Not all cotton is created equal. The difference between a tee you love for years and one that's misshapen after a month usually comes down to a handful of details you can actually check.
Start with the weight. GSM (grams per square metre) tells you how dense the fabric is. Anything from 180–220 GSM is a solid everyday weight; 240 GSM and above gives you that premium, structured feel that drapes well and resists clinging.
Next, look for 'combed' cotton. Combing removes the short, stray fibres before spinning, leaving a smoother, stronger yarn that pills less and feels softer against the skin.
Finally, check the seams. Double-stitched shoulders and hems, a ribbed collar that springs back, and clean, straight stitching are the signs of a tee that's built to keep its shape.