Firstly designed as underwear, the T-shirt has become the most ubiquitous item of clothing – and the most powerful!
Derived from the word “camisa”, T-shirt comes from the Latin “camisia”, which means “sleepwear”.
Thus, like other classics, the T-shirt also comes from the armed forces. Starting as a single piece that covered the torso, sleeves and legs.
Its origin dates back to the end of the 19th century, when workers cut their overalls in half to cool off in the hottest months of the year.
The first manufactured item was invented between 1898 and 1913, when the US Navy began issuing it as a basic T-shirt.
T-shirt icons!
Although it was created in the early 20th century, it was rare to see it used as anything other than a t-shirt.
It was not uncommon to see veterans wearing a t-shirt tucked into their pants after World War II, but otherwise, the t-shirts were almost exclusively worn under clothing.
Marlon Brando and James Dean
In 1950, Marlon Brando wore the famous white T-shirt as Stanley Kowalski in “A Streetcar Named Desire“.
Brando’s t-shirts were made especially for him, as a tight t-shirt did not exist at the time of the film’s production.
Wearing a T-shirt became a social message
In 1955, just when James Dean wore a T-shirt in Rebel Without a Cause, he would become the uniform for teenagers from all over America and Europe.
Iconic T-shirts that continue to impact Pop Culture
Sometimes our favorite piece of clothing can be as simple as a t-shirt.
But the truth is that, unlike any other piece of clothing, t-shirts work as a great way to express yourself.
A symbol of individualism, the T-shirt gives people control over their own identities
Through messages, images or practically any type of printed design.
Screen printing techniques have made printed T-shirts popular at youth culture festivals such as Woodstock.
After 100 years of his birth, many T-shirts have gained the status of the most iconic T-shirts that are unlikely to go out of style.
See below some more iconic t-shirts:
Ramones
The Ramones’ shirt has become an ubiquitous piece, a globally recognized design that maintains a link with the music made by the United States punk band.
Designed by the band’s creative director, Arturo Vega, in 1976, the resulting T-shirt has become one of the best-selling fashion items in recent decades.
I Love NY
I Love New York (stylized I ❤ NY) is a basic logo for an advertising campaign used since 1977 to promote tourism in the state of New York.
The logo was designed by graphic designer Milton Glaser in 1976 on the back of a taxi and was designed with red pencil on scratch paper.
The I Love NY print t-shirt has become an icon!
Mickey
In the 1950s, a company called Tropix Togs obtained permission from Disney to print some of the iconic cartoon characters.
The idea was to promote tourism and the Disney brand – and thus the advertising t-shirt was born.
The Mickey Mouse shirt is an icon of Pop Culture!
New York City
This photo of John Lennon, 34, wearing a New York City sleeveless shirt on a rooftop in New York, has become one of his most iconic photos.
The photo was taken by Lennon’s photographer and friend, Bob Gruen, on the afternoon of August 29, 1974 at Lennon’s penthouse apartment in New York.
Your t-shirt may not be the best selling, but it sure became an icon!
Pink Floyd
Another classic rock icon, the Pink Floyd graphic shirt “Dark Side of the Moon” will always be a must-have item for many rock fans.
David Bowie
Aladdin Sane is the sixth studio album by British musician David Bowie, released by RCA Records in 1973.
It was the first album that Bowie composed and released as a genuine rock star.
The album cover became a t-shirt and is still a Pop icon.
The Rolling Stones
The ‘Lips and Tongue’ logo is one of the most famous in the world!
At first, who created it?
This is a story that Rolling Stones fans have been discussing for years. Three different people have claimed credit. Interestingly, all three people are still alive.
John Pasche, Craig Braun e Ernie Cefalu.
This is a story that deserved a post, but it is certain that the shirt with the famous language is one of the best known in the world.
Hard Rock Cafe
It is a chain of themed restaurants founded in 1971 by Isaac Tigrett and Peter Morton in London.
In 1979, the café began to cover its walls with Rock and Roll objects.
Alan Aldridge designed the Hard Rock Cafe logo in 1971.
The original Hard Rock Cafe t-shirt is undoubtedly the most popular graphic t-shirt in the world.
Today, t-shirts remain a great way to express yourself!
See too:
Best Show Posters of all time!
Photography Art in Pop Culture!