
History of Cotton Polo T-Shirt
The cotton T-shirt is a timeless wardrobe staple.
The Origin of the T-Shirt
- Named for its T shape
- First appeared in the late 1800s as an undergarment for workers and military personnel
- Early 1900s: the U.S. Navy issued white cotton T-shirts
Why Cotton Became the Preferred Fabric
- Soft and comfortable
- Breathable
- Absorbs sweat
- Easy to dye and print
- Affordable and widely available
1960s–1980s – Printed T-Shirts Take Over
- Band merchandise
- Political messages
- Brand logos
- Graphic art
- Screen printing, later DTF printing
Modern Era – Cotton T-Shirts in Print-On-Demand
- Excellent print quality
- Works well with DTF and puff print
- Long-lasting comfort
- Supports bulk production


