Guide Note

T-shirts are a type of clothing that cover the upper body and are usually short sleeved. T-shirts come in a wide variety of colors and styles and are designed for men, women, and children. Originally worn as undergarments, T-shirts have become a staple in fashion today.

Fast Facts

1. Originally considered an undergarment
2. Have short sleeves
3. Most have a rounded collar
4. Since 1980s they have become an extremely popular fashion trend
5. Notable T-shirt Trends: Tie Dye, Screen Printing, Iron-Ons

The original T-shirts began as a type of undershirt back in the 19th century because of their lightweight nature. It wasn't until after World War II that the short sleeved shirt hit mainstream and was seen without covering. In the late 1940s t-shirts with printed slogans began making their mark and in the early 1950s political shirts created for candidates such as Dwight Eisenhower were seen on everyday people as well as celebrities.

With the beginning of political statement T-shirts, the decades following the 1950's continued with the trend of combining pop culture and world issues onto the front of shirts. The statements on some t-shirts have even caused upheaval at schools and workplaces for their sometimes offensive nature or strong political beliefs. While some t-shirts are strictly worn for fashion and humor, such as Snorg Tees, others such as Free Jena Six T-shirts have received national attention.