The Mystery Of "Not T-Shirts": What Does This Phrase Mean?

The 'T' in T-shirt refers to the T shape of the body and sleeves of this garment. T-shirts are typically collarless, short-sleeved, and made of a stretchy, lightweight, and inexpensive fabric such as cotton. They are easy to clean and have become a staple in casual wardrobes worldwide.

T-shirt history

The T-shirt, named after the T-shape of its body and sleeves, is a versatile piece of clothing that has become a wardrobe staple for many. While T-shirt-like clothing can be traced back to medieval times, the history of the modern T-shirt is a more recent invention.

The Early Years

The T-shirt is believed to have evolved from undergarments used in the 19th century. Initially, T-shirts served as undershirts, providing a protective layer beneath outer garments. The first T-shirts are thought to have been created during the Spanish-American War of 1898. In the 1910s, the T-shirt became part of the military kit, with the US Navy adopting the white cotton-knit T-shirt as the official underwear to wear with their uniforms in 1913. The T-shirt's lightweight, breathable fabric made it ideal for sailors and Marines working in warm climates.

Gaining Popularity

In the 1920s, the term "T-shirt" became part of American English, and it was officially recognised when F. Scott Fitzgerald used the word in his novel, "This Side of Paradise." During the 1930s, T-shirts started to gain popularity among civilians, with companies like Sears selling white cotton T-shirts. The comfort and lightweight nature of T-shirts made them desirable, especially with the advent of central heating.

Cultural Icon

The T-shirt underwent a remarkable transformation in the 20th century, becoming a cultural and fashion icon. During World War II, T-shirts became associated with military heroism and masculine virility, as portrayed in magazines and films. Cultural figures like Marlon Brando and James Dean further popularised the casual style of wearing T-shirts as stand-alone items, shaping their perception as symbols of individuality and youthful rebellion.

A Medium for Expression

The 1960s and 1970s saw the rise of the graphic tee, with the introduction of multi-colour garment screen printing. T-shirts became a medium for self-expression, cultural commentary, and wearable art. They were used to convey political statements, protest messages, and to promote bands and brands. The customisability of T-shirts made them accessible to everyone, from rock stars to hippies, contributing to their widespread adoption.

A Wardrobe Staple

By the 1980s and 1990s, the T-shirt had become a wardrobe staple, embraced by mainstream culture. The emergence of hip-hop, grunge, and supermodels like Kate Moss further solidified the T-shirt's place in fashion. It became a canvas for self-expression, with slogan tees gaining popularity among celebrities and Hollywood stars. The T-shirt's simplicity, versatility, and ability to adapt to all situations have ensured its enduring popularity.

T-shirt fabric

T-shirts are typically made from knit fabric, usually cotton or a cotton blend, and are stretchy. T-shirt knit fabric is perfect for sewing T-shirts, lightweight pullovers, and pyjamas. It is soft, stable, and easy to sew with, as it has minimal curling. T-shirt fabric is usually a 2-way stretch, but 4-way stretch fabrics are also available.

T-shirt knit fabric is typically 100% cotton or a cotton blend. Cotton is a natural fibre that is soft, breathable, and absorbent, making it a comfortable and practical choice for T-shirts. Cotton T-shirt fabric is machine washable and can be tumble-dried on a low heat setting. It is important to pre-wash cotton fabric before sewing to prevent shrinkage after the garment is made.

Cotton blend T-shirt fabrics usually combine cotton with synthetic fibres such as polyester or rayon. These blends can offer benefits such as increased durability, wrinkle resistance, and reduced shrinkage. Synthetic fibres can also add stretch to the fabric, making the T-shirt more comfortable and form-fitting.

In addition to cotton and cotton blends, other speciality fabrics can also be used for T-shirts. For example, modal spandex jersey fabric is known for being softer and smoother than cotton spandex, while bamboo fabric is a sustainable and silky option.

T-shirt shape

The T-shirt is a classic piece of clothing that has become a staple in wardrobes across the globe. Its shape is simple yet versatile, consisting of a collarless, short-sleeved design that can be pulled on over the head. Typically, T-shirts are made from cotton or similar materials, offering comfort and breathability.

The T-shirt's shape has remained largely unchanged since its inception, with its defining features being short sleeves, a crew neck, and a pull-over style. This combination provides ease of wear and a casual look, making it a go-to choice for everyday wear and layering.

While the standard T-shirt shape is consistent, variations do exist, catering to different preferences and needs. Some T-shirts may have longer sleeves, extending to elbow-length or three-quarter lengths, providing more coverage and style options. Additionally, T-shirts can be found in various necklines, including V-necks, scoop necks, and boat necks, each offering a unique twist on the classic shape.

The length of a T-shirt can also vary, with some styles featuring a longer, tunic-like shape, while others may be cropped, hitting at the waist or just above it. These variations in length allow for different styling options and cater to diverse fashion tastes.

The T-shirt's shape is often utilised as a blank canvas for self-expression through graphic designs, slogans, and artwork. Its simple silhouette serves as an ideal backdrop for showcasing creativity, whether it's through personalised designs, band merchandise, or artistic collaborations.

In summary, the T-shirt's shape is characterised by its short sleeves, collarless neckline, and pull-over style, offering a versatile and comfortable garment that has become a cornerstone of modern fashion. Its adaptability and universal appeal have ensured its enduring popularity, making it a timeless piece in the ever-evolving world of fashion.

T-shirt designs

T-shirts are a versatile garment, and their simple design lends itself well to a variety of different styles and decorative options.

The T-shirt's evolution from undergarment to outerwear in the mid-20th century opened up a world of possibilities for its use as a medium for self-expression, advertising, and fashion. The basic design of a T-shirt is a collarless, short-sleeved shirt, usually made from cotton, with a round neckline (known as a crew neck). This simple template provides a blank canvas for a huge variety of different designs and decorative options.

Screen printing is the most common form of commercial T-shirt decoration, allowing for a wide range of colours and designs, from photographs to art and political statements. The development of plastisol ink in 1959 allowed for much more variety in T-shirt designs, with its durability and stretchiness making it ideal for use on different coloured fabrics. This has led to the rise of T-shirts as a popular form of merchandise, with companies using them to display their branding, logos, and messages as part of their advertising campaigns. T-shirts are also a popular choice for souvenirs, with tourist destinations often selling T-shirts with humorous phrases or images relating to the location.

The T-shirt's simple design has also made it a popular choice for DIY fashion projects, with many tutorials available online that provide instructions on how to modify an old T-shirt into something new and fashionable. Tie-dyeing, screen-printing, airbrushing, embroidery, and applique are all techniques that can be used to decorate a plain T-shirt, allowing for a huge amount of customisation and personal expression.

The versatility of the T-shirt means it has become a staple garment in wardrobes around the world, with its simple design providing a blank canvas for endless creative possibilities.

T-shirt as self-expression

T-shirts are a simple piece of clothing, typically with short sleeves, no collar, and made from stretchy, light, and inexpensive fabric. They are often worn as the only item of clothing on the top half of the body.

Since the 1960s, T-shirts have become a form of self-expression, with people using them to display any combination of words, art, and photographs. They are also used for advertising, with companies using them to display their corporate logos and messages as part of their advertising campaigns. T-shirts are inexpensive to produce and are often part of fast fashion, with two billion sold worldwide per year.

T-shirts have been used to make political and personal statements, with some designs potentially causing offense. They are also used to commemorate events, with people wearing them to make a stand or to show their support for a cause. They can be used to display humorous messages or images, with some people even trading the T-shirts they are wearing.

The modern T-shirt evolved from undergarments used in the 19th century. In the mid-20th century, it transitioned from undergarments to general-use casual clothing. They were first issued as undergarments by the U.S. Navy in 1913, and they became popular as casual clothing after being worn by Navy men following World War II. T-shirts became fashionable stand-alone garments in the 1950s after Marlon Brando wore one in 'A Streetcar Named Desire'.

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