Evolution of the T-Shirt

[vintage68]

Does anyone know about the evolution of the T-shirt? Whence did it come?

Am I correct in assuming it went from the wife beater, to the crew neck, to the v neck?

For the period from, say the 1920-1939, what was generally worn?

Thanks!

 

[dr greg]

under current

I always assumed they were originally military underwear that became popularised by Dean, Brando et al, and the 'wifebeater' as you call it was a garment with a completely different development, (in this country at least).

 

[Fletch]

Tees as underwear date to at least WW1:

The American T-Shirt began during WWI when American troops noticed European soldiers wearing a comfortable and lightweight cotton undershirt during the hot and humid European summer days. Compared to the wool uniforms that the American soldiers wore, these undershirts were cooler and more comfortable and they quickly caught on with the Americans. Due to their simple design, these shirts became known in the USA as "T" shirts or, as we know them now, "T-Shirts".

By the 1920's, "T-Shirt" had become an official word in the American English language with it's inclusion in Merriam-Webster's Dictionary. By W.W. II, both the Navy and the Army had included the T-Shirt as standard issue underwear.

Another forebear is the crew neck polo shirt, adapted from the old French boatman's shirt and generally popular by the mid 30s. At the time it was always horizontally striped.

A modern example in suitable retro-style.