Fun Facts: Chronological History of T-shirts
Apr 21st 2023
T-shirts have evolved significantly since their creation in the late 19th century. Originally worn as undershirts, they became popular as stand-alone garments during the 1950s and 1960s. Here are some key milestones in the evolution of t-shirts:
- 1898: The first t-shirts were created as undershirts for the U.S. Navy.
- 1913: The term "t-shirt" was coined in a reference to the shape of the garment.
- 1930s: T-shirts became popular among farmers and laborers, who found them to be more comfortable than traditional shirts.
- 1950s: T-shirts gained mainstream popularity as part of the "greaser" subculture, thanks in part to movies like Rebel Without a Cause.
- 1960s: Tie-dye and screen printing techniques were developed, allowing for more elaborate designs on t-shirts.
- 1970s: T-shirts became a popular form of self-expression, with slogans and graphics becoming more common.
- 1980s: The popularity of athletic wear led to the creation of performance t-shirts made from moisture-wicking fabrics.
- 1990s: Oversized t-shirts became popular among hip-hop artists and fans.
- 2000s: T-shirts with online memes and viral phrases became popular on the internet.
- Today: T-shirts continue to be a staple of casual fashion, with a wide range of styles and designs available. Popular styles are the Gildan g500, Next Level 3600, Bella + Canvas 3413c, Hanes 5170 and so many more.