Lightning Magazine Vol. 386 The T-shirt Handbook

Lightning Magazine Vol. 386 The T-shirt Handbook

A T-shirt worn by members of the U.S. team at the 1912 Stockholm Olympics. Even today, more than a century later, it’s striking how little its appearance has changed. The felt Stars and Stripes patch on the chest suggests that T-shirts were already conceived as garments meant to be seen (be sure to check the magazine for a closer look).

The origins of the T-shirt are often traced back to European underwear and athletic wear, but it was the United States that played a major role in developing it into its current form. From the late 19th century to the early 20th century, T-shaped shirts were widely used as athletic wear, swimwear, and underwear. As numbers, school names, and team names began to be added, these practical garments gradually evolved into clothing that expressed identity.

By the 1960s and 1970s, graphic T-shirts featuring corporate logos and messages became widespread, transforming the garment into something like a canvas. The T-shirt moved beyond being merely clothing and became a medium that reflects the times and culture.

Now, in 2026, what kinds of T-shirts are the brands we’re watching proposing? As we head into a season when T-shirts take center stage, let’s take a look at where they stand today.