Sanitation Department employee Sebastian Mejias of Brooklyn’s Community Board 5 was responsible for designing this shirt through NYC&Co’s merchandise licensing vendor, and proceeds will be put towards street cleaning costs and related sanitation-related expenses.
It’s an adorable concept and meets several of the criteria government entities should use when selecting promotional products: it ties into cultural trends, is from an established brand, and features a reasonable cost per unit.
The origins of the T-shirt
T-shirts have become such an integral part of our culture that it is hard to imagine a time before their introduction. But like everything, T-shirts had their beginnings; initially created as undergarments before later evolving into garments that can be worn alone or used to communicate messages, the T-shirt has revolutionized apparel manufacturing while simultaneously opening up an entirely new industry of garment decoration. People use T-shirts as a powerful form of communication and expression, and they are an essential item in almost every wardrobe today.
T-shirts (also called Tee shirts) were initially made of cotton and designed as undergarments to protect from skin exposure while providing flexibility, comfort, and easy care. Popular among sailors for its flexible yet comfortable design that was easy to wash between skin and clothing layers, it was later adopted by dockworkers and industrial workers who found its light fabric comfortable during hot temperatures. Silk screen printing later made adding designs more affordable, turning a shirt into an outer garment where advertisements, political messages, or any form of expression could be printed easily onto its canvas surface.
The early 1900s saw significant T-shirt companies such as Hanes and Fruit of the Loom produce and sell T-shirts to customers. By the 1930s, college athletes were donning them as standard issues, and they had become widely available throughout American stores. By WWI’s end, tees had even become an essential component of army uniforms as they made washing easier and practically more feasible for soldiers.
By the 1950s, tee shirts had become an integral part of mainstream American apparel; however, it took them some time to gain wider acclaim outside of military service. When rebellious actors such as Marlon Brando in A Streetcar Named Desire and James Dean in Rebel Without a Cause started wearing them on film screens, they really took hold and helped make the t-shirt popular and fashionable clothing that it is today.
Types of T-shirts
There are various kinds of T-shirts on the market, each one boasting unique qualities. For instance, some may be more durable, while others have unique patterns. Furthermore, fabric selection plays an integral role in shaping its appearance and feel – cotton being one of the most breathable fabrics out there being most commonly used to construct T-shirts, whereas silk or wool could also be utilized.
Graphic T-shirts are also trendy. With designs printed directly on the front of their shirt, these graphic tees make great promotional tools and an eye-catching way to express yourself or promote bands, movies, brands, or personal interests. There are various decorating techniques, such as screen printing, digital printing, and dye-sublimation, available to decorate them further.
A classic T-shirt, the crew neck T-shirt can be worn for any special event or everyday use. Featuring an elegant round neckline that fits comfortably and complements any look, it makes an excellent choice for men who appreciate an understated and stylish look.
The V-neck T-shirt is similar to its counterpart but features an inverted V collar, can be worn for both casual and formal events, and may complement specific facial structures.
Short-sleeved T-shirts are another prevalent type of T-shirt. These garments feature short sleeves that reach over the shoulders and taper at the arms, providing an opportunity to show off the biceps or muscles.
Another T-shirt style to consider is the striped T-shirt, featuring vertical or horizontal stripes for an eye-catching appearance. Ideal for casual wear, these can be combined with any pants or shorts for a completely casual outfit; alternatively, pair one with a knitted wool cardigan and formal trousers to achieve an elegant, simple style.
Pocket T-shirts, featuring a small pocket on the chest side of the shirt, make for a versatile option, perfect for wear with jeans, sweatpants, and sneakers for casual beach walks or nights out. Pocket T-shirts also make it easier to keep small items close at hand, such as keys or coins, within reach!
Printing methods
There are many printing methods for T-shirts available today, each offering its advantages and disadvantages. When selecting the ideal way for your order, take into account garment type, fabric composition, and design requirements, as well as budget constraints and timeline constraints when making your decision. Ultimately, select one that provides high-quality prints while also fitting within budget constraints and deadline constraints.
Screen printing is a timeless traditional print method that utilizes thick ink to produce durable and vibrant designs that stand the test of time. Screen printing’s thick ink also makes matching colors to Pantones much more straightforward – which explains its popularity among T-shirt designers and brands.
Dye sublimation printing methods offer many design possibilities and are particularly well suited to creating multicolored t-shirt prints. Sublimation works by heating a dye-based ink into gas form before it transfers onto fabric when heated again – this method works on various materials such as polyester or polymer-coated substrates for maximum versatility when creating full-color artwork designs.
Digital printing is an emerging printing technique that produces very high-quality, full-color images on clothing directly. Ideal for more intricate designs and photographic prints, digital printing works best on cotton blends as opposed to 100% synthetic fabrics; however, it requires expensive equipment.
Airbrushing is a classic art form used to craft one-of-a-kind t-shirts. As a highly flexible technique, airbrushing is popular with hobbyists who like the unpredictable results, making the finished piece genuinely one-of-a-kind. Unfortunately, airbrushing requires considerable skill and time investment – before choosing an airbrush printing method, fabric, and color compatibility must be assessed, as well as how fast it should print to meet your requirements.
DIY T-shirt projects
If you have some old t-shirts lying around that you no longer wear, here are some fun DIY t-shirt projects to give them new life! From making it stand out among its peers to using only essential tools (including scissors), these projects provide the perfect opportunity for relaxation or boredom relief on road trips!
First of all, create a pattern on your shirt similar to that seen in spine/backbone shirt designs. Use stencils or draw your own; the result will be striking. Next up, cut a shape out of your shirt. This can be very creative; add some studs for an added edge!
Another creative idea is creating a fringed shirt. This can be an excellent way to showcase your individuality and express yourself at concerts and music festivals, not to mention making the fringes yourself! Additionally, this project is easy and allows for some creativity when selecting which styles of frames to use!
Other projects for your t-shirt could involve cutting a heart shape and adding lace strips, similar to what braided hairstyles do, for an exciting and unique touch. This project can give your old shirt a new life!
Puffy paint can create a 3-D effect on t-shirts, providing an engaging craft for children that’s easy to clean up afterward. Plus, this non-messy alternative to markers and paints that may get messy makes for great holiday presents!
One final idea for customizing your t-shirt is adding embroidery. Not only is this an effective way to show your favorite band or team pride, but you can even personalize the font you choose further by customizing its appearance!
These T-shirt crafts can keep the whole family busy! Not only can they recycle old T-shirts, but they can be an attractive addition to your summer wardrobe as well. Don’t forget the #HugTheMessSweepstakes on Instagram, where you could potentially win amazing prizes.
