by Isaure Fremont March 24, 2025

The T-shirt

The T-shirt: the discreet icon of our wardrobes

At first glance, it may seem simple, almost banal. But make no mistake: the T-shirt is the charismatic and understated element of our wardrobe, the essential pillar of our outfits. While it evokes simplicity and basics, for us, it embodies the iconic.

A cotton jersey T-shirt, with a perfect fit, ideal sleeves, and a classic crew neck, can seem difficult to sublimate. And yet! Well-cut and delicately tinted, it possesses the understated charm of summer days. With jeans or a crepe skirt, it has the power to elevate any outfit.

Where does this intergenerational success come from?

Back to the source. The history of the T-shirt begins in 1910, during the First World War (yes, not before!). At that time, soldiers in the US Navy wore wool undershirts, which were uncomfortable and not very breathable, leading to excessive sweating. Meanwhile, on the other side of the Atlantic, French soldiers adopted cotton undershirts with round necks and long sleeves, which provided superior comfort. Sound familiar? Us too: the sailor shirt.

Initially designed for functional and military uses, the t-shirt made its way into civilian life over the decades.

In the 1930s, the T-shirt experienced its first turning point thanks to the rise of cinema and sports. Three major universes marked its rise:

Howard Jones and Sports : In 1932, football coach Howard Jones commissioned Jockey International Inc. to create a sweat-wicking jersey. Quickly adopted by the players, this T-shirt resonated with students, who adopted it as a symbol of rebellion.
The U.S. Army : In 1938, the Sears brand introduced the famous "Gob Shirt," which was widely adopted by the U.S. armed forces. Its advertising slogan further cemented its popularity.
Hollywood: In the 1950s, cinema propelled the T-shirt to mythical status. Actors like Marlon Brando (in A Streetcar Named Desire ) and James Dean (in Rebel Without a Cause ) made it the embodiment of a relaxed, rebellious look. Alongside them, the T-shirt became a symbol of freedom, almost a bad boy.

The 1970s marked a creative and revolutionary turning point for the T-shirt. It became a canvas for expression, a medium for displaying political opinions, ideas, or simply a unique style. From a message of rebellion to a personalized object, the T-shirt established itself as a true manifesto worn daily.