Here's what 'normal' wear and tear really looks like, and what to do about it.

The dryer habit. You wash your tee, then toss it in the dryer on high because you're in a hurry. That's the #1 killer. The heat stresses the ink, and the tumbling creates friction. Over time, those micro-fractures become full-blown cracks.

The inside-out mistake. You've heard 'wash inside out' but you don't always do it. Actually, inside-out is the single best thing you can do. It keeps the print from rubbing against other clothes and the drum. Make it a habit—it takes two seconds.

The wrong detergent. Heavy-duty detergents with enzymes or optical brighteners can be harsh on prints. You don't need a special 'gentle' soap, but you do want something mild. Also, skip the bleach—even the color-safe kind.