Fashion fans just learning what the T in T-shirt really stands for

It's something you see every single day, yet most people have never stopped to wonder how one basic piece of clothing got its name. T-shirts have existed since the early 1900s and were initially worn as undergarments by workers in various industries.

But thanks to their comfort, they swiftly became a wardrobe essential for many people and began being worn on their own during warmer weather. However, despite their popularity, most of us never stopped to think about where they got their name. That changed when a group of Reddit users asked: "What does the T in T-shirt stand for?"

According to Fashion Open Studio, many people believe the T is short for 'torso' or 'top'. However, the name actually comes from the shape of the garment.

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The website states: "Their name, T-shirt, is derived from their resemblance to the letter T when laid flat.

"The letter T in T-shirt is an abbreviation, and intriguingly, it carries multiple meanings. One commonly accepted interpretation is that T stands for 'tee' or 'tee shirt.'

"This connection stems from the phonetic pronunciation of the letter T as 'tee' in English. However, delving deeper into etymology, we find other possibilities.

"Some suggest that T could be a condensed form of 'undershirt' or 'henley tee,' referring to a collarless pullover shirt.

"This ambiguity surrounding the T in T-shirt adds to the allure of this iconic garment and invites us to explore the diverse linguistic and historical influences that have shaped its name."

The statement continues: "Initially, T-shirts were worn as undershirts, providing comfort, absorbing sweat, and preserving outer clothing.

"Because of its lightweight lightness and breathability, the T-shirt became extremely popular among American soldiers during World War II.

"The military made them part of their regular uniform, spreading the news about this comfy clothing to the distant reaches of the globe. Soldiers wore them beneath their uniforms or independent shirts in warmer areas."

Subsequently, T-shirts started evolving from practical garments into fashion items, with film stars opting to wear them in movies instead of casual suits.

"Movies like A Streetcar Named Desire and Rebel Without a Cause showed actors wearing T-shirts in the 1950s, introducing a new level of appeal to the younger population," the statement reveals.

"The T-shirt took on the rebellious and edgy atmosphere associated with these flicks, establishing its role as a symbol of teenage culture.

"Tie-dye and screen-printing processes enabled innovative graphics and phrases to be splashed on T-shirts by the 1960s.

"This opened up new avenues for self-expression, political action, and advertising. The T-shirt was transformed into a canvas for art, comedy, and personal expression."

Reacting to this surprising discovery, one social media user quipped: "Aren't most shirts shaped like a T?".

Another chimed in: "Always thought it was some fancy fashion term or something but nope it's just the most obvious thing ever. The shirt literally looks like the letter T when you spread it out."

A third user joked: "I'd like to introduce you to the V Neck."