T-Shirt? Tee shirt? But what does the ‘T’ stand for in T-Shirt?
The t-shirt evolved gradually over centuries as everyday apparel. By the late 1800s, American workers began adapting their undergarments for warmer weather by cutting union suits in half. The garment gained widespread adoption in 1913 when the U.S. Navy issued it as standard issue to sailors. These Navy versions featured a circular neckline and short sleeves, differing slightly from modern designs.
The Shape Theory
The ‘T’ in T-Shirt simply refers to the basic shape of the garment — a simple vertical body with horizontal arms which resembles a capital letter T. Most reference materials support this explanation. The term entered dictionaries in 1920, following its appearance in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s This Side of Paradise.
Alternative Explanation
A less common theory suggests the ‘T’ could stand for “Training,” as the shirts were originally training garments for Navy personnel.
Capitalization Note
The ‘T’ should be capitalized to visually echo the garment’s silhouette.