The Saga Of The T-Shirt - Shopping

How many times have you picked out a t-shirt when deciding on what to wear? I know I do it on a daily basis.

The t-shirt has been a staple of the modern-day wardrobe for so long as most consumers can remember. Most people alive nowadays have grown up in a world where the t-shirt is a portion of every day life. Yet the term t-shirt didn't enter the English Dictionary till the 1920's and didn't enter mainstream culture till the 1960's.

Initially the t-shirt was billed as an undergarment, and in the 19th century the t-shirt developed from an one piece "union suit" under garment in to a two piece top and bottom. In World War I, the American Troop were dressed in wool uniforms during the hot summer days until they noticed the European troops being dressed in cotton undershirts. The t-shirt caught on fast and by World War II the Army and Navy integrated them in their uniforms.

At the time the t-shirt was still viewed as underwear and it wasn't until the 1950's when popular actors such as Marlon Brando, John Wayne, James Dean decided to shock America by wearing their "underwear" on Television. James Dean really helped to make the t-shirt an American standard in the 1955 movie Rebel Without a Cause.

The t-shirt was economical and in fashion. It could even make a statement. In the 1960's decorating techniques like screen printing and the tie-dye became popular. In the late sixties, knowing there was money to be made in printed t-shirts, the t-shirt industry began to sky-rocket. Rock Bands, Sports Teams, and Artists led the way for the t-shirt to be sealed into American culture and the officially licensed t-shirt was born.

In the 80's and 90's the output volume of t-shirts, particularly screen printed shirts, increased dramatically. This caused the t-shirt to turn into a commodity in the apparel world. As we move into the 2000's and beyond the trend will carry on. We've already seen the change from the clunkier t-shirts of the 80's and 90's to a far more form fitted t-shirt with a softer cotton.

It's difficult, or should I say impossible, to leave your house any more and not see a person in a t-shirt. They are a staple of the American wardrobe. They come in all colors, shapes, sizes, and can cause emotion or signify a brand. Whether you wear funny t-shirts or t-shirts from your favorite brand, they are a part of our culture and aren't going away any time soon.

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