From Here to Etern-a-Tee! Our love affair with t-shirts.
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Name one person who doesn't own a t-shirt
Bet you can't. T-shirts are that one commodity that everyone, young, old, or in the middle owns. Whether they collect them from various vacation spots, to show off their interests or favorite sports, or just buy solid tees at the GAP to layer with, people are in love with the t-shirt. This lens will tell you some facts about the origin of the t-shirt and it's impact on today's society. It will then point you in the direction of some cool t-shirts that you can grab for your very own at my online shop Wear My Dive Art!
If you're a scuba diver, a skier, a budding yogi or just someone who likes to collect unique t-shirts, come check out all of our cool shirts.
If you're a scuba diver, a skier, a budding yogi or just someone who likes to collect unique t-shirts, come check out all of our cool shirts.
A Brief History of the T-Shirt
The idea of an "underwear shirt" was developed sometime around the end of the 19th century. The origin of the T-shirt itself is not clear but there have been claims ranging from 1913 to 1948 from California to Britain. Many researchers mention the possibility that the idea of the T-shirt came to the US during World War I when US soldiers noticed the light cotton undershirts that the European soldiers were using. The American soldiers started wearing them because they were more comfortable under their wool uniforms. Because of their design they got the name T-shirt.
Other researchers claim that the US Navy's "light undershirt" from 1913 was the forerunner of the T-shirt." But The Los Angeles Times, in 2006 claimed that the Navy shirt as described in 1913's regulations state that the "light undershirt" was different from what is commonly worn today, with the Navy's version boasting an "elastic collarette on the neck opening" and other odd features.[1]
There are also claims that in 1932 Howard Jones asked the underwear company, "Jockey" to develop a sweat absorbing shirt for the USC Trojans football team and that this became the "modern T-shirt." [1][2]
The name "T-shirt may refer to the shape of the shirt or it may come from the Army name "Training Shirt." The shape-based theory is supported by the existence of an A-shirt in the 1930s USA, which was the usual undershirt later labeled the tank top. It is also a possibility that the name "tee" comes from amputee, a reference to the shortened length of the arms.
During World War II the T-shirt had become standard issue underwear in both the U.S. Army and the Navy. Although the T-shirt was formally underwear, soldiers often used it without a shirt covering it while doing heavy labor or while stationed in locations with a hot climate, just like their former underwear.
After WWII the T-shirt started appearing without a shirt covering it in civilian life. According to the New York Times, the 1948 presidential campaign of New York Governor Thomas E. Dewey produced a "Dew It for Dewey" T-shirt, which was followed in 1952 by "I Like Ike" T-shirts in support of Dwight D. Eisenhower. John Wayne, Marlon Brando and James Dean all wore them on national TV. At first the public was shocked, but by 1955 it had become acceptable.[3]
References:
1. a b Randye Hoder, You Saw it Here First, Los Angeles Times, October 22, 2006.
2.Virginia Lynn. The History of the T-Shirt, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, February 13, 2007.
3. http://www.bbc.co.uk/cbbc/art/howto/tshirts/history.shtml
Cool Links to Unique T-Shirts
Where to find the best t-shirts for scuba divers, skiers yogi's and more!
- Wear My Dive Art!
- Sells scuba diving images, underwater fine art photos, and other sport-related designs on t-shirts, coffee mugs, coasters, greeting cards, framed prints, posters and other unique gift items.
- Divers Fly Tattoo Shirt
- A tattoo inspired design showing a pair of angel wings with a dive flag heart all done with a slightly distressed technique.
- Ocean in Kanji
- Ocean written in Kanji characters with a hand drawn angel fish
- Love
- Love written in Kanji characters with a hand drawn dolphin
- Peace
- Peace written in Kanji characters with a hand drawn shark
- SeaFriends
- Hand drawn ocean creatures fir a cause. A portion of all proceeds from this section will go to the Shark Research Institute.
- The Shark Research Institute
- Shark Research Institute, shark week, tiburon, shark research organization, conducts and sponsors research on sharks and promotes the conservation of sharks.
- Dive Destinations
- Here you will find the word "DIVE" illustrated with fish artwork and different dive destination names beneath it. FInd your favorite dive destination, or ask for a custom one to be added.
- Dive Flag Designs
- Lots of different designs with the red and white dive flag for inspiration.
- Diver Designs
- These designs all relate to and show images of scuba divers specifically.
- I've Logged XX Dives
- It's exciting to reach milestones in diving. Every dive logged counts towards your next one. Find your milestone t-shirt here, whether it's 100 dives or 500 dives. Or ask for one specifically.
- Humorous & Cute
- These designs are all humorous, cute or out of the ordinary. If you are looking for something unique or to put a smile on your face check these out.
- Fish & Critters
- These designs are all about the fish and other animals that live beneath the sea. Here you'll find sea turtles, shark, dolphins, angel fish and lots more.
- Reefs & Corals
- Most of these designs have been created from underwater photos that have then been artisically manipulated to create what I like to call Dive Art.
- The Yoga Shop
- Here you can find unique yoga-inspired designs including buddhas, ohm symbols, lotus flowers and lots more.
- The Ski Shop
- If skiing or snowboarding is your passion, you've got to check out the t-shirts and gifts here in the ski shop. Some are funny designs, some are not but all are unique and well-designed. Here you'll find designs like our popular "Diamonds are a Girl's Best Friend" with a double black diamond sign and many more.
- Not Just Scuba
- For people not into scuba or skiing we've got unique t-shirt designs for you too. Funny, witty and engaging, there is something for everyone. Beach lover designs, funny sayings and more. You'll just have to come visit to see.
- More Sports
- Would you rather be biking or playing golf, or surfing or doing something other than what you're doing now? Then check out these designs.
- Just Kids
- T-Shirt designs just for kids
Must Have Scuba T-Shirts
Other Sports & Lifestyle Designs Too!
Check out all the cool t-shirts in many different styles and colors for men, women, girls, boys, teens and babies at Wear My Dive Art!
The following are only a small sample of the hundreds of designs and styles available. All designs are also available on othewr gift items such as hats, mugs, mouse pads, tile coasters, greeting cards, log books, journals, buttons, magnets, posters and much more.
The following are only a small sample of the hundreds of designs and styles available. All designs are also available on othewr gift items such as hats, mugs, mouse pads, tile coasters, greeting cards, log books, journals, buttons, magnets, posters and much more.
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by SkiBabe
I have been an award-winning Graphic Designer with over 24 years experience in corporate communications.
I graduated from Cornell University, completed...
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