The Origins of T-Shirts
The T-shirt, as we know it today, has its roots in men's underwear. In the late 19th century, workers in the United States and Europe wore wool undershirts that offered comfort and absorbed sweat. However, these shirts were often uncomfortable and impractical for intense physical labor.
The invention of the modern T-shirt can be attributed to the United States Navy. During the Spanish-American War in 1898, the Navy began issuing sailors short-sleeved white undershirts made of lightweight cotton. These shirts, called " T-shirts " for their T-shaped shape, were cool, comfortable, and easily washable, quickly becoming popular among servicemen.
The Popularity of T-Shirts in the 20th Century
In the 1920s, T-shirts began to be worn as casual wear by men and boys. However, it was during World War II that T-shirts truly conquered the public. American soldiers wore them as part of their equipment, and upon their return home, they continued to use them in everyday life.
In the 1950s, T-shirts became a symbol of youthful rebellion thanks to film icons like Marlon Brando in "A Streetcar Named Desire" and James Dean in "Rebel Without a Cause." These actors made the T-shirt a fashionable item, associated with a rebellious and nonconformist attitude.
T-shirts as a means of expression
In the 1960s and 1970s, T-shirts evolved from simple clothing items to a means of personal expression. With the advent of screen printing techniques, T-shirts began to be decorated with slogans, images, and designs, allowing people to express their political opinions, beliefs, and passions.
T-shirts also became a staple of pop culture, with bands, artists, and companies using the garment as a marketing tool.