The Evolution of the T-shirt – Edmonton T-Shirt Design Re-Loaded
Edmonton t-shirt design and trends come and go but the classic t-shirt will always be a staple in everyone’s wardrobe. Nowadays, a plain white tee can be a great avenue of expression. In some ways the statement tee has become a medium of choice to voice out ones views whether they be with regards to music, culture, art, philosophy and even politics. The t-shirt can be a pedestal of sorts for your opinions and ideas.
Today a new phenomenon has taken hold and has elevated the plain old t-shirt to a totally different level. T-shirt designs are much bolder, more creative and have more to say – visually. The popularity of design-it-yourself sites like the Edmonton t-shirt design has flourished giving designers from all over the world the chance to show their art to an even wider audience than previously thought.
It’s funny to think that this humble garment, previously considered as “underwear”, has become such a worldwide hit. Created in the 19th century as an undergarment, the t-shirt was meant to be worn under a suit. But in 1951 one man changed all that; it wasn’t until screen legend Marlon Brando, in the movie “A Streetcar Named Desire”, forever changed the way we saw the t-shirt. After that the t-shirt gained the status it truly deserved — as a fashionable, stand-alone, outer-wear garment.
In the 1960s and 70’s the t-shirt became wearable art. Psychedelic colours were introduced and new printing techniques created. Colourful tie-dyed shirts where all the rage with the hippie 60’s movement of “free love”. The t-shirt also became a mode of advertisement and protest. T-shirts of bands like the “Grateful Dead” and “Led Zeppelin” became sought after. In fact vintage pieces sell for hundreds of dollars today. But the most iconic t-shirt design of the 70’s would have to be Milton Glaser’s “I Love New York” logo shirt. This design is still considered a classic and a perfect example of t-shirt advertising (and also considered as one of the most successful tourism campaigns of all time).
As the decades rolled on the technology behind the t-shirt also progressed. New techniques, textures, fabrics and paints were introduced further broadening the design possibilities. This same technology has also made it easier for people to print smaller batches or use innovative techniques for use in many type purposes; whether it be for commercial advertising, souvenir messages or just as a statement piece that truly fits the wearer (pun intended).