Men's Dress Shirts - An Introduction to Shirt Fabrics For Men

 

FOTL - Mens T-Shirt Super Premium Plain - 19 Colours - Sizes S M L XL XXL XXXL

By Antonio Centeno

Shirt fabrics or "Shirtings", as they are called by those in the industry, come in a wide variety of weave types.  They are made from a range of fibers, with cotton being the most common. Most fabric names refer to the particular method in which it underlying fibers were woven. We won't go into it here, but be aware that the thickness and characteristics of the cotton fiber (shape, cleanliness, length) come into play when determining the quality and function of the total product.   

Oxford Fabric

Oxford cloth is the coarsest shirting; it is nonetheless quite soft and comfortable. A casual fabric, it is naturally found on the button-down collar shirt, but in the US is perfectly acceptable for most business occasions. In colored and patterned Oxford shirts only the threads running in one direction are dyed, with the other threads being left white. This gives it a basket-weave, meaning the fabric's warp and weft threads cross each other in pairs. It has a characteristic textured appearance (which lends to its casual feel). Pinpoint oxford is woven likewise but of finer yarn and is smoother and more formal. Royal Oxford is finer still and can blend seamlessly with a fine wool suit and expensive tie.

Poplin Fabric

Poplin bears a smoother texture than oxford, but similar weight. This is the result of a fine yarn running one way with a thicker one interweaving it. Poplin shirt fabric is soft and comfortable and often used in casual shirts. Colors find themselves easily at home here, and it takes sporty patterns especially well.

Twill Fabric

Cotton twill has a shimmery diagonal weave and makes for richly textured shirts that can still be considered professional wear. In herringbone twill, the direction of the diagonals switches back and forth every quarter inch, giving the fabric more depth. When the occasion calls for a out of the ordinary solid shirt, twill plays the role with panache by creating texture and an up close display of detail.

Broadcloth Fabric

Broadcloth shirt fabric is a weave is very similar to broadcloth except more densely packed, is one of the most formal shirting for day-to-day wear. End-on-end broadcloth is that made by interweaving threads of alternating colors for a visual texture so subtle it appears solid from an arm's length away. Thanks to its tight weave, this cloth displays patterns with exquisite precision.

End-on-End Fabrics

A plain one-on-one weave, this fabric traditionally uses white with another color to create a subtle check effect and texture.  Occasionally, two colors are used to create a "double shot" of color. The liberal use of pattern and the eye catching weave peg this fabric as casual wear, but with the right collar and tie this fabric weave could find itself in even the most conservative banker's closet.

Formal Shirt Fabrics

Formal shirts are made of white piqué cotton, which boasts a rich, woven texture. This is the only shirt proper for black tie or white tie, and it is not appropriate for anything else. You will know this fabric by the fineness of its weave, lack of visible pattern, and smoothness of its feel. 

Cotton versus Blends - The debate continues

Besides pure cotton, all the fabrics above can be found in cotton/man made fiber blends. The pros and cons of each are many, but in my opinion there is no right or wrong answer here. It all depends on what you need and how price sensitive you are. Also realize that with blends you have a wide range of percent combinations and sometimes more than two fiber types are blended. A 90% cotton shirt will have characteristics very different to one made with only 40% cotton. 

Cotton Shirt Fabrics The Good - Cotton is breathable and a good conductor of heat (great for hot climates) It has a very attractive appearance, is natural, and cotton is the standard by which other shirt fabrics are judged.

The Bad - Cotton wrinkles easily, it can be expensive, it generally loses heat quickly, and cotton is susceptible to mildew and acid/bleach damage.

Blended Shirt Fabrics

The Good - Blends are often wrinkle resistant, less expensive, have a nice appearance, and are warmer than a 100% cotton shirts.

The Bad - Too much man-made fiber in a fabric can make it non-breathable, thus uncomfortable to wear on a hot day or under conditions where you perspire.  In addition, they can appear shiny and are more susceptible to heat damage from an iron.

Summary

This article is only a start.  It is important for a man to have a foundation in the art of men's classic style. What you wear covers 90% of your body, and is what most people use to judge who you are. In a world of presentation, appearances are critical to successful interaction with other.

To read more articles on men's fashion, go to  http://rruitoftheroomshop.blogspot.com/ and visit the style guide.

Antonio Centeno is president of A Tailored Suit, an online American boutique fine-clothing merchant specializing in bespoke men's suits, shirts, jackets, and overcoats. The company's mission is to help men create the clothing that best enhances their individual style. Antonio has studied men's clothing design in London, Hong Kong, and Bangkok, and he is a former US Marine with an MBA from UT Austin and a BA from Cornell College.

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Investing Wisely in a Men's Shirt

 FRUIT OF THE LOOM PIQUE POLO SHIRT - 15 Colours

By Elysin Lopez

One of the things that I fuss about the transition from one season to another is how I go about my wardrobe! A couple of dormant clothing piled over one another and yet, I am not willing to give up any of those and spare them graciously. This means I have to buy another closet for the pieces of men's shirts I recently bought from the boutique yesterday. They have to taken care of for this fall.

The Ben's Sherman men's shirt. After a bunch of musings if I need to get slaved with the newest fashion men's shirt, I decided to buy the classic brand I am comfortable with, the Ben Sherman. I prefer this most of the time with its shirts finely designed in unusual and intricate fashion. Moreover, the shirt fits to the body comfortably with its cotton and polyester material. The classic white color becomes a staple for your suit.

Along with the classic men's shirt is the long sleeved version of the polo shirt. While this season of fall defines clothing to be in the family of the velvet and the purple, pastels cannot be withdrawn like the pale blue color of this men's shirt. I bought this one since I found it cosy for the evening casual wear together with the suit. If you do not like the blue, you can also opt for other colors.

It took me along time if I should buy this type of men's shirt since I have a couple of this that needs sorting out at the closet. But when I saw the Daniel Hetcher dress shirt, I removed all hesitations and doubts, took out my credit card and bought it, ideal for the dinner's jacket given as a gift by my fiancée. The stylish four pleat effect on either side of the buttons and the central fold make Daniel Hechter shirt the perfect match for any special occasions. Moreover the double stitched seams are enough to prove its durability and simple style.

Who says that tartans are out of fashion? These criss-crossed horizontal and vertical bands in multiple colours can be it trendy and modern. If you are a real enthusiast of fashion try to update this classic fabric and give it a modern twist. I chose to buy the green tartan shirt for warmth and comfort.

The knitted men's shirt continues to be the craze for the fall. The one I bought is the long sleeve crew neck jumper. Lightweight with the fine blend of 50% wool and 50% acrylic is used to give you the best in comfort, warmth and durability. For superior fit, this has been fashioned with saddle shoulder.

These few pieces of men's shirt are not bought lavishly. I consider them one of the great investments that you can have.

Delivering from Mens Suits to Crystal Glasses, We pride ourselves in our quality and our value for money. Combined with a personal service you will not get from the big multiples.

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Proper Care For Men's Shirt

 

Fruit of the Loom Baseball T-Shirt - 8 Colours

By Zoe A Bodycott

Tips On How to Keep Your Shirt in Good Condition

Men always look good and sophisticated with a perfect dress shirt. Typical cotton men's shirt is not made to be dry cleaned with harsh chemicals. Most men just take their shirts to the laundry and in the end the shirt doesn't last long.

Knowing the proper care for your dress shirt is very essential in keeping your shirt crisp and in good condition. It can also help you save on your clothing budget.

Here are some tips to keep your shirt in good condition:

Do not dry clean your shirts! Those harsh chemical will damage the fabric. Some chemicals even turn your shirts to yellowish color. You wouldn't like your expensive shirt destroyed right?

Read the care labels of your dress shirt. Manufactures also care for how you wash your shirts. After checking the care label, remove the collar stays and button up the collar, this will prevent the shirt from twisting in the washing machine.

Read the operating instruction of the machine and always wash your shirt in a delicate cycle, to slow down the revolutions and actions of the center agitator. You can also hand wash your shirt using a mild detergent soap

Do not wash it with other shirt that is in different color to avoid stains. Also when using a deodorant let it dry first before putting your shirt on to prevent stains. If there are stains especially on collars and cuffs, rub the stain sticks immediately.

Press with steam iron to give that crisp, finished look. The steam will help protect the fabric. But if you are going to use iron, always check if there is stain cause iron will set the stain permanently. Iron the collar from the underside then turn the shirt over and iron the same way for the front of the collar. As for the cuffs iron it inside out just like the collar, but remember to lay the sleeves flat and start ironing from the cuff upward. For the shirt's body, iron it starting from the shoulder down to the end of the shirts.

To keep your shirt's nice shape use wooden or plastic hangers with firm shoulders.

Learning how to take care of your dress shirt is essential, provided with the correct pressing and washing strategies can make your shirt always look good and spectacular. And we know that dressing makes a good impression. With all these tips your shirts will surely last long and stays crisp and in good condition.

Zoe has been working as a fashion designer and has been in the industry for years. He specializes in Mavi Jeans [ http://rruitoftheroomshop.blogspot.com/ ] and can give you more Fashion Tips

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The T-shirt Evolution

Fruit of the Loom Ringer T-Shirt - 9 Colours

By Clayton Lau

With every generation movie stars have worn them. Rock stars have shredded them. And celebrities have stripped them. Paris anyone? The t-shirt has been the fashion essential for over 70 years and probably another 70 years and more. So how did it get here and what does the future hold?

Origins - Call to Arms in Short Sleeves

The t-shirts humble beginnings can be traced back to the early 1930's. WWI European soldiers entrenched in mud wore the t-shirt as an undergarment. The advantages of the light cotton underwear were quickly adopted by the US military. By WWII the US Army and Navy had supplied the t-shirt as standard issue. T-shirts at the time were still considered underwear and not worn casually.

1950's - Cult Movie Bad Boys

With the help of a sweating Brando in the 1951 film "A Streetcar Named Desire", and later a brooding James Dean in "Rebel without a Cause" the t-shirt had moved to mainstream youth culture. By the time Elvis had gyrated, the teenage rebellion seed was planted and along with denim jeans the t-shirt had become the hot fashion statement.

1960's - From Beatniks to Vietnam

The 60's were well known for social upheavals and political events. Many subcultures developed from Beatniks, Mods, Rockers to eventually Hippy's. During the early 60's The Beatles had ignored the t-shirt opting for their trademark suits. But by the late 60's the haze of the Hippy generation had created the tie dyed t-shirt. Dunked in several buckets of colourful dyes it became a symbol of the psychedelic era and possibly one of the worst fashion crimes of the century. Other t-shirt styles were born including the ringer, muscle, v-neck and tank t-shirts. The invention of screen printing saw social and political slogans expressed on apparel especially for the anti war sentiments of Vietnam.

1970's - Your Disco Needs You

Rock emerged beating to death the Hippy's with their own sandals. The black t-shirt was now standard issue with printed logos of stadium rock Supergroups such as Led Zeppelin, ACDC and Pink Floyd. In the course of the mid 70's Surf apparel started appearing. Niche surfing brands such as Lightning Bolt, Billabong, Rip Curl and Quiksilver would later become big corporations. Athletic giants Adidas, Puma, Reebok and Nike also gained prominence with their branded printed tees, shoes and apparel. The decade was also known for it's many classic t-shirt motto's including the Smiley face, "Sh*t Happens" and "I love NY" which would see a revival after 911. Fonzie in the TV sitcom Happy Days paid homage to Brando and Dean 20 years before by reintroducing the blank white tee. In 1977 the Star Wars phenomenon had exploded. Star Wars t-shirts were everywhere for the tween. But for the twenty something's there was of course Disco. With movies like Saturday Night Fever and Thank God it's Friday the flared trousers and tight t-shirts became the usual 70's silhouette.

1980's - Fashion beep beep

The influence of music had an extreme effect on fashion in the 80's. The New Romantic movement in the early 80's had passed on the simple tee, opting for a more extravagant look. Remember Flock of Seagulls? On the opposite spectrum the Punk movement was in full flight with black ripped up tees, Doc Marten boots, piercing and lots and lots of hair gel.

By the mid 80's the Japanese fashion influence had caught on. Designers Yohji Yamamoto and Issey Miyake had reinvented the t-shirt to a large oversized kimono style cut. Katherine Hamnett in 1984 took it even further with the notable "Choose Life" print which was immediately embraced by Wham! in their video "Wake Me Up Before you Go Go". Not long after Frankie said "Relax" and The Smiths said "Meat is Murder" regurgitating the political t-shirt.

From the oversized tee stemmed the woman's "t-shirt dress" which developed into neon and day glow colours.

Springsteen brought the jeans and a t-shirt back to basics with rolled up macho sleeves during his Born in the USA phase. For the MTV generation Armani took the t-shirt to high fashion wearing the tee underneath a suit jacket. Of course the suit jacket sleeves were rolled up ala Crocket and Tubbs Miami Vice style (parodied exceptionally in that Friends episode).

1990's - Come As You Are

Surf tees saw a rebirth pioneered by new brands Stussy and Mossimo. Also adopted by Skaters long sleeve t-shirts became ever more popular. The Hypercolor t-shirt fad where the fabric changed colour with heat was very popular. Entertainingly if the wearer worked up a sweat big unsightly patches of colour change would occur around the armpits.

Again the influence of music came back into play. Hip Hop proved it wasn't a phase adopting at first Adidas as a brand. Later various Rap specific brands emerged such as Sean John and Phat Farm. Dance, Trance and DJing gained prominence and tighter and sleeveless t-shirts worn with baggy pants become the mode. Grunge anti-fashion also took the tee in another direction with a dark worn appearance.

21st Century Brand Child

According to branding experts Al and Laura Ries in the book "The Origin of Brands", as a product category evolves the category then diverges further into more categories. Like a tree some branches may whither and die while others will further grow and diverge again. This is probably best explained with the invention of the TV. The TV has diverged from the humble B&W television to many other categories. We now have CRT, Plasma, LCD, HDTV, Rear Projection, portable and widescreen.

There is no doubt that divergence has affected the t-shirt. The shape of the t-shirt itself has diverged to anywhere from tight, regular, hip hop loose to baby tee. With the advent of the Internet we've seen a boom in smaller t-shirt label startups. Now there are so many categories we are almost overwhelmed for choice. 

Some t-shirt/apparel categories are:

Skate Brands: Hurley International, Globe, Element, Volcom, World

Surf Brands: Billabong, Mambo, Rip Curl, Rusty Quiksilver which has diverged to girl surf category Roxy.

Snowboard Brands: Burton, Salomon

Hip Hop Brands: Sean John, Ecko, G-Unit, Phat Farm.

American Retro Classic Brands: Dickies, Von Dutch, Harley Davidson.

Martial Arts Brands: Drunken Munky and various Bruce Lee and Chuck Norris logos.

Funny t-shirts: Vote for Pedro. Jesus is my homeboy, White Castle.

Internet Brands: T-shirt Hell, Café Press, Threadless.

Sport Brands: Puma, Nike, Adidas, Reebok.

American Basic Brands: Hanes, American Apparel, Fruit of the Loom and GAP.

High fashion Brands: Tommy Hilfiger, Gucci, Armani, Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein.

The Future

So which category branches will whither and die and which will survive to the next decade? Would you rather look like Eminem, Kelly Slater or Tony Hawks? And what is a t-shirt anyhow? Is it a simple apparel design with a coloured screen printed artwork featuring a hobby, sport, band or affluence that you may identify with? Or is it a product branded, marketed and directly mass produced for your particular demographic? Either way T-shirts have become a billion dollar industry.

What next for the now not so humble tee? We're seeing 21st century fibres like Gortex, Merino wool and Lycra blends being used. As for logos some growing trends seem to be the Video Game t-shirts, Internet t-shirts and Poker t-shirts. Will these be the next surf or skate brands? Quite possibly. Will others develop out of our favourite past times? Could there even be a Sudoku brand, a MySpace brand, Porn brand, or an iPod brand of t-shirts? Perhaps design your own the new black? One thing is certain; history has shown us that there will be even more diversification far into the next decades. The power of the t-shirt has never been greater. Awesome!

Clayton Lau is administrator and webmaster of t-shirt website http://sashionswomensshirt.blogspot.com/

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Valentines Gifts 2010 - Top Men's Gifts This Year

 

Fruit of the Loom Super Premium T-Shirt - 21 Colours

By Dusty Thornton

If you're one of those people lucky enough to be in a wonderful relationship with a special guy this year, then you know how hard it is to find good gifts for him that he'll like. Luckily this article about top men's Valentine's gifts 2010 can help you pick out gifts your guy will like and things that won't utterly bankrupt you!

Read on for the top men's fruit of the loom underwear  for Valentine's gifts 2010.

1 - Underwhat?

No, not underwhat...underwear. Guys like underwear, believe it or not. But don't just get him the plain ol' fruit of the loom or hanes undies, instead splurge a little and get your boy (or man) a nice set of boxers that you'd like to see him in.

Picking out boxers is easy...most guys can fit into a medium or large. If you really want to spice it up or take your relationship to a whole new level (or maybe you just want to put a little romance back into it) consider getting him a pair of silk boxers. These things are comfortable and stylish.

2 - The T

What I'm talking about are t-shirts. T-shirts are definitely one of the top Valentine's ideas 2010. That's because most guys are t-shirt and jeans kind of guys so there's absolutely nothing better than him wearing a comfortable t-shirt from his favorite girl.

I like to get my boy graphic t's. Not only are they adorable and cute, but he loves them and wears them all the time (which makes me feel good).

3 - Don't Want to Buy Clothes?

Looking for another idea besides clothes? Well how about getting your boyfriend, husband, or man a new video game this Valentine's day. You might think: "Well he'll ignore me and play his game all the time now", but just knowing you care enough about his happiness to sacrifice and buy him a video game will have him kissing your feet.

Want to add that special touch? Instead of just buying him a game, get a game that you can both play together. Even if you know how to play it...play dumb and let him teach you. Guys love that!

I hope these Valentine's Gifts 2010 have helped you get some ideas for what to buy your special guy this year for Valentine's. The most important thing is that you spend time together.

Still looking for something fun and unique for Valentines 2010?

Check out these Top 10 Valentine's Gifts 2010 Ideas list we've put together: Valentine's Ideas 2010.

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Fruit of the Loom Underwear - A Signature of Style and Comfort

FRUIT OF THE LOOM MENS SHORT SLEEVE POPLIN SHIRT (S-XXXL) 5 COLOURS

By Adam Sa Smith

Although worn under the  Fruit of the Loom men ' s Shirt , the importance of underwear cannot be underestimated. More than your clothes, it is the undergarments that are in constant touch with your skin. Therefore, it is essential that the material and quality of the undergarment are carefully chosen. Moreover, undergarments cover the most sensitive parts of the body and thus, it must provide maximum comfort and support to your body. This is why it is advisable to opt for reputed brands when it comes to buy undergarments. Fruit of the Loom is one such name that is known for their quality and comfort in men's and boys underwear.

The style and design of the undergarment often depends on the personality of the person wearing it. It is essential that you feel comfortable and confident in your undergarment. Fruit of the Loom is a brand that promises absolute comfort for men of all fashion and personality. They provide a variety of products to cater to the varied tastes and personalities of men from all walks of life. Their cotton rich fabrics are known for quality and comfort, and are available in multiple colors. Whether you prefer traditional briefs or want to try out the latest trends in the undergarment industry, the company has it all.

The products manufactured by Fruit of the Loom suit men of all styles, structure, and fashion. However, they are most suitable for the body of European men. Undergarments are often underrated because they cannot be seen from outside. However, underwear is one of the most appealing garments if chosen appropriately. Hence, you must choose them according to your body constitution to bring out the best in you. Gone are the days when undergarments were of no or small importance. Today, even men flaunt their undergarments with style just women do and have become an integral part of the fashion industry.

Fruit of the Loom has earned its name and reputation by their consistency and quality of the material. In 1851 the company started with garments and by 1985 it has earned the name of being one of the most reputed garment manufacturers. With a turnover of more than $2.5 billion, the company has not looked back. Today the company manufactures a vast collection of undergarments right from the traditional variety to the latest fashion trends. The company is known for its famous loom waistband which is especially designed to maximize comfort and support to the waist. The waistband usually comes in a color which is a contrast to the color of the undergarment.

One of the other factors that make Fruit of the Loom favorable among all men worldwide is the fact that its products are Oeko-Tex Standard 100 approved. Moreover, they have adopted recyclable packaging which again is another unique quality of the brand. The variety of products that are a part of the men's and boys' underwear catalogue include brief, shorts, boxers, jockstrap, swim underwear, sports undergarment, and many more. The designs of these undergarments cater to the style and taste of contemporary men and come in mostly six colors.

If you have a taste for fashionable yet comfortable undergarments which are also known for their quality, then you must try out the products of Fruit of the Loom. To try out, you can browse through the official website of the company and choose from the wide range of products available. To view an item, you can click the image and enlarge it. You will find professional models displaying the range of men's and boys' underwear. Once clicked, the image gets enlarged and a small description of the product type, available colors, price rates, are also displayed. This makes it easier for you to get an idea of the product and then select on the basis of your preference. Moreover, you can view and browse through several such designer ranges without visiting the retail store personally and trying out different options in the store.

Apart from the official website, there are several other online stores that sell Fruit of the Loom products. Many of these websites allow buyers to provide feedback on their collections and thus, shopping online for quality men's or boys' underwear can be an enjoyable experience. Shopping online could be especially a great option for those who are of the shy kind and want to avoid the embarrassment of choosing undergarments from retail stores personally. Remember, underwear have now become an inseparable part of the fashion industry and thousands of young men and women join the industry to flaunt their body through designer lines of this brand. The quality, variety, designs, styles, durability, and comfort of these undergarments, have thus, made them a personal favorite of many.

HisRoom offers a wide selection of men's underwear for all your needs. HisRoom is a one stop shop for boys underwear, 2xist, Calvin Klein underwear and fruit of the loom to name a few.

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A History of the T-shirt

Fruit of the Loom Heavy Cotton T-Shirt - 8 Colours - Small to XXXL

By Robert Carney

Know the history of the tee? How did the t-shirt get its start in the beginning of the twentieth century? How did the t-shirt become an American favorite? We're now into the twenty-first century, and the t-shirt remains as popular as ever.

T-shirts of yesteryear were nothing like the t-shirts you know today. It was common knowledge that the first t-shirts, as you will learn, were clearly considered something to be worn underneath clothing. Certainly, the t-shirts of old were not part of a stand-alone industry, nor were they a mode of advertising.

Believe it or not, before the 20th century, there was no consensus that underwear should be included as an essential part of one's wardrobe. Most late 19th century folks wore something like an extended shirt called the "Spiral Bustle." Then in 1901 the predecessor to Hanes introduced for sale through catalog men's underwear, a two-piece set.

The birth of the t-shirt appears to be accredited to the navy (and lots of sailors). No one seems to know for certain when the first t-shirt was made. As early as 1913 the U.S. Navy adopted a revolutionary new garment, a short-sleeved, crew-necked, white cotton undershirt. This garment was to be worn underneath a jumper. And what was the purpose of this undershirt? One must avoid scandalous sights, otherwise known as sailors' chest hairs. The standard issue shirt had somewhat of the silhouette of a "T", thus the name "t-shirt" was born.

It is also notable that during WWI while European soldiers were wearing cooler, comfy, lightweight, cotton undershirts in the humid, hot summer days, that American troops took notice. These duds were nothing like the American wool uniforms soldiers wore.

Merriam-Webster's Dictionary listed "T-Shirt" as an official word in the American English language by the 1920's. Around the late 1930's that companies including Fruit of the Loom, Hanes and Sears & Roebuck began the marketing of the t-shirt.

As of W.W. II, the Army and 12 million Navy sailors had t-seasy rider,hirts as standard issue underwear. "Skivvies", these new, inexpensive undergarments became known as. America saw, began to get comfortable with, and reveled secretly, daily news images of their wartime sons, wearing t-shirts (dressed barely, but with pants of course). Underwear was being worn as outerwear. Rules were flaunted about undergarments. Taboos were violated with this show of male sexuality.

Still, by and large, the t-shirt was an undergarment meant not to be seen. In 1934, however, Clark Gable shocked everyone, as he stripped off his dress shirt in the movie "It Happened One Night," to reveal no t-shirt at all. Women swooned, and men as well. Still, the t-shirt kept itself under wraps, to be worn primarily underneath a work or proper dress shirt.

The idea continued to quickly catch on, and due to simple design, a few years later, with the leave of many sailors during the war, the popular civilian "union suit" was reduced to a "singlet" or "jersey." In 1938, Sears introduced a t-shirt they called a "gob" shirt (named after sailors). A "gob" shirt cost 24 cents. The t-Shirt would become an empty canvas, which was allowing men to present themselves in an erotic sense and show their gender.

The t-shirt was becoming appropriate to wear as an undergarment or as an outer one. The Marines standard issue white t-shirt was replaced with sage green for camouflage purposes. In 1944, the Army surveyed enlisted men as to preference of sleeves or sleeveless. Most preferred sleeves, due to better appearance, absorption under arms, among other reasons.

The t-shirt would never be the same. Along with worldwide upheaval, WWII brought along as well the first printed t-shirts. On display at The Smithsonian Institute is the oldest printed shirt on record. This t-shirt is from Governor of New York Thomas E. Dewey's 1948 presidential campaign and sports "Dew-It with Dewey".

After the end of WWII, the t-shirt became the garment able to clearly display and advertise it all: cultural affiliation, class, and sexual orientation. 180 million t-shirts were sold in 1951. The rise of the t-Shirt can be traced back to the movies, and of course those big-screen movie stars: Marlon Brando, John Wayne, James Dean, and a young Elvis Presley who did their part to make the t-shirt, outerwear appropriate, or sexy to say the least.

1951's "A Streetcar Named Desire" featured Marlon Brando's portrayal of Stanley Kowalski, lovelorn, brutish, and primitive, riveting viewers as his buff pectorals and abs revealed themselves as unveiled by a stretched, paper-thin t-shirt. Some felt the picture created was one of a dangerous, incoherent kind of manhood, a sexualized brutality.

1955's "Rebel Without a Cause" showed James Dean wearing a t-shirt without another shirt overtop. He made the t-shirt cool, a contemporary symbol of rebellious youth. Still, t-shirts were meant primarily for men.

In 1959, Plastisol, a stretchable ink was invented, starting a revolution in t-shirt design. After that came the iron-on transfer, and finally litho transfer. Thus was the birth of the t-shirt industry. Now marketing geniuses, like Walt Disney, "flocked" letters and simple designs onto t-shirts to be sold as souvenirs to both men and women.

Still the advertising evolution of the t-shirt would be slow. The military was first to stencil company and rank on their t-shirts. Also, Ivy League Universities made clear advertisement of fraternities on their tees. Budweiser was the first to do actual "corporate-advertising" in the late 1060's, when they sported a Bud can on their company tees.

During the '60s, the hippies abandoned traditional dress for tie-dye. Of course, the t-shirt became one of the cheapest and easiest garments to purchase and dye. Folks began tie-dying and screen-printing basic cotton tees, helping it to even bigger commercial success. In 1969, t-shirt wearing hippies took on the Establishment in Easy Rider. Also, advances in printing and dying allowed more variety and the introduction of muscle shirts, scoop necks, v-necks and tanks into modern fashion.

Throughout the late 60's and 70's, the American Tee was in full bloom. Rock and Roll bands began to realize that they could make significant amounts of money selling their t-shirts. Professional Sports caught on and soon the officially licensed t-shirt became hot merchandise. 1977's "The Deep", helped to form the sexual revolution of the 1970's by means of Jacqueline Bisset's wet tee.

What about the t-shirt in the '80's and '90's? Remember Don Johnson's designer-tee and Armani suit combo ala Miami Vice? And what about the most memorable recent tee-film from 1996 "Mission: Impossible", just a bit of Tom Cruise, clad in tee, doing some serious hanging from a wire. The 80's and 90's both saw amazing production of t-shirts with improved mechanics of printing them in increased volume for increased availability. The American t-shirt has now become known as a commodity item. More than one billion t-shirts were sold in 1995.

And now, with the advent of the internet, the t-shirt continues to become even bigger. Tee art symbolizes the cultural and social climates of our generation. Tees tell the story perfectly, and now more than ever, the t-shirt is becoming an even more individualistic mode of personal expression.

Robert Carney is publisher and owner of Old Crappy Tee. To stay informed on the latest t-shirt fashions,  Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Robert_Carney

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Plain T Shirts - The Incredibly Versatile Shirt

Fruit of the Loom Men's American Original 3-Pack T-Shirt

By Paula Tay

One thing you can guarantee will be found in every household is an abundance of plain t shirts. They are very easy to wear and can be very affordable as well. It does not matter if you are male, female, girl or boy; these are going to be present in the laundry each and every week. Just make sure to keep the colors separated from whites. Mixing them in the laundry can cause some staining. Some of these shirts can cost over twenty or thirty dollars, so be very careful.

Businessmen generally wear them under their dress shirts and ties. Women find them much more comfortable to wear while cleaning, exercising or simply running an errand. Not to forget the children; generally they are required to wear blank shirts under a uniform shirt. The demand on plain shirts in becoming more prevalent in today's society, but nowhere in society does it say that they have to remain white or plain.

You may be amazed by just how many different designs and styles you can come up with when you have plain t shirts in your midst. With a bowl of water, some food coloring and a few rubber bands you can actually make a very colorful tie dye t shirt with your own personal touch. Doing this you can use your favorite colors and showcase your masterpiece every time you wear it.

Many people look for plain tees specifically for silk screening as well. The blank shirt provides a perfect canvas to put your design on. Possibilities for designing this style is only limited by your imagination. Some companies have hundreds upon hundreds of designs and it does not even get old. Screening your own t shirts also lets you have something you can wear out that will be unique. Some popular brands that offer these blanks are American Apparel, Hanes, and Fruit Of The Loom.

Blank tees are a good choice for sports or outdoors activities as well. These shirts are usually made of cotton and are very breathable. You won't be distracted by any designs, so they are good for designating sports teams also. They offer great comfort for the gym or even just lounging around.

Some people look at plain shirts as items that just get washed every week with bleach and hot water. I look at blank t shirts as blank canvases just waiting to have color, paint and any type of designing that I see fit to add. Why not let your imagination go for a moment and just be an artist in your own right.

I wonder if the manufacturers of all of the plain t shirts realize just how much they are contributing to the world of art. Do they realize just how important their product is in today's market? With every t shirt they make they actually are supplying artists with a clean slate. Whether it is screen printing, airbrushing, gem design or a simple tie dye as mentioned above, the possibilities are virtually endless.

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