Safe to wear, but rough on the environment.
↳ Safe to wear; production isn't clean — donate when done.
Why this material grade?
This product scored 71/100 on the 7-axis material rubric, based on its composition of 57% Cotton, 39% Tencel, 4% Elastane. Blended from 57% Cotton, 39% Tencel, 4% Spandex — the score is a weighted average based on each material's proportion.
B (70-84): Good material composition — above average across most axes.
What this score doesn't measure
- ×Fiber grade. Staple length, micronaire, strength. "100% cotton" could be short-staple upland or long-staple Pima — same label, very different fabric.
- ×Yarn processing. Singles count, ply (single vs two-ply), spinning method (open-end vs ring-spun vs compact), mercerization. Invisible from any label.
- ×Knit / weave structure. Single jersey vs interlock, knit tightness. A loose knit pills; a tight knit lasts.
- ×Fabric weight (GSM). One construction signal among several — and high GSM can come from loose cheap yarn just as easily as from fine tight yarn. We have it for blank manufacturers, rarely for retail.
- ×Pre-shrink processing. Sanforized cotton shrinks ~1%; non-sanforized can shrink up to 10%. Not visible from the composition tag.
- ×Construction quality. Stitch density (SPI), seam types, collar geometry, manufacturing tolerances (AQL). These often matter more than the fiber itself.
- ×Specific chemical loads. Health Impact flags "likely PFAS / possible formaldehyde" from composition × category — we don't lab-test individual SKUs.
We rate the fabric, not the garment. Composition is the floor of what you're guaranteed to be getting — most shoppers don't have that.
Good quality
Well-balanced fabric that should serve you well. The natural-synthetic blend offers durability with comfort. Follow the care guide to maximize lifespan.
This fabric will take 200+ years to decompose. That means a shirt you buy today will still exist in the year 2226.
Dryer heat destroys spandex/elastane over time. Your leggings and stretchy clothes will last 2x longer if you skip the dryer.
Tencel (score 82) is carrying this blend. Spandex (score 55) is pulling it down.
Biodegradability
Not BiodegradableMaterials will persist in the environment for decades.
Health & environmental impact →Health Impact
Microplastic shedding · skin-contact synthetic load · likely chemical treatments
Low health impact — predominantly natural fibers with no major treatment flags.
Very low
4% synthetic
No flags
Care Guide
Decode symbols →Wash
cold (30°C)
Bleach
Do not bleach
Dry
line dry
Iron
low
Dry Clean
avoid
Best For
Good breathability (82) and moisture wicking (52) for light activity
Good comfort (83) and care ease (69) for casual wear
Good durability (63) and comfort (83) for office wear
Good comfort (83) and breathability (82) for sleeping
Good breathability (82) and comfort (83) for undergarments
Good sustainability score (63)
Better Alternatives
Higher-rated t-shirts products — each card shows how much better this alt scores vs your current product.
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Banana Republic
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Mate the Label
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