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A shirt might seem like one of the most ordinary things in the world. You put it on, button it up or pull it over your head, and get on with your day. But if you start looking into it, the shirt has a surprisingly long and varied history. From ancient linen tunics to crisp modern dress shirts, this humble garment has shaped and been shaped by centuries of fashion, practicality, and personal style. It’s been worn by farmers in the fields, sailors at sea, and executives in boardrooms, each version adapted to the needs of its wearer.
The earliest shirts weren’t exactly like the fitted garments we know now. In ancient Egypt, for example, people wore simple linen tunics, loose and breathable, to cope with the heat. Over in medieval Europe, a shirt was more of an undergarment, worn beneath outer layers to keep them cleaner for longer. Back then, laundering was a lot of work, so it made sense to protect more expensive clothing with something easier to wash.
Shirts in the Middle Ages were often made of undyed linen and reached to the thighs or knees. They didn’t have the neatly stitched collars and cuffs we’re used to. Instead, the openings were tied with strings or left loose. As tailoring techniques improved over the centuries, shirts began to look more like what we’d recognize today.
It wasn’t until the 19th century that shirts really became a visible part of men’s outfits rather than just an underlayer. Collars became stiffer and more prominent, cuffs were finished with buttons or cufflinks, and fabrics were chosen for both comfort and style. A neatly pressed white shirt became a symbol of professionalism and respectability. In fact, the phrase “white-collar worker” comes directly from that association.
Women also began to wear tailored shirts more openly during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, often pairing them with skirts for a more practical look. This was especially common during times when more women entered the workforce, such as during the World Wars.
When people say “shirt,” they might mean a lot of different things. The classic dress shirt, often made of cotton or a cotton blend, has a button front, long sleeves, and a structured collar. It can be worn with a tie, under a suit, or just on its own. Then there are casual shirts like flannels, chambrays, or short-sleeved button-ups that are perfect for everyday wear.
In some parts of the world, shirts take on distinctive cultural forms. The guayabera, popular in Latin America, is a lightweight shirt with decorative pleats and pockets. In parts of South Asia, the kurta is a long tunic-style shirt that can be worn for both casual and formal occasions. Each style reflects the climate, traditions, and social norms of the region where it developed.
Shirts have been made from a wide range of fabrics over the centuries. Cotton is still one of the most popular because it’s breathable, soft, and durable. Linen is prized in hot climates for its lightness, while silk offers a smooth, luxurious feel. With the rise of synthetic fibers in the 20th century, polyester blends became common because they resist wrinkles and are cheaper to produce.
Today’s shirts are often mass-produced, with entire factories dedicated to cutting, sewing, and finishing them. While this has made shirts affordable and accessible, it has also brought attention to the environmental and ethical impacts of clothing production. Many people now seek out sustainably sourced fabrics or brands that ensure fair labor conditions.
The shirt is one of those garments that can shift between formal and casual worlds with ease. A plain white T-shirt, for example, can be a laid-back staple or a style statement depending on how it’s worn. On the other hand, a well-tailored dress shirt is still seen as a wardrobe essential for professional settings.
In pop culture, certain shirts have become iconic. Think of the Hawaiian shirt’s loud prints, the cowboy’s plaid work shirt, or the uniform-like Oxford button-down. Even the simple band T-shirt has become a way for people to express their musical tastes and identities without saying a word.
These days, shirt designs range from timeless classics to experimental fashion pieces. Oversized fits, asymmetrical cuts, and bold patterns have made their way into mainstream fashion, while some people prefer minimalist, high-quality staples that last for years. Technology is also making its mark, with wrinkle-resistant fabrics, moisture-wicking materials, and even shirts designed to keep the body at a comfortable temperature.
Second-hand and vintage shirts have also grown in popularity, partly as a reaction to fast fashion. Many people enjoy finding a well-worn shirt with a bit of history to it, whether that’s a faded denim work shirt or a retro bowling shirt.
The shirt may be simple, but it has been reinvented countless times to suit the needs, tastes, and values of different generations. It can be formal or casual, practical or decorative, modern or traditional. Whether it’s freshly pressed for a wedding or pulled on wrinkled for a quick trip to the store, the shirt is one of those rare items of clothing that truly belongs to everyone. And that’s probably why it’s still hanging in closets all around the world, ready to be worn in a hundred different ways.