Custom t-shirts began during WWI when American troops noticed European soldiers wearing a comfortable and lightweight cotton t-shirt during the hot and humid European summer days. Compared to the wool uniforms that the American soldiers wore, these custom t-shirts were cooler and more comfortable and they quickly caught on with the Americans.

Many industry insiders believe the t-shirt started out as women's underwear. When Russell Manufacturing Company incorporated 104 years ago in 1902, the first finished product was ladies' undershirt, or summerweight vest. With eight knitting machines and twelve sewing machines, the mill's beginning capacity was 150 garments daily. By 1925, long underwear, sweaters, athletic shirts and ladies' bloomers were added to the production of ladies' vests, making a more complete product line from Russell.

With the opening of a full-scale bleachery & finishing plant in 1932, Russell became one of the few textile facilities of its size in the world to have a completely vertical operation, including team apparel. This was the beginning of the Russell Athletic division's cutting and sewing operations.

In the 1930s, the A-shirt, featuring a deep neck with no sleeves and over-the-shoulder straps, was well liked. And, short-sleeved cotton custom t-shirts with high necks were popular for men in the 30s, thanks to Hanes and Sears Roebuck. However, this was a tshirt not to be seen. Although Clark Gable revealed a bare chest in "It Happened One Night," (1934) custom t-shirts remained as an undergarment to be worn under a proper dress shirt or work shirt.

In the late 30s, Sears introduced the 'gob' custom t-shirt for sailors costing .24 each. The marines followed suit with a sage green camouflage shirt that was appropriate for under or outerwear. In 1944, survey results of enlisted army recruits revealed men preferred sleeves over sleeveless because of the absorption under the arms, and a better appearance.

Americans were shocked when celebrities revealed their underwear on the big screen and on national TV. In the early 1950s, Marlon Brando launched the plain white t-shirt into cult status as 'outerwear-sexy' when his buff pecs and abs were revealed in A Streetcar Named Desire (1951).

By the mid 1950s, the T-shirt gave way to its rebellious rock-n-roll roots when James Dean donned a white one under a leather jacket in Rebel Without a Cause. Elvis Presley also helped launch the tee. During his military service, he appeared in publicity shots wearing custom t-shirts and later wore them in movies and on stage. The military seized the opportunity to use the shirt as a 'billboard' when it began stenciling rank and company on custom t shirts.

However t-shirts were still portrayed as a men's garment until Walt Disney offered simple designs on custom t-shirts and souvenirs.

During the late 60s and 70s, bands realized they could make a significant amount of money selling shirts with their names. Then professional sports caught on and the industry changed again. The new cotton and polyester blend also helped broaden the views of custom t-shirts - a wrinkle-free, soft, durable garment for everyday outerwear.

Even as late as the 1980s, custom t-shirts were controversial. Adding to the popularity of the custom t-shirt as a garment of defiance occurred in 1986. Political custom t-shirts in South Africa were banned as the struggle against apartheid increased.

Today's custom t-shirts continue to evolve with new styles, colors, piques, knits and new synthetic fabrics.They are more fashionable than ever and can be made to look casual or dressy. The trend in custom tshirts is that they are becoming smaller, with a more tailored fit - particularly for women. Custom t-shirts are showing up in corporate boardrooms and on the golf course.

Today's custom t-shirt still represents a symbol for the wearer. It's become an American tradition for runners who finish the road race to receive the obligatory race custom tshirt. T-shirts signify patriotism, display one's attitudes, feelings, product loyalty and political beliefs. Used by colleges, corporations, retailers, sports teams, civic groups, little leagues, school groups and bands, the custom t-shirt is a walking billboard for whatever product is being sold. T-shirts can be worn as underwear, pajamas and workout clothing. And many women have replaced the traditional blouse under a suit jacket with a nice custom tshirt, indicating that t-shirts are becoming more acceptable in the workplace.

"Register here and win a free custom t-shirt" can be heard at sporting events, carnivals, school registrations, malls, conventions, hotels and concerts. Custom t-shirts are everywhere. Just ask your neighbors and friends how many t-shirts they own. The numbers are staggering.

With the mainstreaming of casual wear in the corporate environment, high quality custom t-shirts are rising in popularity. As the custom t-shirt continues to grow in popularity, so will the demand for a premium 100% cotton custom t-shirt.