The t-shirt is a staple of our wardrobe today, but its origins are surprisingly simple. Originally, the t-shirt began as a functional garment, namely underwear. In the 19th century, people wore so-called union suits, bodysuits with long sleeves and legs, designed to keep the body warm in a time without central heating. This underwear, intended to be purely functional, would eventually evolve into one of the most popular and versatile garments ever. From army uniform to a symbol of youth culture and pop art, the t-shirt has taken a fascinating journey through history and fashion. In this blog post, we dive deeper into the evolution of this simple yet powerful garment.
The Cotton T-shirt
The evolution of the t-shirt really began to take shape when two companies focused on the development of these comfortable garments. On the one hand, there was British manufacturer Thomas A. Hill & Co. which introduced lightweight long-sleeved cotton undershirts. This was a revolutionary step in the transformation of traditional underwear into something more like the modern T-shirt. Hill’s cotton designs were not only lighter but also more practical for everyday wear.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the ocean, American textile merchant Jacob Goldfarb was marketing an even more sophisticated t-shirt-like garment. Under the brand name Fruit of the Loom – a name we still encounter in our closets today – he introduced a shorter, sleeveless design that was closer to the modern t-shirt. This garment quickly became popular for its comfort and versatility, and since then Fruit of the Loom has become a global symbol of everyday fashion. What began as functional underwear quickly became an essential part of our everyday outfits thanks to these pioneers
How its popularity began
The t-shirt’s popularity got a running start during World War II when American soldiers wore it as part of their uniform. The t-shirt quickly became associated with heroism and masculinity, making it an iconic garment. Yet it took until after the war for it to become socially accepted to wear a t-shirt as outerwear, without anything over it.
In the 1950s, the t-shirt grew to become a symbol of rebellion and youth culture. Hollywood played a crucial role in this: Marlon Brando put the t-shirt on the map in the film A Streetcar Named Desire (1951), definitively confirming his status as a sex symbol. James Dean followed suit in Rebel Without a Cause (1955), making the t-shirt no longer just a functional garment, but a style statement for an entire generation.
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Prime Time: The T-shirt Revolution in Full Run
Starting in the 1950s, printing technology took great leaps, and with it, the t-shirt broke through as more than just clothing – it became a canvas for promotion. Brands, politicians, and celebrities began using the t-shirt to spread their message. In the 1960s, band t-shirts became insanely popular, with legendary acts such as The Beatles building their fashion empire.
The 1970s brought a new wave of t-shirts with striking slogans, political messages, and iconic tie-dye patterns, which became hugely popular, especially in the U.S. One of the most famous t-shirts from this period is Milton Glaser’s world-famous “I ♥ NY” design from 1977. This simple but powerful design was meant to polish New York’s image, and it worked – cities worldwide followed suit for tourists.
The T-shirt Today
In the 1980s and 1990s, the t-shirt increasingly became a signboard for brands. Large logos adorned the chest of many a wearer, and the garment grew to become an important marketing tool. From sports brands to music groups, the t-shirt became the means to identify yourself with your favorite brands or artists.
Today, it is impossible to imagine the fashion world without a t-shirt. It is a versatile garment used to express ideas, fashion, or just plain comfort – and it all started with a simple piece of underwear.
Does this blog inspire you and would like to get a t-shirt from Fruit of the Loom, or rather personalize your unique t-shirt? With our handy personalization tool, you can easily and quickly add your designs. Take a look at Wordans and get further inspired via our Instagram @wearewordans
