Tube knitted t-shirt with chest pocket in heather grey

                 The t-shirt enhanced

A spin-off from the US war machine dating back to the turn of the 18^th century, t-shirts were initially issued to the Navy as undergarments. These were a crew-necked, short-sleeved, white cotton undershirt to be worn under a uniform. It became common for sailors and Marines in work parties, the early submarines, and tropical climates to remove their uniform jacket, wearing (and soiling) only the undershirt. They soon became popular as a bottom layer of clothing for workers in various industries, including agriculture.

In 1950, the popularity of the t-shirt as a stand-alone outerwear garment started skyrocketing after the actor Marlon Brando wore one in a film entitled A Streetcar Named Desire. The rest is history as it evolved to become the epitome of American fashion and culture.

“…it evolved to become the epitome of American fashion and culture.”

"A truly vintage t-shirt means tubular knit. It’s old-school, but to the t-shirt connoisseur, there is NO alternative. "

A truly vintage t-shirt means tubular knit. It’s old-school, but to the t-shirt connoisseur, there is NO alternative. The absence of side-seams yields comfort that is unrivaled. It is the original way to produce a t-shirt  and the hall-mark of 1950’s style t-shirts. A vertical hemming stitch technique was originally used for sleeves and bottom up until sometime in the 70’ties until replaced by the double needle hem we know today.

Tubular construction

1. Knitted cotton tube
2. Sleeves
3. Neck tape
4. Neck rib

Like the original tees of the 50’s our tees are all done using the same tubular construction with no side seams adding an incredible fit and durability. The shoulders and neck are taped, which adds effort to construction, but provides an extra touch of structure to the garment.

Stitching

1. Sleeve hem – vertical hemming stitch
2. Bottom hem – vertical hemming stitch
3. Shoulder seam - stitch thread is invisible
4. Neck seam - stitch thread is invisible

Fabric

Our tees are done in a combed, ring-spun cotton jersey. Ring spun cotton is smoother and longer than carded open end yarn. Combed, ring-spun cotton starts off with the same cotton fibers, however after carding, the remaining cotton fibers are brushed off with combs to remove any remaining impurities and short fibers. A ring spinning machines then pulls and twist the fibers into yarn, producing a tighter and thinner fabric which is softer and provides an ideal printing surface for sharp prints.

In order to get a fabric that would be great year-round a 180 gsm weight has been selected.

Fit

1. Increased shoulder drop for a shaper more masculine silhouette
2. Shoulders are fitted to keep overall look sharp
3. Front neck drop has been carefully dimensioned so that it drapes perfectly around the neckline
4. Chest width has a vintage cut and is not slim

Our Tubular Knit T-Shirt has a vintage cut and is not slim around the chest however the shoulders are fitted with increased drop, which keeps the overall look sharp, masculine and clean. The neatly rounded crew-neck is neither too tight nor to large but drapes perfectly around the neckline. The sleeves hit at just the right point on the arm. The body has a straight cut that is inspired by vintage military and athletic t-shirts. The length hits just below the waist line, but does not cover your entire backside.