WHAT IS A SHIRT?

Shirts have been around for a long time, but do you know everything there is to know about shirts? Let’s dive in!

what is a shirt?

A shirt is defined as an upper-body garment that is typically worn by men or women. It covers the chest and the arms, and it often has a collar and sleeves. Shirts come in many different styles, colors, and fabrics.

types of shirts
many types of shirts

what are the different types of shirts?

There are many different types of shirts, including dress shirts, polo shirts, T-shirts, and Henley shirts.

1. dress shirts

Dress shirts are typically worn in formal settings, such as weddings or job interviews. They are usually made from silk or cotton and have a stiff collar.

2. polo shirts

Polo shirts are usually made from cotton or polyester and have short sleeves and a fold-over collar. They are often worn by athletes and casual wearers alike.

3. t-shirts

T-shirts are the most common type of shirt and are made from a variety of materials, including cotton, polyester, and canvas. They typically have short sleeves and a round neckline.

4. Henley shirts

Henley shirts are similar to T-shirts, but they have a placket (a panel of fabric that covers the buttons) and a collar. They are often made from cotton or wool.

what is the difference between a shirt and t-shirt?

A “shirt” is a general term that encompasses different types of shirts. So you can think of a t-shirt as a type of shirt.

shirt is the parent category
a “shirt” is like the parent category

While this is true, when people mention “shirt,” they are often referring specifically to a type of shirt that would closely resemble a dress shirt. In other words, if someone tells you to wear a “shirt,” they are most likely implying that they want you to wear a shirt (such as a dress shirt or button-up) that is more formal/professional and not a t-shirt with a logo on it.

where did the word shirt come from?

The word shirt comes from the Old English word scyrte, which means “a piece of cloth that is hung around the body.” The word scyrte eventually evolved into the word shirt.

when did people start wearing shirts?

People have been wearing shirts since 3,000 B.C. The shirt goes way back to the time of ancient Egypt. However, they were not commonly worn until the 1800s.

why do we wear shirts?

There are many reasons why people wear shirts, including to protect their bodies from the elements, to cover up their skin, and to look professional or polished.

shirts have a long history

Shirts have been around for centuries and they have evolved a great deal over time. They were once only worn by the wealthy and powerful, but now they are commonly worn by people of all ages and backgrounds.

how are shirts made?

Shirts are typically made from a variety of materials, including:

  • cotton
  • silk
  • polyester
  • wool

They are manufactured in a variety of ways, including hand-sewn, machine-sewn, and knit.

what are the different parts of a shirt?

The different parts of a shirt include the collar, the front, the back, the sleeves, and the hem.

parts of a shirt
parts of a “shirt”

1. collar

The collar is the part of a shirt that covers the neck. It is typically made from cotton or polyester and can be either stiff or soft.

2. front of shirt

The front of a shirt is the part that faces the public. It is typically made from cotton or polyester and is often decorated with buttons, logos, or designs.

3. back of shirt

The back of a shirt is the part that faces away from the public. It is typically made from cotton or polyester and often has a yoke (a piece of fabric that connects the front and back of a shirt).

4. sleeves

The sleeves are the parts of a shirt that cover the arms. They are typically made from cotton or polyester and can be either long or short.

5. hem

The hem is the bottom of a shirt. It is typically made from cotton or polyester and can be either straight or curved.

what are the common sizes of a shirt?

Shirts come in a variety of sizes, including:

  • small
  • medium
  • large
  • extra-large
  • double-extra-large

Most shirts are sold in sizes that range from Small to Extra-Large. However, some brands sell shirts in larger and smaller sizes as well.

what are the types of fabric shirts are made with?

Shirts are typically made from a variety of materials, including cotton, silk, polyester, and wool. They are manufactured in a variety of ways, including hand-sewn, machine-sewn, and knit.

1. cotton

Cotton is the most popular material for shirts. It is breathable and absorbent, making it comfortable to wear in hot weather. Cotton shirts are also relatively affordable and can be machine-washed and dried.

2. silk

Silk is a luxurious fabric that is often used for dress shirts. It is breathable and moisture-wicking, making it ideal for hot weather. Silk shirts are typically more expensive than cotton shirts, but they are more durable and can be machine-washed and dried.

3. polyester

Polyester is a synthetic fabric that is often used for T-shirts and Henley shirts. It is moisture-wicking and wrinkle-resistant, making it ideal for activewear. Polyester shirts are typically less expensive than cotton or silk shirts.

4. wool

Wool is a natural fiber that is often used for Henley shirts and sweaters. It is breathable and moisture-wicking, making it a good choice for cold weather. Wool shirts are typically more expensive than cotton or polyester shirts.

shirts as a political statement

Shirts can also be used as a political statement. For example, the “I Can’t Breathe” shirt that was worn by many protesters was a statement against police brutality.

george floyd i can't breathe shirt
“I can’t breathe” shirt being worn

Another example is the “Make America Great Again” shirt that was worn by many supporters of Donald Trump during his presidential election. This shirt was a statement in support of Trump’s campaign slogan.

Shirts can be used to express a wide range of political opinions and statements. The shirt can be a lot more than just a clothing piece.

additional resources related to shirts

final remarks

Shirts come in a variety of styles, colors, and fabrics. There are many different types of shirts, including dress shirts, polo shirts, T-shirts, and Henley shirts.

Dress shirts are typically worn in formal settings, such as weddings or job interviews.

They are usually made from silk or cotton and have a stiff collar.

Polo shirts are usually made from cotton or polyester and have short sleeves and a fold-over collar.

They are often worn by athletes and casual wearers alike.

T-shirts are the most common type of shirt and are made from a variety of materials, including cotton, polyester, and canvas. They typically have short sleeves and a round neckline.

Henley shirts are similar to T-shirts, but they have a placket (a panel of fabric that covers the buttons) and a collar. They are often made from cotton or wool.

There are many different ways to wear a shirt, including tucked in or untucked. Shirts can be worn with a variety of bottoms, including pants, skirts, and shorts. They can also be worn with a variety of accessories, including ties, scarves, and jackets.

Shirts are a versatile clothing item that can be dressed up or down to suit any occasion. Whether you’re attending a formal event or just running errands, there’s a shirt that’s perfect for the occasion. So, the next time you’re in need of a new piece of clothing, consider picking up a shirt. You won’t be disappointed.