We all have them. Worn in and frayed edge tees that we beat around the house on a Saturday morning in. Plain white crewneck, a v-neck with a sports or band logo, everyone has a fav. We all have them and kids love them. Mine in particular love to throw on their favorite sports tees and head out for pick up games in the park. Kids wear them everyday, but do you know when the t-shirt began? Here are a few tid-bits of trivia on the beloved tee.
- Developed from cutting the one-piece undergarment “union suit” of the 19th century into a top and bottom.
- Became popular with the U.S. Navy during the Spanish American War
- Gained popularity during World War II with American soldiers in Europe clothed in traditional undergarments whose European counterparts wearing much more comfortable in lighter t-shirts
- Get their name (you guessed it) from its shape
- Although part of casual wear post World War II, it was Marlon Brando who elevated the tee to popular fashion
- The first screen printed shirts appeared in the 1950’s
Do you have a long-lived and loved tee? Do you have a favorite shirt that you just can’t part with (or some one else’s you can’t get rid of)? Share your story here, we would love to hear from you!
Comments