The T-shirt: In Constant Evolution

By Author: Jamie Hanson
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The t-shirt goes as far back as the 19th century in Europe where it was first worn as an undergarment. During the first World War, American soldiers noticed how comfortable the shirts were and by World War II, the t-shirt was already part of the uniforms of Army and Navy personnel. T-shirts still primarily functioned as an undergarment but American soldiers would often take off their jackets and wear only the shirts when the weather got unbearably warm.

The t-shirt would eventually become a fashion staple in America's closets.

Styles
T-shirts have become available in a variety of styles and are no longer just limited to the basic crew neck. There are V-neck shirts, oversized tops, boyfriend t-shirts and a host of other styles that fit both men and women, adults and children.

At the onset, t-shirts were a one-size-fits-all item as they were originally marketed to the male population. Over the years, the industry has seen changes to accommodate the different requirements of females. Soon, t-shirts fit women better as the styles have become more feminine. Features such as capped sleeves and lower ...
... necklines added a new dimension to the shirts. There have also been many developments on improving fit for men.

Colors and Fabrics
Black and white will always be a constant choice when it comes to t-shirt colors but these days, shirt colors have become more vivid and bold. While it is true that basic colors will always be the most popular, consumer buying behavior also says there is a market for brighter varieties.

Men' shirts traditionally came in navy blue and brown, aside from the basics black and white. But other colors seem to be getting a good reception from the male population. Some of these are:
- Chocolate brown
- Olive
- Steel blue

Women on the other hand are partial to brighter hues that is why pink and red are always popular.

Developments in color aren't the only changes adopted in t-shirt design. Designers are also experimenting on different types of t-shirt fabric. The traditional material for shirts is cotton but these days there are shirts made of sheer fabric, knits and stretch materials.

Prospects for the Future
There is reason to believe the t-shirt will continue to be a constant in people's wardrobes. T-shirts have become a part of America's culture that it's hard to imagine not ever wearing one. The t-shirt lends itself to versatility so that it is no longer considered mere casual wear. With a few embellishments and creative touches, a shirt can be worn on formal occasions, as well.

The green movement has also had an effect on the t-shirt industry. The future will see more shirt varieties that are made with eco-friendly materials. Comfort will remain to be a major consideration in t-shirt production, with manufacturers improving on softness and warmth. T-shirts will continue taking on added features such as protective properties. The recent years has already seen the development of stain repellent technology for t-shirts. These shirts can cover a wide customer base, from athletes to warehouse personnel and even those who work in fast food chains.

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