Ah, the T-shirt. Simple, practical, universal. Today, it’s everywhere—from your closet to that of celebrities. Yet, the origin of the T-shirt is much more modest. Initially a discreet undergarment, its primary purpose was to absorb sweat for workers and soldiers. Over time, it evolved, becoming a symbol of rebellion, a canvas for messages, and an essential part of our wardrobe.
But how did we go from a purely functional “T-shaped shirt” to this symbol of casual style? Here’s the story of the T-shirt.
The origin of the T-shirt: birth of an iconic garment
A simple “T-shaped shirt” in the 19th century
The early history of the T-shirt is somewhat unclear. It’s believed that in the 19th century, workers wore what could be considered the T-shirt’s ancestor: a long-sleeved cotton undershirt designed to be worn under work uniforms. A simple, effective garment with a significant benefit—it protected the skin from rough outerwear. Not yet glamorous, but certainly practical.
The military revolution of the 1910s
The true turning point in T-shirt history came during World War I. On one side, French soldiers wore long-sleeved cotton undergarments. On the other, American soldiers in the US Navy had wool undershirts… Yes, wool. Seeking something lighter, more breathable, and easier to clean, the Americans borrowed the idea from the French. By 1919, a short-sleeved, lightweight cotton shirt became the official uniform of the US Navy.
From the 1930s to 1950s: the rise of a cultural symbol
From sports fields to college campuses
It wasn’t until the early 1930s that the T-shirt became a standalone garment. In 1932, football coach Howard Jones requested an absorbent shirt for his players, marking a transition to more versatile use. What was meant to be a simple sports garment quickly moved beyond stadiums. Students soon adopted it as a symbol of rebellion.
In 1938, the Sears chain spotted the potential of the T-shirt and launched the “gob shirt” (gob, meaning sailor). With a slogan as catchy as “You don’t have to be a soldier to have your own T-shirt!”, the brand popularized the garment.
A movie and style icon
The final consecration in T-shirt history? Hollywood. From the 1942 LIFE magazine cover featuring a soldier wearing a T-shirt to Marlon Brando and James Dean in the 1950s, the T-shirt became synonymous with masculinity, coolness, and rebellion. It gave wearers a laid-back, almost bad-boy look that emphasized muscular arms and torsos. The T-shirt became cool.
The 1970s: the T-shirt as a canvas for expression
By the 1970s, the T-shirt became much more than just a garment. Thanks to its simple design and easy-to-print fabric, it emerged as the perfect medium for slogans, logos, and motifs.
- Companies loved it: Logos became walking advertisements.
- Individuals embraced it: Humorous messages, political statements, declarations of love—the printed T-shirt allowed people to express ideas without saying a word.
It was also during this era that the T-shirt became a wardrobe staple, spanning all social classes.
So, what exactly is a T-shirt?
In the early days, T-shirts were produced using circular knitting machines, meaning there were no vertical seams on the sides. As an undergarment, T-shirt colors were fairly standard: white, gray, or green and blue for military use.
By design, the T-shirt has no buttons or ties at the neckline and is elastic enough to pull over the head. This is what distinguishes it from polos, shirts, etc. Speaking of necklines, let’s not forget V-neck T-shirts (also known as V-shirts), popularized by Michael Jackson.
The modern T-shirt: between fast fashion and ethical innovation
Today, the T-shirt is ubiquitous. Each year, billions are produced. Unfortunately, this success comes at a cost. In 2016 alone, over 13 billion T-shirts were made globally, contributing to significant environmental problems. Mass production has a massive ecological footprint, driven by intensive manufacturing methods and low costs.
But not all hope is lost. Brands like BLUEBUCK are proving that a different model is possible.
The story of BLUEBUCK T-shirts
When it comes to materials, the shift is toward more sustainable options like organic cotton, recycled polyester, or Tencel. At BLUEBUCK, we offer round-neck T-shirts, V-neck T-shirts, long-sleeve T-shirts, and even tank tops. Two materials take center stage:
- GOTS-certified organic cotton
- Tencel (60% Tencel, 40% recycled polyamide)
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The story of the T-shirt is one of a garment that has evolved to meet our needs and desires. From a discreet uniform to a symbol of rebellion, from fast fashion to ethical style, it continues to adapt. And above all, it remains a blank canvas ready to tell new stories… yours!