When did the short-sleeved T-shirt become popular?

Hollywood: The Birth of an Icon

The modern history of the white T-shirt began in 1953 , when Marlon Brando appeared in the film The Wild One . With his defiant attitude and tight-fitting white T-shirt, he transformed what was once a nightwear item into an icon of masculinity and rebellious style. Brando wasn't just acting; he was setting trends.

Just two years later , in 1955 , James Dean reinforced this image in Rebel Without a Cause . His simple yet attitude-filled look—a white T-shirt and jeans—became the perfect embodiment of the youthful, nonconformist spirit of the 1950s.

These two key moments led men to begin to see the white T-shirt as something more than underwear. It was now a symbol of rebellion , youth, and personal style.

The 60s: from white to color

Throughout that decade, the white T-shirt reigned supreme. But then the Vietnam War arrived, and with it, an unexpected change. American soldiers began dyeing their white T-shirts with coffee , both to disguise the smell and to adapt them to the environment. From that necessity emerged a creative opportunity: they began experimenting with colors and prints .

From that free and experimental spirit came an explosion of designs: from the psychedelic prints of the 1970s to the graphic T-shirts that are still popular today.

From basic garment to canvas of expression

Today, a T-shirt is much more than a comfortable garment. It's a canvas for expressing yourself : it can speak to your style, your tastes, your ideas, or your favorite band. And at Dakonda , we know this well. That's why we always focus on T-shirts that not only dress you up, but also tell something about you.