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History of The T Shirt

The t-shirt originated as an undergarment in the late 19th century when laborers and soldiers would cut the sleeves off their undershirts. In the 1920s, new knitting technology allowed t-shirts to be mass produced as lighter, form-fitting undershirts. The t-shirt transformed in the 1950s when Marlon Brando and James Dean wore them in movies, skyrocketing their popularity as outerwear. In the 1970s, counterculture movements used t-shirts as platforms for messages and protests, establishing them as powerful means of expression. Today, t-shirts are an essential global fashion item accepted from undershirts to high fashion statements.

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198 views2 pages

History of The T Shirt

The t-shirt originated as an undergarment in the late 19th century when laborers and soldiers would cut the sleeves off their undershirts. In the 1920s, new knitting technology allowed t-shirts to be mass produced as lighter, form-fitting undershirts. The t-shirt transformed in the 1950s when Marlon Brando and James Dean wore them in movies, skyrocketing their popularity as outerwear. In the 1970s, counterculture movements used t-shirts as platforms for messages and protests, establishing them as powerful means of expression. Today, t-shirts are an essential global fashion item accepted from undershirts to high fashion statements.

Uploaded by

Miranti
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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The History of the T-shirt

Read the article and answer the questions.


Have you ever wondered how the t-shirt became such an iconic feature of global fashion and culture?
Originally designed as an undergarment, the t-shirt has transformed into one of the most popular and
practical items of clothing.
The origins of the t-shirt date back to the late 19th century, when
occupations such as laborers and the military would cut the sleeves off
their undergarments to keep cool in hot weather. The garment’s evolution
to a lighter weight knit fabric occurred during the 1920s. New knitting
technology meant that the t-shirt could be mass-produced in a more form-
fitting shape. Nonetheless, it continued to be seen as an undershirt.

The most dramatic transformation of the t-shirt began in


Hollywood. In the 1950s, Marlon Brando and James Dean
famously wore white t-shirts in Hollywood movies. The
popularity of the t-shirt as an outerwear garment
skyrocketed. Not only was the t-shirt as an outer-garment
However, it wasn’t until the ’70s that t-shirts became
becoming acceptable, but it was also, increasingly being
the striking messaging platform that we know today.
associated with an attitude of protest. And as the 1950s
For this, we can thank counterculture movements such
rolled on, a number of companies in Miami, Florida began
as punk and rock music, and protests against the
experimenting with garment decoration. In addition,
Vietnam War. These social movements really helped
wrinkle-free cotton-polyester t-shirts emerged in the
establish the t-shirt as a messaging platform.
mid-1960s to turbo-charge their acceptance as outerwear.
By the 1990s the t-shirt had joined the ranks of high
fashion. Fashion designers began experimenting with
different styles of t-shirts, while adding artistic slogans.
Then, celebrities started wearing t-shirts to major
events. For example, the actress Sharon Stone wore a t-
shirt to the Academy Awards in 1996.

Today, the t-shirt is accepted as an essential item of global fashion culture. It transformed from an
undergarment to outerwear and from a mass market business to a fashion business. In fact, it's become
so pervasive, that it’s hard to imagine any wardrobe without a T-shirt.

1. What was the original purpose of the t-shirt?

2. When did the t-shirt become popular as an outerwear garment?

3. What happened in the 1950s to transform the t-shirt business?

4. How did t-shirts a powerful messaging platform?

5. How has the t-shirt transformed over time?

6. In your opinion, what are some of the benefits of the t-shirt

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