The T-shirt has been a useful garment and fashion statement for many years, dating back as far as the Middle Ages. A staple of the modern wardrobe, they’re versatile, accessible, and extremely comfortable.
Look in your drawers or closet right now and you’ll probably find a plethora of them in varying shades, colors and styles, each with a nostalgic memory attached. Those shirts might have lived a long life in your wardrobe, but what about the beginning of their lives? How did a T-shirt get from the cotton field to your closet to become your next fashion accessory?
There are five steps in the life cycle of the T-shirt: material, production, shipping, use and disposal.
Material and Production
This first phase in the life cycle includes growing and obtaining the materials that will be used to create the shirt. Most T-shirts are cotton-based, as the crop is noted for its versatility, performance and comfort.
India, China and the United States are the world’s largest producers of cotton, growing approximately 33 million, 26.8 million, and 17 million bales of cotton respectively, each year.
After the cotton is grown and harvested, the production phase begins. Each bale of cotton can create 1,217 men’s T-shirts. The cotton is stretched and twisted into yarn. The yarn is weaved together to create the fabric, which is then bleached, dyed, cut and styled to the perfect color and design.
Shipping, Use and Disposal
Once they are crafted to perfection, the T-shirts get packed up for shipment. They will travel by ship, plane or train to their retail store or other location around the world. Once they arrive and get hung up and ready for their grand debut, you enter the lifecycle! Your purchase begins the use phase – arguably, the most important.
T-shirts are powerful, and the impact they can have on you and others is long-lasting. So, wear your T-shirt with pride and show off your style, but consider hanging it to dry every once in a while. Skipping the dryer will do wonders to avoid shrinkage and can even help preserve custom screen-printed shirts.
Once a T-shirt has been well-loved and it is time for you to say goodbye, the disposal phase of the life cycle begins. Donate T-shirts to a loved one, a local charity or thrift shop. Or, if you can’t bear to get rid of that special band tee, transform it! T-shirts make great bags, headbands or even quilts.
Ready to enter the life cycle of a T-shirt?
We want to help! For all of your T-shirt needs and more, contact us online or call 850-222-1003.
