I Took Apart a $130 KITH T-Shirt—Here's What We Found

Summary

In this episode of 'Industry Secrets,' Joe, a seasoned manufacturing expert, reviews the Kith sueded jersey bishop tee. He evaluates its design, fabric quality, and value, revealing strengths like its soft, brushed cotton fabric and unique A-line cut. However, Joe points out notable issues such as fabric pilling, potential long-term wear problems, and visible knitting defects. He also critiques the high CAD $130 price, arguing that the shirt's quality doesn't justify the cost, likening it to more affordable options from brands like Zara. Overall, he rates the tee modestly, emphasizing that while it has potential, improvements are needed for better durability and value.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Kith sueded jersey t-shirt is designed with an A-line cut that accommodates a larger belly, which can make it feel more comfortable for certain body types.
• 😀 The fabric of the t-shirt is brushed cotton, which gives it a soft hand feel but may cause pilling or linting over time as loose fibers break off.
• 😀 The t-shirt features diagonal lines and knitting defects, often a result of high-speed knitting machines or tension issues with the yarn.
• 😀 The t-shirt’s fabric is 100% cotton, but its softness may lead to faster wear and thinning over time, especially after frequent washing.
• 😀 The shirt's price is set at 130 Canadian dollars, but the reviewer questions whether it's worth the cost given its fabric quality and visible defects.
• 😀 The shirt has an interesting drop shoulder design, but the A-line cut results in excess fabric at the back, which could be reduced for a more streamlined fit.
• 😀 There are some noticeable stitching details, like the chain stitch, which provides added stretch and durability to the neck seam.
• 😀 The shirt's ribbing is reinforced with elastane to maintain its shape, though it was not mentioned in the care label.
• 😀 The review reveals that the fabric is mid-weight, with a GSM of 181, which is standard for men’s t-shirts but doesn't justify its high price point.
• 😀 The reviewer estimates that the cost to produce the t-shirt is likely around $5 to $6, suggesting that the price is not justified by the quality of the fabric or craftsmanship.
• 😀 In terms of value, the reviewer gives the shirt a score of 4 out of 10, comparing it to less expensive options from brands like Zara, and finds it underwhelming for the price.

Q & A

What is the main issue with the Kith sueded jersey bishop tee, according to the reviewer?

The main issue is the fabric, which feels overly soft due to the brushing process, leading to potential degradation over time. The reviewer suspects that repeated washing will cause the shirt to thin out and lose its quality.

What is the purpose of the A-line cut in the Kith t-shirt design?

The A-line cut is designed to accommodate a larger belly, providing a more comfortable fit. However, the reviewer mentions that this design creates excess fabric at the back, which could be avoided by tapering the shirt more.

What does the reviewer think of the fabric's durability after brushing?

The reviewer believes that the fabric's durability is compromised due to the brushing process, which raises fibers in the cotton jersey knit. Over time, these fibers will degrade, and the shirt will likely lose its softness and become thinner.

What is spirality in fabric, as mentioned in the review?

Spirality refers to the diagonal lines in the fabric, which can occur due to uneven tension during the knitting process or due to the twist of the yarn itself. The reviewer suggests this may be caused by running the knitting machine too fast.

How does the reviewer describe the t-shirt’s fit on the model?

The reviewer notes that the shirt has a drop shoulder design, which drapes the fabric straight down. However, the A-line cut results in excess fabric at the back, creating a tail-like effect.

What design changes does the reviewer suggest for improving the t-shirt's fit?

The reviewer suggests tapering the shirt to remove excess fabric at the back and moving the shoulder seam forward to improve the fabric's drape.

What is the overall opinion on the t-shirt's value for money?

The reviewer feels the t-shirt is overpriced at 130 CAD, especially considering the fabric defects and its overall quality. They believe a similar product could be found at a much lower price from brands like Zara.

How does the reviewer assess the workmanship of the Kith t-shirt?

The reviewer acknowledges that the workmanship is generally acceptable, though there are some small defects. They rate it a 7 out of 10, stating that it's commercially acceptable but not exceptional.

What does the reviewer think about the fabric’s GSM rating?

The reviewer notes that the fabric's GSM (grams per square meter) is 181, which is a standard midweight for men's t-shirts. They estimate that the fabric likely costs around $5 to $6 to make.

What is the overall final rating given to the Kith t-shirt by the reviewer?

The reviewer gives the Kith t-shirt a final rating of 4 out of 10 for value, 6 out of 10 for fabric quality, and 7 out of 10 for workmanship, based on the issues with the fabric and the high price.