Originally used as an undergarment, it was only when it crossed paths with Navy soldiers and Hollywood film stars that the t-shirt became the icon we know today. A true Swiss Army knife of style, it is now THE essential piece in any wardrobe. The t-shirt, which simply means “a shirt in the shape of a T”, has transcended fashions and eras with its timeless design and comfortable fabric. To celebrate the arrival of spring, and also (above all) our new collection of t-shirts, the Hast team invites you to take a brief look back at its history. A look back at an unrivalled success story.
The t-shirt… was originally an undergarment
As strange as it may seem today, the t-shirt was originally an undergarment and was therefore not considered a garment in its own right. While several theories have been put forward to explain its appearance, we would have to go back to the Middle Ages to find the first traces of the t-shirt. In cotton or woven linen, it was worn as a base layer beneath clothing. During the 19th century, the t-shirt underwent significant developments and began to be produced on a larger scale, thanks in particular to technological advances in weaving. It was at the end of that century that it took off with British, then American, naval soldiers, who incorporated it into their regulation uniforms. Easy to produce and very comfortable, the t-shirt initially served a purely hygienic and functional purpose.
The t-shirt, from the army to Hollywood: a paradigm shift
So how did the t-shirt go from a simple undergarment to the symbol of an entire generation? Quite naturally, after the war, American soldiers abandoned their uniforms but kept the habit of wearing a t-shirt. It was then adopted by the sporting world in the 1930s, before making its way onto film sets. The greatest stars of the era began wearing white t-shirts, expressing a form of masculinity previously unknown. Who could forget Marlon Brando in A Streetcar Named Desire in 1951 ? The cut became more fitted and its shape came to symbolise a radiant, rebellious youth. The myth was born.
The t-shirt as a tool for self-expression
Building on its momentum, the t-shirt became fully democratised around the world from the 1970s onwards, with the emergence of new cultures such as rock music and hippie fashion. Gone was the basic white t-shirt: textile customisation made it possible to reinvent its codes, shapes and colours, creating endless variations. The printed t-shirt became a means of expression, a way to assert one's tastes or belonging to a group. Brands quickly embraced the trend and offered t-shirts bearing a logo or slogan. An ultra-effective communication tool, the t-shirt took over the wardrobe.
What about the t-shirt today?
The quintessential casual piece, the t-shirt is worn every day but also pairs perfectly with a more formal style or a suit. The world of luxury quickly embraced it too, and the t-shirt regularly appears on the catwalk, further underlining its iconic status.
Tell me which t-shirt you wear, and I will tell you who you are
Today, there is an endless variety of t-shirts to choose from according to your preferences. V-neck, crew neck or round neck? Patch pocket on the front? Turned-up sleeves? Loose or fitted? The t-shirt comes in different necklines, sleeve lengths, fabrics and cuts.
At Hast, while we naturally have an unconditional love for the t-shirt, we also believe its future depends on more responsible production. That is why, for the new season, we invite you to discover our GOTS-certified organic cotton t-shirts, or those in a linen and cotton blend. Very lightweight and in sunlit shades, they will accompany you on all your summer adventures.
