The t-shirt started out as a garment for laborers, workers and the middle class as a "uniform" of sort. It was cool, did not hug too tight and did not constrict the wearer. The t-shirt was usually white, and people wore them out of necessity. They were cost effective, as well as fairly accessible to everyone.
Fast forward to the 21st century, and t-shirt has taken on a life of its own. T-shirts convey a persons passion, a belief, a political position, an opinion, as well as a culture. We are a culture of style and trend, and what we wear states who we are! It is true for adults as well as children and teens alike. A simple idea of a t-shirt has become a billboard for society to announce to the world, what is important to the wearer. It states what they are feeling, who they are inside, and their preferences. There is really no need to explain. It is all right on the front of the t-shirt.
The t-shirt has made a HUGE statement, both on a personal level as well as a cultural level in meaning of the medium. An example would be the cost of a t-shirt would be under $10 dollars if purchased at a basic store such as Target or Walmart. However, put the t-shirt in a different context, say screen print a sports team logo on the t-shirt, or a popular band, or maybe a sassy line from a movie and the value of the shirt increases. A $10 dollar t-shirt, now costs $40-$80 dollars. Same style t-shirt, but it is the message and style that makes the t-shirt more valuable and sought after.
Thus, we are a culture of advertising our position, beliefs, preferences, opinions, likes, dislikes and the balance of our style on a piece of fabric covering our body. Unlike tattoes, t-shirts allow the person to change their mind and opinion daily. I like this.....I may want to change my style or position and the t-shirt allows me to "go with the flow". And it is a great deal less painful to acquire.
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