T-shirts are an incredible gift from their creator; whether you’re male or female, child or teenager, there’s a t-shirt for everyone. They can be casual, dressy, cute, fun or show off your personality. And when you find the right one, you fall in love with the comfort and fit. Sometimes, you fall so deeply in love with your favorite t-shirt that it’s like a bad relationship; you don’t know when to let it go, and when you finally come to realize that it’s time to part ways, it’s difficult to do. I mean, how do you let go of something that you’ve grown so attached to; something that’s been there for you through the good, the bad and the ugly, the laughs, the smiles and the tears? But as difficult as it may be, we’ve got to let them go when evidence of extensive wear and tear appears, or at least pack them away out of our site never to be worn again. And truth be told, if we’re honest with ourselves, we know when that time comes.

For example, if your favorite t-shirt has been worn down to the point that your skin shows through more than 50% of the shirt, not due to holes, but due to the fact that the threading is so worn and the material is so stretched that only 50% of the original thickness of the material remains, then you need to let it go.

Also, if you have more than two small holes, or any quarter-size holes or larger anywhere on the t-shirt, then you should probably say adios! The only exception is if the holes are minute and located in inconspicuous places on the t-shirt. In this case, you may be able to salvage the shirt for use at home or in the gym.

And have you ever seen someone in a t-shirt where you wondered if it was going to stay on because of a seam coming undone? Not at all attractive… If your t-shirt has any major seams coming undone by more than an inch, especially down the side so that your ribcage (men), or bra-strap (women), is exposed, then you need to let that t-shirt go!

Another scenario that’s a good indicator as to when your t-shirt’s too worn out to wear is when that favorite logo, saying or picture on the t-shirt makes people look and ask, ‘What’s that supposed to be, exactly?’. Yep. Time to let the t-shirt go!

You may also want to put the t-shirt to rest if it is the proud owner of any major stains that add little character, or extreme fading that simply screams ‘I’m old!’. However, some fading might fit depending on the original color and style of the t-shirt. Use good judgment.

And for all you parents out there, it’s true that old t-shirts (including the stains, holes and worn out logos) can be great for your child’s playtime, but please spare your children (and yourself) any embarrassment and make sure the t-shirt doesn’t scream ‘I’m homeless!’.

In summary, use a little common sense as to when your t-shirt’s too worn out to wear. If it’s too thin, has major holes, fading, stains, rips, etc. then it’s probably time to recycle. I know it’s difficult to muster up the courage, but remember, change can be good!