We read about what T-shirts are in our blog All You Need to know About T-shirts.
What interests us is how it evolved from ancient T-shirts to the designer T-shirts we wear today.
The T-shirt evolved from undergarments used in the 19th century. First, the one-piece union suit underwear was cut into separate top and bottom garments, with the top long enough to tuck under the waistband of the bottoms. With and without buttons, they were adopted by miners during the late 19th century as a convenient covering for hot environments.
As slip-on garments without buttons, the earliest T-shirt dates back to sometime between the 1898 Spanish-American War and 1913, when the U.S. Navy began issuing them as undergarments. These were crew-necked, short-sleeved, white cotton undershirt to be worn under a uniform. It became common for sailors and Marines in work parties, the early submarines, and tropical climates to remove their uniform jacket, wearing only the undershirt.
They soon became popular as a bottom layer of clothing for workers in various industries, including agriculture. The T-shirt was easily fitted, easily cleaned, and inexpensive, and for those reasons it became the shirt of choice for young boys. Boys' shirts were made in various colors and patterns.
US Merchant Marine Sailor in 1944
Printed T-shirts were in limited use by 1942 when an Air Corps Gunnery School T-shirt appeared on the cover of Life magazine. In the 1960s, printed T-shirts gained popularity for self-expression as well for advertisements, protests, and souvenirs.
Current versions are available in many different designs and fabrics, and styles include crew-neck and V-neck shirts. T-shirts are among the most worn garments of clothing used today. T-shirts are especially popular with branding for companies or merchandise, as they are inexpensive to make and purchase.
TRENDS :
T-shirts have also become a medium for self-expression and advertising, with any imaginable combination of words, art and photographs on display.
The rise of online shopping in the early-to-mid-2000s caused a proliferation of new T-shirt ideas and trends. While several brick-and-mortar chains included these items in their inventories, many of these shirts were pioneered by online start-ups. Innovations included the flip-up T-shirt, which the wearer can lift and stretch over their head to display an interior print, and all-over print clothing.
The Basic White Tee:
The classic white tee remains the most simple, yet essential and staple piece of clothing in fashion history. It is a basic, plain white cotton jersey crewneck, featuring two short sleeves. Over time, the basic white tee is being adopted by fashion designers, celebrities and the public in general. It symbolizes the success of the basic tee - back in the twentieth century, it resembles social status.
Read more at EVOLUTION OF T-SHIRTS PART 2
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