If history has taught us anything about fashion, it is that it is cyclical. What was the style 50 years ago is likely going to come back around eventually. When the T-shirts originally came on the scene at approximately 95 years ago, it was considered to be a standard issue uniform for the U.S. Navy. No one could have thought that it would soon become an influencing part of our culture, as well as society in so many ways. Ranging from a symbol of self expression to walking billboards and advertising vehicles, these staples of our society have changed over and over again from one generation to another. Here are some of the historical high points and low points.

One of the most dangerous and unpleasant duties was being assigned to serve on a submarine. The type quarters combined with the overwhelming heat would make the temperatures inside the vessel the climb well over 125°. The Navy started issuing these sailors T-shirts as part of their standard uniform.

The next milestone in marking the evolution of the tee shirt is when it starts to become accepted by the civilian population and worn by both men and women as part of their everyday wardrobe. It wasn’t long before it was accepted as a good option for the hard-working individual. It was light weight, as well as durable. The fact that it was made of cotton made it absorbent, as well as breathable.

1951 Hollywood had a tremendous impact in influencing our society of young people. Superstars such as James Dean would take a pack of cigarettes and roll it up in the sleeve. Remember the TV show Happy Days? What did the star of the show wear under his black leather jacket? That’s right…a white t-shirt.

1962 Marked the beginning of the hippie movement. Tie-dyed applications soon came on the scene. You started to see political messages screen printed across the front of tank tops and sleeveless apparel started to emerge onto the scene.

1977 Slogans such as I Columbia start to show up in stores across our great city. People are now using them as a billboard of self-expression.

1984 Television shows such as Miami Vice convey a fashion statement and influence our culture not just across the country, but on a worldwide level.

2009 The St. Louis screen printing industry is changed forever because the use of the Internet is now mainstream. Up until now, most people were intimidated to use their credit card when making an Internet purchase. Now they are starting to become more familiar with that type of financial transaction and a comfort level is obtained. Digital T-shirt printing comes on the scene impacting the screen printing industry for over. Modern technology does away with the traditional method of color separations that were normally part of the typical printing process.

Modern technology has impacted every sector of our lives as well as our economy. The custom apparel business is no exception to that rule.

For all your custom embroidery, custom silk screening, and digital printing in the greater Columbia, MO area, please contact us either by email or phone. And yes, we do answer our phones. You will not get a recording unless of course we are on the phone with another customer. We will give you a competitive quote whether it’s for 12 digital print shirts or 500 or more screen printed tees, and everything in between. We look forward to hearing from you.