Printed T-Shirts

The modern t-shirt has come a long way since its humble beginnings in 19th century New York. Initially known as the 'union suit,' this one-piece white garment featured buttons at the front for easy closure. Due to its success at keeping workers warm in cold weather, the t-shirt became widely used as an undershirt. However, it wasn't until the 1940s that it truly gained acceptance as an outerwear garment on its own. T-shirts have had a colorful history. Originally made of wool, linen, and other natural fibers, T-shirts had become iconic garments throughout popular culture. Cotton only became widely popular in the 1930s as a primary material for t-shirts due to its lightweight nature and ease of washing. Workers needed something lightweight yet washable when the weather got warm; cotton became an ideal option. The earliest documented T-shirts were those worn by workers restuffing the Scarecrow in 1939's "The Wizard of Oz," as well as Life Magazine's cover in 1942. But it wasn't until movie stars like Marlon Brando made them fashionable instead of undergarments. Printed Tees became increasingly popular during the 1960s, as screen printing and tie-dyeing became increasingly popular. They quickly became the go-to garment of rockabillys, hippies and political protestors alike. Military personnel also donned uniforms with their branch and training program printed on the front. These shirts served as forms of advertising and marketing, used for recruitment purposes as well as souvenirs.