T-Shirts In Popular Culture

T-Shirts have been around in our modern day culture for quite some time, but not nearly as long as many people think. T-shirts only became popular, as they are today, in the 1950's when rebels like James Dean would wear his t-shirt with his jeans and his jacket. When you see photos of James Dean, or even watch his movies, you may think to yourself, “So what? Fine, he has a cool attitude, and looks great for his time – but what's so super rebellious about what he's wearing?”

That's what most people think. But what they don't know is what t-shirts were used for back in those days. T-shirts were undergarments, or underwear. They were not to be worn in public. So when James Dean wears t-shirts in public, and goes on international TV wearing t-shirts, he is effectively showing off his underwear to the world. This is also probably why he didn't seem to have any other color of t-shirts besides white.

T-shirts can mean a lot to different people. Some people have t-shirts that are falling apart, but they refuse to throw them away. They are like prized possessions to them. This is because t-shirts can often mean more than the obvious : how you got them can mean a lot. T-shirts of bands bought at an amazing concert, or t-shirts bought as a gift from someone else, can make t-shirts more than just an item to wear but a sentimental item as well.

What makes t-shirts even more popular is that they are great for adults, teens and children, and look great pretty much anytime and anywhere.

T-shirts became quite popular to wear in the 50's due to the rebellious connotation, and moved along into the revolutions of the 60's. People began to tie-dye their t-shirts, and bands soon realised that selling t-shirts with their band name on a tour was a great idea. As they began to play to larger and larger crowds, so their t-shirts would become more popular and the number of outlets where these t-shirts could be sold increased. It not only made money, but it increased the band's reputation, giving them the image they wanted with the youth. Stores began to sell these t-shirts and also offer wider varieties. This has developed into where the industry is today – where you can buy any band t-shirts from almost any store in the world.

Recently, hilarious and customised t-shirts have become quite popular, sporting phrases that make people laugh like “Does this body make me look fat?” to something that plays on the current social culture like “I facebooked your mom.” Both of these are examples as to how t-shirts continue to be a part of mainstream social culture, and bring their part in even shaping it. What t-shirts say is often a reflection of views, and this has meant that t-shirts have even been used for political means.