Why do t-shirts turn yellow under the armpits?

Surely you have some white t-shirt that, over time, has started to turn yellow in the underarm area.

And no, it doesn't necessarily mean the t-shirt is old or that you haven't washed it well.

There is a fairly simple explanation.

SWEAT IS NOT THE ONLY CULPRIT

Sweat is mainly water, but it also contains salts, proteins, and other substances that can remain in the fabric.

The problem arises when they mix with the products we use regularly, especially deodorants and antiperspirants.

Some antiperspirants contain aluminum salts that, when mixed with sweat and accumulated in the fabric, can contribute to the appearance of those yellowish stains.

Furthermore, over time and with washings, these residues can oxidize and make the underarm area look increasingly yellow.

That is why it is quite common for it to appear first on white t-shirts.

CAN IT BE AVOIDED?

Not always completely, but you can significantly reduce the appearance of these stains.

1. Let the deodorant dry before getting dressed.

This reduces the amount of product that comes into direct contact with the fabric.

2. Do not leave the sweaty t-shirt in the hamper for days.

The longer sweat and residues remain in the fabric, the more difficult they can be to remove.

3. Wash following the garment's instructions.

There is no need to use extremely high temperatures to try to remove the stains. In fact, an overly aggressive wash can end up wearing out the fabric sooner.

4. Treat the stain before washing.

If you start to notice that the underarm area is changing color, you can treat it before washing instead of waiting for the stain to build up wash after wash.

WHAT IF IT IS ALREADY YELLOW?

Here is the important part: you don't need to throw away a t-shirt simply because it has a yellow stain in the armpit.

If the fabric is still in good condition, the t-shirt keeps its shape and you still wear it, you can try to remove the stain before replacing it.

Because a t-shirt that is still perfectly usable does not stop being so just because it has a small stain.

And this brings us to something we repeat often at Minimalism:

CLOTHES ARE MADE TO LAST.

OUR T-SHIRTS

At Minimalism, we have basic t-shirts without logos or prints, designed to be worn every day.

You can find different models depending on what you are looking for:

• Men's model
• Women's model
• Unisex oversized
• Unisex long-sleeve

They are all made with 100% organic cotton and manufactured in Portugal.

Because in the end, a good t-shirt shouldn't be a one-season garment.

It should stay with you for a long time.

→ See all our t-shirts