Dallas Image Consultant, Julie Thurburn, loves and great T-shirt. Here’s a short history on the T-Shirt.
The T-shirt achieved popularity back in the early 1950’s, specifically with the depiction of iconic moody men on movies…like James Dean putting on that white undershirt under his leather jacket in Rebel Without A Cause, or Marlon Brando dressed in a white muscle shirt in the end of Streetcar Named Desire.
Using the T-shirt, unaccompanied by a loose over shirt or jacket, was a direct response to the stiff collared shirts of the White-Collar Middle Class during the ‘50s, representing economic oppression & social invalidation of the Blue-Collar Working Class, which needed to wear jumpsuits to operate. However, beneath each jumpsuit hid an undershirt, which would be revealed during work breaks.
The development of the T-shirt became more of a statement when the counterculture revolution of the 1960s added to the lexicon tie-dye & iconographic shirts. Individuals could say how they felt about society by means of their choices & the majority became bit by bit, more receptive.
The ‘70s saw the rise of the popular “Smiley Face” & “I (Heart) New York” shirts. These shirts propelled the idea of building a sense of community, while being hip. The trends of ‘70s only grew in the ‘80s, such as the “Frankie Says Relax” shirts.
Continuing with the process of messages, T-shirt designers began using:
- Clever Texts
- Gimmicks (like thermochromatic, heat-sensitive color changing T-shirts)
- Business Branding (with the logos of manufacturers or designers)
The T-shirt is not simply a way of just covering up anymore. From the Blue-Collar functional, to the stylishly hip, it’s transformed into a must have, cultural icon. Still economical, but high-end for the fashionable (just like the one designed by Balmain worth $1,137.50)!
As your Dallas Fashion Consultant, it is my mission to help my clients always look fabulous without being a slave to the whimsical ways of fashion trends. I am passionately committed to making sure my clients always look their very best in order to help them achieve their personal and business goals.
- If you have any questions or are interested in a personal consultation, please give me a call at 214-223-2200.