Now, the other side. You've got a busy week, a stack of tees from last year's meetups, and you need them ready by Friday. The convenience method says: throw them in the wash with everything else, hit the dryer on low, and you're done. And honestly, that works more often than not.

Modern washers and dryers are gentler than the ones our parents had. Cold or warm water with a decent detergent handles most dirt and sweat. Low heat in the dryer won't ruin a cotton tee instantly, especially if you pull it out while it's still slightly damp and let it finish air drying. That last step is key. It cuts down on shrinkage and keeps the fabric from getting that crunchy, over-dried feel.

The convenience camp also points out that air drying isn't always practical. Rainy spring days, no outdoor space, or you just forgot to do laundry and need a tee now. A dryer is a tool, and using it smartly is fine.