Boys' t-shirts and sweatshirts

Boys' t-shirts and sweatshirts at Hackett London pair soft cotton with a build that works without trying, wash after wash.

Care that keeps its shape

Washing at 30°C with a gentle spin best preserves colour and shape in combed cotton. Skip that step and a jersey knit noticeably shrinks within three or four tumble-dryer cycles — a detail worth knowing before it happens to a favourite boys' t-shirt and sweatshirt.

Fabric and finishing

Combed cotton jersey is the base of the t-shirts, with a smooth surface that doesn't irritate under a sweatshirt or blazer. Sweatshirts use French terry between 280 and 320 g/m², a weight that brings warmth without adding unnecessary bulk once it comes off mid-morning at Pall Mall or anywhere else. Cuffs in elastane knit hold their shape after washing.

How to combine boys' t-shirts and sweatshirts

Two ways to work the same pieces through the week:

Grey plain t-shirt under a navy sweatshirt and chino trousers: the comfortable base for a school day.
The same t-shirt with shorts and trainers: the weekend version for the park.

Do boys' cotton t-shirts and sweatshirts shrink in the wash?

Combed cotton shrinks less than standard cotton thanks to a pre-treatment of the fibre, though the difference stays noticeable within weeks without care at drying. Washing t-shirts inside out also keeps printed graphics looking sharp for longer.

What sweatshirt weight works best for mid-season?

A weight of 280 to 300 g/m² in French terry offers enough warmth without feeling heavy in a school bag. Above 320 g/m², a sweatshirt suits colder months better.

How do you spot quality in a boy's cotton t-shirt?

A dense, even jersey knit with no sheer patches is the most reliable sign of combed rather than standard cotton. A well-built crew neck with an inner neck tape holds its shape even after heavy use.