T-Shirts: History, Sizes, Materials, and What Really Matters

When you pull on a T-shirt, a simple, sleeveless, round-necked garment worn as a base layer or standalone piece. Also known as a tee shirt, it’s one of the most universal items in clothing history. But why does this basic shape still dominate closets worldwide? It’s not just about comfort—it’s about identity, practicality, and a design that’s stayed unchanged for over a century. From factory workers in the 1800s to tech CEOs today, the T-shirt has adapted without ever needing a redesign.

What you wear under your jacket or alone on a summer day depends on three things: fit, fabric, and origin. T-shirt size, how the garment is cut to match body dimensions across different builds isn’t one-size-fits-all—especially when you’re shopping online. A size large for one brand might be a medium for another, and if you’re a 300 lb man, standard charts often fail you. That’s why brands now offer Big & Tall lines, and why knowing your actual chest and length measurements matters more than the label. Then there’s t-shirt material, the fabric blend that determines how soft, durable, and breathable the shirt feels after dozens of washes. Cotton is the classic choice, but not all cotton is equal. Pima cotton feels smoother and lasts longer than regular cotton, while polyester blends resist wrinkles but can trap heat. The best T-shirts balance softness, stretch, and strength—and they don’t cost twice as much to do it right.

And then there’s the story behind it. The name "T-shirt" comes from its shape—simple, T-shaped, no frills. It started as undergarment for sailors and soldiers, then became a symbol of rebellion in the 1950s, and now it’s a canvas for art, slogans, and personal expression. Even Mark Zuckerberg, who wears the same gray T-shirt every day, understands this: it’s not about fashion, it’s about reducing decision fatigue. His shirt isn’t fancy—it’s functional. And that’s the real power of the T-shirt. It doesn’t need to be expensive to be perfect. It just needs to fit right, feel good, and last.

Below, you’ll find real answers to the questions people actually ask: What size do most people wear? What fabric holds up after years of laundry? Why does a T-shirt cost $5 at one store and $40 at another? And yes—where does Mark Zuckerberg actually buy his tees? These aren’t guesses. These are facts pulled from sales data, fabric tests, and real-world wear. Whether you’re shopping for yourself, a family member, or just curious about the clothes you wear every day, this collection cuts through the noise.