The t-shirt has come quite a long way since it was originally designed as an undergarment. Now, it is one of the most popular clothing items in the world. It’s popular because it is comfortable, versatile, and affordable. Today, wholesale t-shirts at Wordans are a fashion statement in their own right and can be found in a huge variety of styles, colors, and designs. But how did this simple piece of clothing become so popular?
The Origins
The first t-shirts were designed in the late 19th century as undergarments for factory workers. They were made from a cheap, sturdy fabric called “hickory stripe” and had no buttons or collars. The shirts quickly became popular among workers because they were comfortable to wear and easy to wash.
In the early 20th century, the U.S. military adopted the t-shirt as standard issue underwear for soldiers. During World War II, millions of t-shirts were printed with patriotic slogans and sent to soldiers overseas.
Transition to a Fashionable Item
It was in the 1950s that the t-shirt became a fashion item. Marlon Brando wore a plain white t-shirt in his 1951 film “A Streetcar Named Desire,” making it look both tough and sexy. James Dean followed suit in his 1955 film “Rebel Without A Cause.” Suddenly, every teenage boy wanted to wear a plain white t-shirt like their favorite movie stars.
In the 1960s, tie-dyeing and screen printing became popular ways to decorate t-shirts, and artists like Andy Warhol began using them as canvases for their pop art designs. In the 1970s, designer Ralph Lauren introduced his now iconic Polo shirt, which featured a small logo on the chest pocket. The 1980s saw the rise of designer labels such as Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger, whose logos were emblazoned across their trendy new t-shirts.
Styling T-shirts the Contemporary Way
Today, t-shirts are a wardrobe staple for not only men but many women. One popular way to style a t-shirt is by layering it under a slip dress or overalls. This creates an interesting silhouette and adds some extra coverage. Another way is wearing it with high-waisted pants or a skirt. Tucking the shirt into your bottoms helps create a more polished look.
People also experiment with different sleeve lengths and necklines to change up the look of their t-shirts. For example, you can try pairing a cropped t-shirt with wide-leg pants or layer a long-line t-shirt over a fitted dress.
In conclusion, the t-shirt has come a long way since its modest beginnings as an undergarment. It has become a staple in many people’s wardrobes and a popular fashion item all over the world.
