Do Expensive T-Shirts Really Last Longer? A New Study Says No

One is £4.00 the other £49

When it comes to buying clothes, many of us assume that spending more means getting better quality. After all, surely a £395 designer T-shirt will last longer than one from the high street… right?

Well, not according to a recent July 2025 study by the University of Leeds Institute of Textiles and Colour (LITAC) in partnership with WRAP. Researchers put 47 T-shirts—from budget to luxury brands—through a rigorous 50 wash-and-dry cycle test, measuring shrinkage, fading, pilling, and overall durability.

The Surprising Results

• Price had no link to durability. The study found no correlation between cost and how well a T-shirt lasted.

• A £4 T-shirt outperformed a £395 one. The luxury tee only ranked 28th out of 47, while the budget option came in at 15th place.

• Affordable winners. Six of the top 10 most durable shirts cost under £15.

• Fabric matters more than price. Blends with synthetics (like polyester and elastane) often lasted longer, but some 100% cotton tees still performed brilliantly.

What This Means for Shoppers

This research proves that durability isn’t a luxury reserved for high spenders. You don’t have to break the bank to buy a T-shirt that holds its shape, colour, and comfort wash after wash.

It also means that choosing wisely—looking at fabric quality and construction rather than just the price tag—can save you money and reduce waste.

Our Take

At UKTShirts, we’ve always believed that quality and affordability should go hand in hand. This study confirms what our customers already know: you don’t need to spend hundreds of pounds to get a great T-shirt that lasts.

We focus on offering T-shirts that combine style, durability, and fair prices, so you can enjoy them for longer without paying designer markups.

👉 [Browse our collection of long-lasting, affordable T-shirts today!]