usually involves large amounts of pesticides that are bad for the earth. The methods used to process cotton and make it into fabric also use a lot of chemicals. On the other hand, organically grown cotton is a great option for those looking for an earth-friendly fabric. Organic cotton is grown and processed with the use of harmful pesticides or other chemicals.

Another option that’s becoming more and more popular as a fabric for t-shirts is bamboo. Because the bamboo plant regrows so quickly after being harvested, it’s an extremely green option for making many materials including clothing. Bamboo is made into a fabric that’s extremely soft. Sometimes bamboo is blended with other fabrics such as cotton. Bamboo also has natural antimicrobial properties, so it might be especially good for athletic wear.

Hemp is another fabric that’s eco-friendly. It’s made from a plant that’s very easy to grow, and is quickly renewable, like bamboo. Hemp is made into a strong, durable fabric that’s similar to linen. It can be blended with other natural fabrics for a softer knit that makes a very comfortable t-shirt.

You might not think that synthetic materials such as polyester would make a very eco-friendly t-shirt. However, polyester has certain advantages over natural fabrics. For one, products made with synthetics tend to resist wrinkles, which means that you don’t have to bother with the extra fuss of ironing. Also, synthetics can be more green because they dry more quickly, which saves on electricity. Synthetics are more durable than some natural fabrics. Also there are some synthetics fabrics made from recycled material. Imagine wearing a t-shirt made out of pop bottles!

How you choose to wash and dry your t-shirt can also have an impact on the environment. After washing your t-shirt, why not hang it on a clothesline instead of using an electricity-sucking dryer? Plus when you hang your t-shirt to dry on a clothesline outdoors, you get the benefit of that fresh, clean scent that is like pure sunshine. Also, you may not need to wash your t-shirt after each wearing. If it’s stain- and odor-free, why not hang it in your closet and wear it another time before washing?

As you can see, there so are many ways to be earth-friendly and enjoy wearing your favorite t-shirts.

Keeping Your Cool with the Right T-Shirt – Breathable Fabrics

You want your everyday clothing to be comfortable, almost like a second skin. That’s one reason breathability is so important in a t-shirt. Let’s face it, there are situations in life where you’re going to sweat, and you want your t-shirt to help keep you cool. Then again, there are times when you need a t-shirt that will keep you warm and cozy, and you’re willing to sacrifice a little bit of breathability. We can give you some guidelines for choosing the t-shirt that’s just right for any situation.

The material used in the t-shirt is important factor in breathability. Cotton is considered by many to be one of the most breathable fabrics. Plus when you wear cotton, you can feel good that the product is 100% natural. It’s even possible to buy t-shirts that are made from organic cotton for the truly environmentally conscious consumer. The drawback of cotton is that it absorbs moisture, making it potentially less comfortable to for active wear or other situations where you need to keep cool. It also tends to wrinkle more than some synthetic fabrics.

That’s where we can turn to synthetic materials to enhance breathability. Often synthetics such as polyester are blended with cotton to give you the best of both worlds—added durability, less shrinkage, and much less of a tendency to absorb water. Plus, polyester or a poly/cotton blend resists wrinkles, which contributes to keeping your t-shirt looking crisp and fresh even after a long day.

Also, how the fabric of your t-shirt is constructed can be just as important as the type of fabric used. Wearing a t-shirt made of a fabric with a loose weave allows more air to circulate around your body, cooling you off more effectively. In cooler weather, you’ll want to look for a t-shirt made of a thicker, heavier-weight material to help your body retain heat. You could also look for a long-sleeved or turtleneck version of your favorite t-shirt to add to your cool-weather wardrobe.

Also, you could think about the different styles of t-shirts that are available, and try to choose the one that will keep you the most comfortable in a particular setting. T-shirts with less coverage, such as those with cap sleeves, a deep v-neck, or a sleeveless tee will allow you to keep cooler. Of course, these styles may not be suitable for a conservative office setting, unless they’re worn as a layer under another piece like a blazer.

For active wear, there are dozens of specialty synthetic fabrics available that help keep you cool by wicking moisture. If you’re really going to work out a lot, you have certain concerns such as protecting against chafing and keeping your t-shirt smelling fresh and clean. To address those concerns, some t-shirts are made with a sleek, close fitting design. Also, some are made from specialty fabrics that have odor control built into the material.

The t-shirt is an important wardrobe staple that will never go out of style. Plus, there are so many styles of t-shirts and so many different fabrics available that you’re sure to find one—or many—that will be just right for you, and help you keep cool and comfortable.

How to Stencil a T-Shirt

T-shirt stenciling is a fun way to quickly customize a shirt. It can be a way to make a very complicated image into a t-shirt picture, or a way to design a t-shirt by using simple shapes. Many people use stencils on t-shirts to customize it with letters and numbers.

Letters and numbers are simply to stencil onto a t-shirt. Stencils are available in any craft store, or you can make your own. All you need is a sturdy cardboard cut out of each letter or a plastic stencil for each. The stencils are placed in their desired arrangement on the t-shirt and then marked in place with a pencil.

On ready-made stencils, there are small cut-out points where the end of a pencil will fit through. Use these points to mark the placement of each stencil. This will allow you to line up the stencil again if it gets bumped or moved, or if you need to come back and redo the stencil with another color. It will also allow you to line up individual letters and numbers to make sure you are stenciling them in a straight line. This is a much more accurate method than simply eyeing the letters and will result in much straighter rows of numbers and letters.

If you’ve made the stencil yourself, simply mark the t-shirt along the outside edges of the stencil. This will allow you the same security as a ready-made pencil point. The pencil markings will wash away easily as soon as the t-shirt is laundered.

For more complicated designs, you can use a ready-made stencil that is meant for wall painting, or look in stencil books. Stencil books have many cardboard stencils to choose from and make it easy to find several designs with the same theme. These are punched out of the book and are used in much the same way as letter stencils. Lay the stencil on the shirt and mark it with a pencil before starting. Then, use your medium of choice to fill in the stencil.

For t-shirts, many people use markers because they are easy to write with, have a precise tip and come in a wide variety of colors. A permanent marker will work on a t-shirt, or use fabric markers. Either type can be used to fill in any stencil with solid color.

Another option is fabric paint. These paints are specifically designed to stay on fabric and not wash away. When using fabric paints, paint from the outside of the stencil to the inside, working toward the center of each area to be stenciled. This lessens the chance of the fabric paint slipping underneath the stencil and making the design blurry.

Use a small brush, even if the area to be stenciled is large. This gives you more control over where the paint goes and will keep the design neater. Most paints require setting the paint with an iron or drying it in a clothes dryer before wearing the design. Follow the directions of the individual paint type and you’ll have a t-shirt that is permanently painted with your handiwork.

Rolling Your T-Shirt Is a Great Way to Go

Of all the different methods of preparing your t-shirts for storage or packing, you might find that rolling them is the best. Folding t-shirts can have its disadvantages, especially the tendency to create creases in the t-shirt. Also, folding t-shirts is not the most practical method when you need to pack them in a suitcase.

But there are many good reasons why rolling t-shirts is such a good method. First, rolling t-shirts saves space. Also, rolling them can help prevent wrinkles when packing. When stored in a dresser drawer or open shelf in your closet, t-shirts that are rolled look really neat and uniform. Rolling works especially well for t-shirts, because they’re made of a thin, stretchy fabric. This method doesn’t work as well for bulkier items or stiffer fabrics such as jeans or sweatshirts.

The best way to roll a t-shirt is to follow these steps:
1) Lay the t-shirt on a clear surface with the front of the t-shirt down
2) Fold each sleeve towards the center of the t-shirt so that it’s shaped like a rectangle
3) Roll the t-shirt from bottom hem to neckline, making sure to keep it even and tight
4) You now have a neatly rolled t-shirt, which you can keep as is, or secure with a rubber band around the middle in order to ensure that it won’t unroll in your luggage.

It is possible to stack many t-shirts or t-shirts and other items of clothing in one big bundle, and roll them all together. However, the most practical way to roll t-shirts is to roll each t-shirt individually. That way, if you’re on vacation, and you just need to get one t-shirt from your luggage, you only need to unroll that one. Otherwise, you’d have to unroll, restack, and re-roll all the clothing in the bundle. Also, when you roll each t-shirt individually, you can take advantage of little pockets of space in your luggage that might otherwise be wasted. As a result, rolling t-shirts can go long way towards helping you be able to carry a smaller suitcase or fewer pieces of luggage.

However, if you’re preparing for a long trip, and plan on unpacking your suitcase once you get to your destination, it can work well to roll your t-shirts and other clothing in bigger bundles. This method works especially well if you roll a bundle of items that are the same size, such as several t-shirts. When you want to roll t-shirts in a large bundle, with other t-shirts or different garments, one way you can protect them even further from wrinkling is by placing the whole bundle in a large garment bag before rolling.

There are lots of gadgets on the market to help you save space and prevent your clothes from wrinkling in your suitcase. But once you know how to roll your t-shirt, you have a great way to save space and prevent wrinkling that’s easy and completely free.

To Bare Or Not To Bare: Are Midriff-Revealing Shirts Still Fashionable?

It seems as though it was only yesterday when bare midriffs were all the rage in the fashion world. From the glamorous runways to the streets and bars of towns and cities, many young women were sporting this hard-to-rock look, which looked best on the figures of those who clearly spent more than a few days a week at the gym. Yet after a few years, midriff-baring tops soon began to give way to today’s softer-flowing fabrics and more forgiving cuts, leaving some to wonder: are short shirts that reveal midriff still fashionable?

Midriff-baring shirts hit the height of their popularity in the mid-nineties, around the same time as the arrival of the low-rise jeans. Like all fashion trends, the midriff-baring shirt was born out of a response to the larger and heavier fabrics of the eighties and early nineties, which tended to overwhelm and weigh down more petite frames. Shirts and fashionable tops that exposed the midriff were seen as a breath of fresh air, a flirty and fierce style that played up the confidence and youth of all women who sported the look. Stomachs were on full display in the midst of the midriff-baring trend, with little indication that it would ever end.

However, given the excessive amount of bare skin, midriff-baring shirts soon gained a rather unsavory reputation, especially when paired with increasingly low-rise jeans or miniskirts. Soon, there was an overabundance of skin everywhere, and not just at the local bar or club – school districts started to crack down on the midriff-baring epidemic, which was deemed to be too distracting and inappropriate for the classroom. Eventually, the fashion world extended the hemlines of fashionable tops and shirts, declaring that showing too much skin was no longer considered demure and sexy.

Given the current fashion trends, midriff-baring shirts are definitely considered out-of-style. Pick up a copy of your favorite fashion magazine or watch a few episodes of a style channel and you’ll hardly see an ounce of bare midriff. The more popular stomach-baring shirts of the nineties have now been replaced by voluminous shirts in bright and fun colors, or fitted shirts with flirty graphic prints. In fact, one of the more popular styles this season is wearing a long shirt which has a hemline that hits past the waist – which is an extreme opposite from a shirt that exposes your midriff! This latest style trend started in response to the skinny jean look, which fits tightly around the thighs and hips and tapers into a pencil-thin ankle. Add a midriff-baring shirt to this equation, and you’ve got a recipe for a very unflattering look – especially if you’re anything above a size zero.

However, it’s no secret that the fashion world is cyclical – what is now considered out-of-style and antiquated will soon roar back as the latest trend in high fashion. So if you’re loathe to throw away your most treasured midriff-baring shirt, keep it in the back of your closet – it’ll more than likely come back in style again!

How to Make the Print on a T-Shirt Last Longer

Most print used on t-shirts today is superior to the print used decades ago. That print wore off easily, leading to the crackled appearance that appeared after just a couple of washings. Today’s t-shirt print can still fade after a number of washings. The print can be made to last longer with a little bit of extra care.

The print on a t-shirt usually fades from being washed. The key, then, is to take care during each washing and to make sure that the t-shirt is washed as gently as possible. Rubbing up against other clothing in the wash is one of the causes of fading during washing. The repeated friction of the t-shirt against other items can be avoided with one simple step. Start the special treatment by turning the t-shirt inside out. This will minimize the contact that the printed area has with other items in the same load.

The temperature of the water when the t-shirt is being washed is also a factor. For an especially dirty shirt, most people want to wash it in hot water to get rid of all the dirt. This hot water, however, can contribute to the print fading before it should. Hot water is hard on clothes of any type, and printed clothes can particularly feel the effects of it. Try washing the t-shirt in cold water instead. If this isn’t enough to get the dirt out of the t-shirt, try to soak the shirt first to loosen the dirt. You might also try a pre-treatment that is rubbed into the fabric to help fight the stains. A pre-treatment will not be as hard on the t-shirt as hot water and may actually lead to the dirt coming out of the shirt more easily.

Drying clothes in a clothes dryer is one of the fastest ways to break down the print. The dryer uses heat and movement to dry the clothes. Not only will the heat start to break down the print, the fast tumbling creates a friction that can help wear it out faster. To prevent this, try tumbling the shirt without the heat setting. You might also try lying the t-shirt flat to dry or letting it drip dry instead of putting it in the dryer at all. Hanging it to dry may change the shape of the shirt, however, so many people prefer to let their t-shirt lie flat.

A printed t-shirt that is often exposed to direct sunlight will also fade faster than one that isn’t. To some extent, this can’t be helped. There will certainly be times when a t-shirt is exposed to sunlight. And normal sunlight in the course of an outing won’t fade the lettering. However, a t-shirt that is often worn to outdoor sporting events will look faded before it ordinarily would. The key for thee occasions, then, is to rotate the t-shirts that are worn to these events. Having two t-shirts for weekend baseball games, then, is a much better way to preserve the print than wearing the same one each week.

How to Get a T-Shirt Back From an Ex-Boyfriend

An ex-boyfriend may be the last person you ever want to see again, but if he has something of yours, you may have to. If he has your t-shirt, you have a particularly strong motivation to see him again to get it back. If you know your ex-boyfriend well, you may feel that you know how to talk to him to get your items back. However, after a break up emotions will be running high and he may not listen to you the way he once did.

Unless your ex wants you back as a girlfriend, he will probably not want to talk to you and may not care that you want your item back. The answer for an ex-boyfriend who doesn’t want you back is to make the request short and sweet. Let him know that this is a one-time exchange and that after it you will not be asking him for anything else. This may entice him into giving it back to you just to make sure that everything is finished between you.

Make it easy for him to give the t-shirt back. Rather than expecting him to bring it and meet you somewhere of his choosing, do most of the work for him. Tell him that you will pick it up, or choose a place where you can both meet and tell him what time to be there. By doing the thinking for him, you might get him to go along with it simply to make the situation end and ensure that he doesn’t have to keep hearing from you about it.

Be firm when requesting the t-shirt back. Don’t allow your ex any wiggle room or he may find an excuse for not giving it back. Instead of asking if he can bring it back sometime, tell him a time and place that you will expect the t-shirt. Don’t take no for an answer and don’t let him put you off by postponing the day or time. As more time passes since the two of you had a relationship, he will only become less interested in giving you your shirt back.

If you have a particularly mad ex-boyfriend, he may not listen to reason or to rational arguments. This is a situation where it may take a lot longer to get the t-shirt back. You may have to wait a few weeks or even a few months before contacting him about the return of your shirt. This will allow a cooling-off period that will allow you both to stop being so angry and to start to listen when the other one talks.

After what you feel is an appropriate amount of time, try contacting him and politely asking how he is doing. Engage him in a nice, calm conversation before bringing up the t-shirt. This will draw him in and let him see that there’s no reason to be angry any longer about the situation. This will make him more inclined to listen to you and to cooperate with returning your shirt.

Give the Gift of Blushing with an Embarrassing T-Shirt

Do you love practical jokes? Those in good taste, of course. Well, what better way to show off your humorous side than by giving an embarrassing t-shirt to a friend or family member. Such a gift will be remembered for years to come, so show off your creative side with specially designed t-shirts whenever the opportunity presents itself. What occasions are best for embarrassing t-shirts?

Birthdays are most obvious. A t-shirt can serve as a great gag gift that actually might be worn if only for the evening. We’ve all seen an ‘over the hill’ t-shirt for a 40th birthday. In fact, the most popular milestone birthdays for these types of t-shirts are 21, 30, 40, 50, and 60. T-shirts can be made up for party goers as well as the individual being celebrated. Participant party shirts are a great idea if you know the birthday guy or girl won’t likely willingly go along with your fun and wear your specially designed t-shirt.
Anniversaries typically aren’t funny occasions, but why can’t they be? If your parents or grandparents are celebrating a milestone and appreciate your good humor, it’s time to put together a t-shirt! Do you have an inside family joke you are ready to share with the world? Making them a specially designed t-shirt is a great way to ensure they’ll never forget the role you played in their special day.

Wedding proposals are a time when uniqueness is often celebrated. This is definitely one time when the more public the display of affection the better. After showing your bride to be how much you love her, why not let her see your humorous side? Have a witty t-shirt put together for her to slip on after your propose. This is probably the one day you can get away with embarrassing her. Take advantage of the opportunity. Who knows? If you’re spending the day in public, the local television station or newspaper may even capture your creativity. Live up the day!

While families are easy targets of your humor, t-shirts can also be used to embarrass those who may be your friends. Confused? Throughout our lives we desire to become affiliated with new organizations or sporting teams. Some, especially those targeted at the college aged, require a hazing or initiation of some sort. These activities are designed to show the potential member’s desire to be part of the organization. Often these activities are in good nature and create a cohesive bond between current and potential members of the organization. An embarrassing t-shirt is well suited for such initiations or hazing. Why not ensure that the embarrassment is public by having the potential new members wear it on their bodies. The specially designed t-shirt can become a tradition associated with the organization and create an ongoing story and history.

Giving an embarrassing t-shirt can be a perfect gift. Used properly, humor can be one of the best gifts for almost any occasion. Spend some time today thinking of the next perfect occasion to have a t-shirt made!

Can a Girl Wear a T-shirt Without a Bra?

Looking great in whatever a woman chooses to wear is something that many women stress over. Even a simple t-shirt and jeans combo can cause worry about the appearance. One of the worries is how the woman’s chest will appear in the shirt. Is a bra needed? Will it show under the shirt? The stress can make you go mad! So is it okay for a girl to wear a t-shirt without a bra?

The answer to that question is a resounding…maybe. There are several factors to consider when deciding if it is appropriate to wear the shirt without a bra. One of those factors is color. The color of the shirt should influence your decision. If the shirt is light in color a bra is almost certainly needed. It isn’t appropriate to wear a shirt in public for all around to see your girlish assets more than necessary. If you can see through the shirt then you need to wear a bra.

Another factor to consider is the fabric weight. If it is a thin fabric that leaves little to the imagination then wear a bra please. This simple act of putting on a bra will be appreciated by those around you as it will be much more comfortable for everyone. If the shirt is a heavier fabric that blocks most of an unsupported chest then you may be able to get away with not wearing a bra. Without a bra you will not be fully supported, but as long as others can’t “see” too much then you should be okay. Making others uncomfortable may cause you to be uncomfortable as well. You may also hear unwanted comments about it if you aren’t careful to keep your body properly hidden.

Going without a bra is also a matter of comfort. If you are comfortable without a bra in public then go for it. Just be considerate of what your t-shirt looks like without the bra so you don’t embarrass yourself or others by exposing too much. As long as you can’t be seen too much through the shirt and you don’t mind going bra-less then enjoy. Just be aware of the consequences if you choose to be without a bra. Consider what will happen if you get wet or too cold before you step out into the world.

Wearing a t-shirt shouldn’t be as complicated as it truly is. Deciding what will be comfortable as well as appropriate can cause stress and confusion for some women. Taking  a little time to decide what you want from our clothing and what will make you comfortable in any given situation will make you decision a little easier for the next time you have to make the choice. The most important factor is your comfort and confidence in your choice. After you have made your decision feel confident and self assured with it. If you want to listen to listen to the opinions of others you can, but don’t feel you have to. Just enjoy your clothes and be comfortable in them.

How to Remove Oil from Your T-Shirt

Oil and fabrics are never a good mix. Oil can stain clothing faster than just about anything else that touches it. And t-shirts, being made of breathable cotton, can be especially vulnerable to it. Fortunately, there are a number of things that can be done to take out the oil before it permanently damages the t-shirt. If caught in enough time, there’s no reason that an oily t-shirt that looks hopeless can’t end up looking as good as new.

One home remedy that many use against oil is shampoo. A baby shampoo can be used if the stain is mild, or a harsher shampoo can be used if the stain is more severe. The shampoo should be rubbed into the stain for a few minutes and then rinsed out with warm water. The t-shirt can then be washed in the laundry as usual. The oil should run out of the shirt and leave it looking like it did before.

If that doesn’t work for your particular oil spot, try a dishwashing detergent. It may sound strange, but a liquid dishwashing soap may be the most effective thing you can use on a tough oil stain. Dishwashing detergents are made to cut the oil that is left behind on pots and pans and to allow it to be rinsed away. This same principle can be used for your t-shirts. The dishwashing soap can be applied in much the same way as the shampoo- rub it into the oily area, rinse it away and then wash the shirt as you normally would.

If the stain is particularly tough, try changing the way you apply the dishwashing soap. Instead of rubbing it into the fabric of the t-shirt, scrub it into the fabric with an old toothbrush. Use a toothbrush with soft bristles to avoid damaging the fabric or causing too much wear to the oily area.

If either of these methods doesn’t work for a stubborn stain, combine one or both of these methods with a hot-water soak. Add some shampoo or dishwashing soap into the water and allow the t-shirt to soak for about half an hour. Then, take the t-shirt out and wash it in the washing machine.

Baby powder is another home remedy that many people swear by. The powder soaks up the oil which can then be removed when you remove the baby powder. The problem with baby powder, however, can often be the smell that is left behind. It may also stain dark t-shirts. If you want to try it anyway, use cornstarch instead. This has a similar effect but will not leave the same strong scent behind. It is also less hazardous to those with asthma or other respiratory problems as talc can be.

Whichever method of oil remover you decide to use, never put your clothes into the dryer until you are certain the stain has come out. Drying clothes in the dryer will set the stain and make it far more difficult to remove.

Should Your Shirt Be Darker Than Your Pants?

The question of color and how it works on clothing is one that has been debated for centuries and will continue to be debated for a few more. The answer usually has to do with the fashions of the time. There are some years, and some specific seasons within a year, when light-colored shirts will be more in style. In the spring and summer, a light shirt that is lighter than the color of the pants will probably look nice as a seasonally-appropriate color.

In many areas, a light shirt with darker pants may even be expected in the winter. The temperature of the local area often has a lot to do with the colors that people wear. In an area that has a warm climate all year, the colors of the clothing may not vary at all throughout the year. In areas like this, light-colored shirts may be in style all year in order to celebrate the warm weather. In a place where the winters and summers have dramatically different temperatures, the colors people wear are often light during hot times and dark during cold times.

Another factor in deciding which colors will be the best to wear is the effect that different colors have on the eye. The major effect that many people notice is that darker colors make them look slimmer. This is a well-known trick to the eye that leads many people to wear dark colors most of the time. A darker color on top can lead the eye to believe that you are slimmer on top than you are. If you have a problem area on top, a shirt that is darker than your pants will be an effective way to minimize that problem.

If, however, you are self-conscious about your legs and want to take attention away from them, this color scheme won’t work. Wearing a lighter color on top will draw the eye there instead of at the legs and will make the legs look slimmer.

It’s also important to consider the way you look in certain colors. There are many people who simply look better in darker colors than lighter colors. If you aren’t sure what your best colors are, try holding a few shirts up in front of you and looking in the mirror. Notice the way the color of the shirt changes the way your face looks. The right colors can enhance your best features. The wrong colors may even make you look unhealthy and sallow.

If you simply want to wear the season’s most fashionable colors, take a cue from celebrities. Notice what they wear and chances are that the colors they have on are what’s in style. Also look through magazines to get an idea about what colors are in at the moment. Usually there is a specific color family that is most in style at any given moment. Whether that color is light or dark, wearing it will instantly make you a fashionable person who is part of the trend.