Understanding Cultures by Reading T-shirts

Thursday 08th of March 2007 03:46:36 PM

Understanding Cultures by Reading T-shirts

T-shirts, once used to protect the body from the affects of sweat, were worn only by those in the military or who played football. But over the last thirty years, T-Shirts have gone from protective undergarments to fashion statements. These days, people who want to express themselves and show off their personality, will only have to wear the appropriate t-shirt. Political t-shirts, humorous t-shirts, satirical t-shirts, and sappy T-Shirts are just some of the categories that people can choose from.

There are many small boutiques both online and off that cater to the people who wear these shirts for work, or who wear them on the weekends. But for many, wearing a t-shirt that expresses an opinion they have or allegiance to a group, is the safest way to show off their personality. “As a fashion staple, it's taken on a symbolic status over time, making it full of significance as an everyday object and an effortless way to play on notions of high versus low culture,” said Ami Keahola, an editor of the weblog Cool Hunting (coolhunting.com).

The t-shirt is also an easy way for people to make a profit. Designing t-shirts has given artists and others a steady income. Selling the shirts online has helped lower production costs and enable people to sell their shirts all over the world. As political climates change, those who create t-shirts always have new issues to draw their inspiration from. “The T-shirt can be an art form. The Tees are intensely personal, like a personal billboard,” said Keahola.

T-shirts will continue to be popular because they are an inexpensive way to dress. They can be worn with a variety of clothing, and are an acceptable form of dress in more and more cultures.

(c)Divyesh(Jetho) Kansagara, www.sxc.hu