The T-shirt has come a long way since its origins as an undergarment for men in the late 19th century. Today, the T-shirt is a wardrobe staple for people of all genders and ages and has become a blank canvas for self-expression.
The Origins of the T-Shirt
The T-shirt gets its name from its T-shaped silhouette. The first T-shirts were introduced in the late 19th century as undergarments for men. They were made of cotton and had long sleeves that extended to the waist.
The Rise of the T-Shirt
It wasn’t until the 1920s that the T-shirt began to be worn as outerwear. During this decade, the undershirt became less taboo and began to be seen as a fashion item in its own right. Short-sleeved T-shirts became popular among young people, particularly those in the US, to rebel against stuffy clothing conventions.
In the 1930s, Hollywood films such as “King Kong” and “Gone with the Wind” helped to popularize the image of the bare-chested male. This trend continued during World War II when soldiers often took their shirts off in hot climates.
The 1950s saw a more regulated use of color in fashion, and by extension, in T-shirt design. During this decade, plain white T-shirts became ubiquitous as undershirts. In addition, they were often seen as essential clothing for manual laborers such as factory workers and mechanics.
During this decade, tie-dyeing and screen printing became popular methods of decorating T-shirts.
How to Wear a Long-Sleeved Shirt Underneath a T-Shirt
You might want to wear a long-sleeved shirt underneath a t-shirt – it might be cold outside, or you might want to protect your skin from the sun. Whatever your reason, it’s easy to do!
1) Choose a long-sleeved shirt that is fitted or semi-fitted. Avoid baggy shirts since they will make you look bulky overall. If you’re unsure what size to get, err on caution and go one size down from your regular t-shirt size.
2) Put on your t-shirt first, then slip your long-sleeved shirt over the top. Make sure both shirts are tucked into your pants so that your overall look is clean and put together.
3) If you’re wearing a patterned t-shirt, choose a solid-colored long-sleeved shirt so that your overall look isn’t too busy. Conversely, if you’re wearing a solid-colored t-shirt, consider opting for a patterned long-sleeved shirt for some visual interest. So, look at a t shirt with long sleeves underneath.
4) Once you have both shirts on, adjust each sleeve, so that about half an inch (1 cm) of fabric is showing. This will give you a relaxed yet polished look.
5) If it’s cold outside, consider layering a sweater or jacket over the top for extra warmth. You can also roll up the sleeves of your long-sleeved shirt for a more casual look.
6) Accessorize as desired – add jewelry or scarves to personalize your outfit further!
7) That’s it! You’re now ready to take on whatever the day throws at you – whether meeting friends for coffee or giving a presentation at work – looking stylish and feeling comfortable simultaneously.