Grading a used dress shirt
Grading a used dress shirt turns on the collar and cuffs. These are the first areas to fray and stain, so the grade leads with collar-edge wear, cuff fraying, and the ring stains that thin cotton picks up — then checks the buttons, placket, and any yellowing from long storage.
What to check
- Collar-edge and cuff fraying — the first areas to wear
- Ring-around-the-collar staining and underarm yellowing
- Button count, cracks, and secure attachment
- Overall whiteness vs. storage yellowing
How to grade it, step by step
- 1
Inspect the collar and cuffs
Run a finger along the collar fold and cuff edges for fraying and thin spots. Frayed edges are the most common dress-shirt flaw and lead the grade.
- 2
Check for staining
Look for ring stains at the collar, yellowing under the arms, and food or ink marks on the front. Set stains cap the grade.
- 3
Count and test buttons
Confirm every button is present, uncracked, and firmly sewn, and note any missing or mismatched replacements.
Graded examples
| Grade | Why |
|---|---|
| 9 (NWOT) | Crisp collar, bright white, all buttons intact. |
| 6 (Good) | Light collar wear, all buttons present, no stains. |
| 3 (Poor) | Frayed collar edge, underarm yellowing, one missing button. |
Every grade sits on the GradeThread 1.0–10.0 scale.
Flaws to watch on this garment
Frequently asked
- What's the first thing that lowers a dress shirt's grade?
- Collar and cuff wear. Because these edges fold and rub constantly, they fray and thin before the rest of the shirt shows any age. A frayed collar edge is usually the flaw that moves a dress shirt from very good down into the good-or-below range.
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