If you want to know whether your washing method is actually working, try this. Pick two identical tri-blend tees, if you have them. Wash one inside out on gentle with cold water and air-dry. Wash the other normally, with warm water and fabric softener, then tumble dry. After four weeks of normal wear, compare the collars. You'll see the difference clearly—it's not subtle.

If you don't have two identical tees, just focus on one and check the collar after a month of the new routine. Pilling should be dramatically less. If it's not, the issue might be the fabric quality itself.