The collar is the stress point. When you pack a tee flat, the neckline gets folded over, and the weight of the rest of the garment pulls on the seam. Over hours in a suitcase, that constant tension works the cotton fibers loose.

What actually matters:

• Fiber length: Longer staple fibers (the kind used in ring-spun cotton) are stronger and less prone to pilling, but they can still stretch if the fabric is tensioned over long periods.
• Neckband construction: A ribbed neckband, like the one on most Windbar tees, helps the collar spring back. But it's not magic—it still needs proper care.
• Washing habits: Even before you travel, how you wash and dry your tees sets the baseline. Hot water and high-heat drying break down the cotton's natural resilience.

So when you're packing, you want to minimize stress on the collar. That means rolling instead of folding, and not overstuffing your bag.

What to ignore: those little plastic collar stays that come with some dress shirts. They're for button-downs, not tees, and they'll just add bulk without solving the problem.