Definition of tee shirt

The term "tee shirt" is commonly used to refer to a type of clothing item that we wear every day, but its origin is less well-known. The term "tee" is actually a shortened version of the word "t-shirt", which itself has an interesting backstory. The t-shirt as we know it today can be traced back to the 19th century, when it was originally known as an undergarment called a "tees shirt". The exact origins of this name are unclear, but there are a few theories. One popular theory suggests that "tees" is a slang term for the T-shaped cross section of a felled tree trunk, implying that the garment is as plain and functional as a tree trunk. Another theory suggests that the name is a shortened form of "tractor shirt", as many workers in farms and factories would wear the simple white cotton shirt while operating heavy machinery. The invention of electrical lighting and the increasing demand for a plain, simple undergarment led to the t-shirt's rise in popularity. By the 1920s, the t-shirt had become a ubiquitous part of American culture, with branded versions being produced by slew of companies such as Hanes and Fruit of the Loom. The term "tee" did not come into popular use until the 1940s, when it was adopted by surfers in California who worn the simple white cotton shirt while out in the waves. The term stuck, and today the t-shirt is known universally by this affectionate nickname. So next time you slip into your favorite tee shirt, you can be proud of its unique and intriguing origin.