What Is Bacon Collar? Why T-Shirt Necks Go Wavy

A great T-shirt makes getting dressed easy. Until the neckline starts doing its own thing.

That stretched, rippled edge has a nickname: bacon collar. It describes a T-shirt collar that has become wavy and misshapen—much like a strip of cooked bacon.

Here’s why it happens and how to give your favourite tees a little extra staying power.

Why Do T-Shirt Collars Get Wavy?

Repeated stretching. Tugging at your neckline or forcing a hanger through the neck opening can gradually distort the collar.

Washing and drying. Laundering can change the shape of knitted fabric. Excess heat and rough handling can contribute to uneven shrinkage or distortion around the neckline.

Collar construction. The rib knit, stitching, and finishing all influence how well a collar holds its shape. Fabric content alone doesn’t tell the whole story: a cotton collar isn’t automatically low quality, and added stretch fibre isn’t a guarantee against waves.

How to Help Prevent Bacon Collar

A few small habits can help protect your neckline:

• Wash with care. Follow your garment’s care instructions. For Perfect TShirt Co.’s cotton tees, choose a cold, gentle wash.

• Keep the heat low. Hang dry or tumble dry on low, as directed. Avoid stretching the neckline while the fabric is wet.

• Rethink the hanger. Feed it through the bottom of your T-shirt instead of pushing it through the neck. Folding your tees also avoids hanger-related stretching.

• Skip the tug. If you’re constantly pulling at your collar, consider whether a different size or neckline would feel more comfortable.

Can You Fix a Stretched T-Shirt Collar?

Gentle reshaping while damp may help a mildly distorted collar look tidier. But a permanently stretched neckline may not return to its original shape.

Be cautious with boiling-water tricks or a blast of dryer heat. They can change the fit of the whole shirt without restoring the collar.

Better Basics. A Little More Care.

At Perfect TShirt Co., our premium combed ring-spun cotton tees bring softness, breathability, and an easy foundation to your everyday wardrobe. Thoughtful care helps keep those favourites looking their best.

Because bacon belongs at breakfast. Your neckline deserves a smoother start.

Explore men’s and women’s T-shirts at Perfect TShirt Co..

✍️ Style notes from Ales,

“A great tee should be a favourite you reach for again and again. Give it a little care—wash cool, dry gently, and go easy on the neckline—and keep enjoying all the ways you wear it.”

Not sure which colours to add to your wardrobe? Explore our colour guides in the Perfect TShirt Co. Library for outfit inspiration, easy pairings, and a fresh take on your next favourite tee.

Find Your Next Colour 

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