History of women’s shirt

Today, we have a history lesson dedicated to Her Majesty – the Shirt!

What do men’s and women’s shirts have in common, and why are their designs different in today’s fashion-conscious world, where the unisex concept is prominent?

Let’s delve into the history of the shirt.

Shared Roots, Different Evolutions:

Both men’s and women’s shirts share a common ancestor. This garment originated as an inner tunic in ancient Rome. This tunic was a long, loose, T-shaped dress with full sleeves, typically made from linen or natural cotton. Even during the Middle Ages, both men and women wore it as an undergarment, hidden beneath outer clothing.

The Shift with the Crusades:

The arrival of the Crusades and the influx of goods from Persia into Europe brought about a change. The woman’s tunic was replaced by a petticoat (similar to today’s t-shirt). Shirts then started evolving in purpose, shape, and structure. They became shorter, sleeves were individually cut and attached to the body, and the chest opening became rounder and more open. This period also marked the beginning of gendered shirts, as women’s clothing began to diverge from men’s.

The Rise of the Fashionable Shirt (Italy):

This evolution began in Tuscany, Italy, the cradle of the early Renaissance. This is when the concept of women’s shirts as beautiful, decorative garments worn on the outside emerged. These shirts were also more valuable than men’s, crafted from high-quality linen fabrics called “Panillini” (named after a noble family in Siena) and adorned with embroidery using gold, silver, and silk threads.

The Shirt’s Identity (15th Century):

By the 1400s, the shirt had developed its own distinct identity, with details reflecting the fashion of the time. It would only be visible at specific points of a woman’s dress, such as the neckline, along vertical cuts in the dress, or through “little windows” on the sleeves that provided ventilation. (Interestingly, some Italian shirts and dresses still incorporate ventilation slits today.)

The Shirt’s Significance Today:

Have you noticed?

Come back in Part 3/4 to explore the shirt’s continued relevance and its place in every modern wardrobe, regardless of gender.