The t-shirt is one of the most ubiquitous items of clothing in the world, worn everywhere from the gym to the red carpet. Shirt suppliers and retailers around the globe produce them, making the shirt an international icon.
This common clothing item, however, has a rich history, a number variations, and many surprising trivia facts—let’s take a closer look.
History and Origins
The t-shirt originated around the end of the 18th century, evolving from traditional one-piece undergarments. These began to be cut in half, producing a pair of leggings and an undershirt. Many industrial workers or those in hot climates began wearing the undershirt alone, and soon they caught on as work wear.
By the sixties, t-shirts were the casual clothing of choice, and today everybody wears them.
The Basics
T-shirts draw their name from the T shape made by the arms and body of the shirt. The most common shirts are short-sleeved, although long-sleeved variations also exist. Both rounded necks and V-necks are common.
T-shirts are popular because of their low price—good plain t-shirts can be purchased for only a few dollars, and they are often given away for free as an advertising practice.
