After a few months of regular wear, your Windbar tee will start to show its age. The most obvious sign is fading. That's normal, especially if you're washing it often. But if the color fades unevenly or develops a grayish tint, it might be time to start thinking about a replacement.

Fabric thinning is another mid-life issue. Check the areas that rub against backpack straps or seatbelts—usually the shoulders and the middle of the back. If you can see light through the fabric when you hold it up, it's thinning. A tee with a higher GSM will resist this longer, but even a heavy tee will eventually wear.

Pilling is also a clue. Those little fuzz balls usually appear on the chest and sides where the fabric rubs. You can shave them off with a fabric comb, but if they come back quickly, the fibers are breaking down. That's a sign the tee is reaching the end of its useful life.