Today, the t-shirt is perhaps one of the most popular items of clothing in the wardrobe of both men and women. The classic t-shirts are buttonless, with crew neck, short or long sleeve and dress the bust to the hips. If you are curious to discover the origins of this accessory, starting with the name, continue reading and you will be amazed at the story of a cult garment, among a thousand curiosities.
When does the t-shirt come into being?
While some fashion and costume experts date the origins of the T-shirt back to the time of the Etruscans and the ancient Romans, it was during the First World War that the T-shirt was used in common clothing. It was in this painful period that the cotton T-shirt used by European troops was discovered by the American army: it immediately became a widespread item of clothing under the uniform of the Marines. It is a simple garment, easy to dress, easy to wash and iron, comfortable under the military uniform. You have therefore also understood the foreign origin of the wording t-shirt that can derive both from the T-shirt shape and the word training that refers precisely to the hard training of the American military troops.
The spread in the post-war period
The T-shirt spread in a capillary way between the first and second world wars, but it is especially after the war that it became a real cult garment, just think of the t-shirts worn in the films of the great sex symbols such as James Dean and Marlo Brando, in the films that tell of the myth of the beautiful and damned motorcyclist, in which the T-shirt is a basic garment under the leather jacket or worn alone as the protagonist. It is thanks to these Hollywood stars of the glorious cinema of the 50s that the T-shirt is cleared through customs and becomes a fundamental accessory in a casual and sporty outfit.
The birth of colorful and personalized t-shirts
Very soon the fashion and advertising industries realized the enormous potential of the t-shirt, on which you can write and express many different messages, and this is the shot that generates the first personalized t-shirt, such as those depicting the cartoons of Walt Disney, such as Donald Duck and Mickey Mouse.
The T-shirt in the 70s and 80s
The era of printed t-shirts, such as those designed by designer Vivienne Westwood, began in this creative period, and the women’s t-shirt became an item that can be found on the catwalks of Haute Couture, not only did fashion designers and stylists begin to introduce personalised t-shirts, but this garment also became a fetish in rock bands such as the legendary Ramones. The English punk group uses the t-shirt to express provocative concepts, messages of protest and breaking with extreme ease: a simple outfit, consisting of a shirt and a pair of torn trousers, is a very strong expressive method through the power of music and the stage in concerts.
The writing NO LOGO
In the 80’s the T-shirt became a real flag in the writings of Katherine Hamnett, with a well recognizable font in black cubic characters on a white background. The writings deal with political, social, environmental protection and against pollution of the sea, for civil rights, for respect for women and violence in general. These personalized t-shirts are still widespread today, they are a garment widely used by designers such as Moschino or Dolce & Gabbana. The same group of Wham draws heavily from the fashion of the t-shirt, exhibiting in concerts pacifist writings, with the aim of enhancing love and respect for people.
The ’90s T-shirt
Finally, you nostalgics can’t forget the legendary ultra-short t-shirts that left your belly uncovered, with wide sleeves and flared sides. Ultra-colored, they were worn with tight pants, high-waisted jeans, leggings and shoes with high uppers in the style of All Stars.
What are the fabrics used
What distinguishes a T-shirt from other items of clothing, in addition to the shape, is also the thickness of the fabric. Generally the t-shirts are made of 100% cotton, but also in yarns mixed wool (as in underwear) or synthetic or artificial fibers (such as viscose).
