Grading a used graphic tee
Grading a used graphic tee is really about the print. The cotton body is cheap and replaceable, but the graphic is what buyers pay for, so cracking, peeling, and fading of the print lead the grade — alongside pit stains, collar stretch, and the pinholes that plague thin jersey.
What to check
- Print integrity — cracking, peeling, or fading of the graphic
- Collar stretch and recovery on the ribbed neckline
- Pit stains and deodorant buildup under the arms
- Pinholes and thinning near the hem and front
How to grade it, step by step
- 1
Inspect the print
Stretch the graphic gently. Fine cracking is expected on older prints; heavy peeling or flaking that lifts off the fabric is damage that leads the grade.
- 2
Check the collar
Pull and release the neckline. A stretched, wavy, or rippled collar is one of the most common tee flaws and lowers the grade.
- 3
Look for stains and holes
Backlight the shirt for pinholes and check the underarms for yellowing or deodorant crust. Both cap the grade.
Graded examples
| Grade | Why |
|---|---|
| 9 (NWOT) | Crisp print, tight collar, no stains or holes. |
| 6 (Good) | Light print cracking typical of age, collar intact. |
| 3 (Poor) | Peeling graphic, stretched collar, and underarm staining. |
Every grade sits on the GradeThread 1.0–10.0 scale.
Flaws to watch on this garment
Frequently asked
- Is a cracked graphic print always a defect?
- It depends on the shirt. On a vintage tee, fine even cracking is often desirable patina collectors want. On a newer tee, cracking and peeling read as wear and lower the grade. Context — the shirt's age and market — decides whether the cracking helps or hurts.
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