Before you start reading this article, can I request that you do one simple thing? Head over to your wardrobe and see the number of T-shirts you have. I can bet that you must have them in different shapes, sizes, styles, colors, and cuts.
Open any wardrobe, and you will likely find the same story. T-shirts have become the most preferred and convenient piece of apparel in our clothing line-up. In addition to convenience, they have style and panache and have come to be associated with an alternative rebel fashion culture.
However, did you know that the t-shirt was not as iconic or attitude-laden the first time it came into existence? In this article, we are going to look back at the history of t-shirts and it’s different types that have altered the world of fashion, unlike anything else before and after it.
The Humble Origins of the T-Shirt: Used by Sailors and Labourers as an Underwear
Looking to trace the original history of t-shirts? The earliest records of the origins of the t-shirt date back to the late 19th century.
In that period, the t-shirt was used by laborers who were working in mills and mines as a piece of underwear.
They used to wear a T-shirt inside their jumpsuits as it would help in absorbing all the sweat in the summer months because of the high temperatures.
In the winter months, it was an easy way to help workers keep warm and allowed them to work without wearing cumbersome clothing, which would prevent them from working in a flexible fashion.
Historians recall that the t-shirt in its modern avatar made its way sometime between the American Mexican Wars of 1898 and the First World War of 1914.
Soldiers started wearing them beneath their uniforms. In 1913, the US Navy was the first government agency that started issuing formal and official t-shirts to their sailors.
It was in 1920 when the word t-shirt was first ‘written down’ by American short story writer and novelist Scott F. Fitzgerald.
The name of the novel was ‘This Side of Paradise.’ You can understand how fascinating the history of t-shirts is.
How Did the T-Shirt Become a Symbol of Glamour and Style?
We do not credit the armed forces enough for giving us several pieces of clothing that have become monumental style icons. Like the t-shirt, you have the bomber jacket, fatigue prints, cargo, and so on.
The first time the humble t-shirt was truly glamorized was when it was worn by American Hollywood Star Marlon Brando in 1950.
In the now-legendary movie, ‘A Streetcar Named Desire, Marlon Brando donned a white t-shirt, and the rest, as they say, is history.
James Dean, another Hollywood heartthrob of the times, wore a t-shirt in the movie, ‘A Rebel Without A Cause’ in 1955.
Both these stars were at the top of their game, and soon enough, sales of t-shirts picked up in a major way.
Following these two movies, several other actors, hip-hop stars, and sportsmen started appearing on television, in magazines, and on billboards sporting t-shirts.
A white t-shirt complemented by a pair of blue denim and a Ray-Ban became the symbol of fashion in the US and in other parts of the world.
The T-Shirt: A Symbol of Political Rebellion and Social Unrest
Both Brando and Dean were seen as youth icons. They were also seen as individuals who were not willing to toe the line set by the established society.
In a very short period, the t-shirt became associated as a sign of rebellion and unrest.
It started appearing in protests, colleges, and street corners and became associated with anti-establishment.
You need to understand that historically, as a garment, the T-shirt was meant to be worn as innerwear.
Wearing something in public that is not too in fashion and is not meant to be worn, signaled rebellion from youngsters the world over.
According to leading fashion artist Dennis Nothdruft, the t-shirt was probably one of the toughest and strongest political statements that were ever made.
This was in total contradiction to what was worn by the powerful and rich members of society- Three Piece Suits.
In a way, the individual wearing a flimsy t-shirt was seen as raising a challenge to the wealthy and powerful members of society who would don multiple clothing at the same time.
Printed and Graphic T-Shirts: What Did They Come to Symbolize?
In the 1950s, a company known as Tropix Togs acquired the licenses to print Disney characters on T-shirts.
Up until now, the multi-billion-dollar industry of t-shirt printing has not come into existence. In the 1960s, Screen printing was developed for the first time.
The period also saw a lot of domestic and international strife thanks to the Vietnam War. Americans already had the t-shirt as a symbol of rebellion.
Screen printing allowed them to type slogans, messages, and clarion calls on their t-shirts.
The t-short became a platform or a medium of sorts to convey dissent and showcase messages to television channels, newspapers, and media houses.
The t-shirt became a blank canvas for the masses who could not enter any political comments, slogans, or protest cries as they deemed fit. According to Nothdruft, the t-shirt was a truly fluid and democratic garment of the masses.
Why People Choose To Wear T-Shirts?
We have gone through a brief history Of T-shirts, and it is safe to say that people have optimized T-shirts more than any other wear. It is possible because T-shirts have some obvious advantages. Let’s go through it here so that you have a better understanding of the subject.
Comfort: T-shirts are extremely comfortable to wear. You can use them on different occasions and even in activities like hiking and spending quality time with friends.
Versatility: Another reason why people wear T-shirts is versatility. The personalized T-shirts showcase your style statement.
Professionalism: The uniform T-shirts are a hallmark of professional wear. You can use them to give presentations and appear at official events. Most importantly, they are cost-effective, and this is why they are preferable to wear in every nook and corner of the world.
The Final Analysis Of The History Of T-Shirt
The t-shirt is still going very strong and continues to inspire protest movements and stories in our world today.
Celebrity fashion designer Christian Dior once walked a model on the runway wearing a white t-shirt with the message- ‘We Should All Be Feminists.’
From being fun and having Disney characters to being powerful mediums of upstaging governments and mobilizing the masses, the humble t-shirt has come a long way.
Additional Reading:
