What to do when your T-shirt has rough seams on the back

Short answer: Rough seams on the back chafe most when you are sitting, wearing a backpack or have a jacket on top. Work out where it rubs, then choose fit, layers and washing so the seam does not work against your skin all day.

Find out where it rubs

Start by turning the T-shirt inside out and feeling the seam with your fingers. Is it an edge that sticks out, a thick thread or a stiff tape at the neck or along the shoulder? Once you know what rubs, you can choose better next time and tell whether the problem is the seam or the fit.

Why the back is so sensitive

The back is hard to keep an eye on, and you only notice the rubbing once the skin is already irritated. Your shoulder blades also move all day, and a seam sitting right over them gets rubbed back and forth. It is a common reason why an otherwise good T-shirt ends up at the bottom of the wardrobe.

Backpack, strap and jacket

If you carry a backpack, wear a seat belt or a jacket that is tight across the back, the seam gets pressed against the skin. After a long day that can leave red lines. Adjust the straps so the pressure spreads out, and take the jacket off indoors so the seam can lie free instead of being squeezed.

Fit makes a difference

A T-shirt that is slightly too tight across the back pulls at the seams, so they sit crooked and rub. One that is far too big, on the other hand, folds and creates new edges. Choose a size that sits calmly over the shoulders and does not tighten when you reach your arms forward.

Layers that protect

An extra thin layer between your skin and a rubbing seam can solve the problem for a while. Pick a soft, smooth layer closest to the body so you do not simply move the irritation somewhere else. In winter you can get a similar effect with one of the long sleeve models, where the sleeves also cover your arms.

Washing can make a seam softer or harder

Wash the T-shirt inside out following the care label, so the seams do not rub against other clothes, and avoid too much fabric softener, which can leave a film on the fabric. Do not dry it too hot, since heat can make edges stiff. A T-shirt that has been washed many times can feel softer at the seams.

Check the seams on all your clothes

If your back chafes, it is worth looking at the rest of what you wear close to the skin. Seams at the waistband or crotch can cause the same problem, and with bamboo underwear for men you can see how soft clothing next to the body can feel in an ordinary day. Always feel the seams before you buy.

When you just need to get through the day

If you have a T-shirt you do not want to part with, you can place a small piece of soft fabric or a plaster over the spot that rubs until you get home. Or switch to a softer layer. In the evening you can pull on something loose, such as bamboo sweatpants for men, so your skin can rest.

Frequently asked questions

Can I cut the seam off?

It is not advisable, because the seam holds the T-shirt together and the fabric can start to unravel. Use an extra layer between the skin and the seam instead, or look for a T-shirt where the seam feels soft.

Does turning the T-shirt inside out make a difference?

Yes, but only for washing. Turned inside out in the machine, the seams rub less against other clothes and the surface lasts better. Wear it the normal way round.

What if my skin gets red and sore?

Keep the area clean and dry, and avoid wearing the same T-shirt until the skin has rested. If it persists or gets worse, talk to your doctor.

You can find the full range at Copenhagen Bamboo.