What's Underneath

The history of the t-shirt began as undershirts.

In the 1840s, woolen vest undershirts were designed for women who wanted to participate in athletics. This allowed for the freedom of movement the women's corsets wouldn't allow, and also protected the "delicate constitution" of the ladies.

The continuing popularity of outdoor excerise and the bicycle in the 1880s ensured the vest's survival.

By the turn of the century, the vest was being made of fine Egyptian cotton and silks, and decorated with ribbons and lace.

By the 1930s, with the invention of the brassiere, the undershirts were becoming less popular with adults.  However, the popularity was reignited in 1947 when Marlon Brando famously wore an undershirt as Stanely Kowalski in A Street Car Named Desire.

The undershirt plowed through  the 60s as a symbol of rebellion. Janis Joplin epitomized the look!

The simple undershirt continues to cycle through our fashion trends as a classic, simple piece.

Now in our store, a collection of 60s French Undershirts.