Evolution of T-Shirt Trends: How Style, Expression and Function Have Changed

In considering the t-shirt a staple piece in fashion today it's hard to believe

that it was once worn merely as an undergarment, and predominantly by men. What's more, with all the stylistic possibilities of t-shirts, it's surprising that they once came with no decorations, images, or messages. But gone are the days when t-shirts had their owners "blending in" with the crowd. In fact, if there's one article of clothing that stands out in the fashion world today, it's the t-shirt. With an endless array of decorative styles and messages - whether through ads, images, or text - today's t-shirts are among the most expressive fashion items.

However, even the decorative aspect of t-shirts has its history. T-shirts were largely plain until the 1950s, when a Florida-based company began to decorate shirts with resort names. Within a few years, the company, along with countless others who had followed suit, were using a plastisol printing method, which applied stretchable ink on fabric. Throughout the 1960s and 70s, tie-dye and music related t-shirts - for instance, featuring screen prints associated with iconic bands like the Grateful Dead - became highly popular. And by the 1980s, many companies, particularly in the UK, had caught on to the thermocromatic trend - where dyes used on t-shirts changed colour with heat. Today, a variety of decorative methods are used in making t-shirts, ranging from airbrush and embroidery to embossment, dye-sublimation, and heat transfer. What's more, t-shirt styles have significantly expanded, including everything from crew and scoop neck shirts, to muscle shirts, cropped shirts, and "tall-Ts" hip hop-inspired t-shirts that reach down to the mid thighs.

Of course, designs and decorative methods aside, the messages that accompany t-shirts today reach far and wide. Many companies have long been incorporating the popular garment into their advert campaigns, producing shirts with their corporate logo, or messages that are widely associated with their business or brand. One of the most prominent examples of this can be seen in t-shirts with fashion designer names - for instance, Calvin Klein, Lacoste, Ralph Lauren, or The Gap. Bold slogans - whether in the realm of politics, brand promotion, or individual expression - have also long been in style, gaining popularity in the UK since the 1980s. However, over the last decade, many slogan designs - both in women's and mens t shirts - have evolved with intentions to shock or even offend anyone who sees them.

However, while the t-shirt has transformed significantly in terms of style, expression, and even function, one of its original qualities still remains and that's the t-shirt's comfort factor. From its beginnings, the t-shirt has been worn for comfort; and regardless of evolving trends with regard to designs, slogans and messages, it's one feature that's set to endure.

Evolution of T-Shirt Trends: How Style, Expression and Function Have Changed

By: Paul Buchanan

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