T-Shirt



Background

T-shirts are durable, versatile garments with mass appeal that may be worn as outerwear or underwear. Since their creation in 1920, T-shirts have evolved into a two-billion dollar market. T-shirts are available in a variety of colors, patterns, and styles, such as the standard crew neck and V-neck, as well as tank tops and scoop necks. T-shirt sleeves may be short or long, capped, yoked, or raglan. Additional features include pockets and decorative trim. T-shirts are also popular garments on which to display one's interests, tastes, and affiliations using customized screen prints or heat transfers. Printed shirts may feature political slogans, humor, art, sports, as well as famous people and places. T-shirts are also inexpensive promotional vehicles for products and special events.

T-shirts fit just about anyone in any size, from infants to seniors. Adult sizes are generally small, medium, large, and extra-large, while sizes for toddlers are detennined by month and weight. In addition, to compensate for the larger heads of infants relative to their bodies, shirts are specially designed with shoulder openings that may be fastened with buttons or snaps.

Raw Materials

The majority of T-shirts are made of 100% cotton, polyester, or a cotton/polyester blend. Environmentally conscious manufacturers may use organically grown cotton and natural dyes. Stretchable T-shirts are made of knit fabrics, especially jerseys, rib knits, and interlock rib knits, which consist of two ribbed fabrics that are joined together. Jerseys are most frequently used since they are versatile, comfortable, and relatively inexpensive. They also are a popular material for applying screen prints and heat transfers. Some jerseys come in tubular form, simplifying the production process by reducing the number of seams. Rib knit fabrics are often used when a snugger fit is desired. Many higher quality T-shirts are made of durable interlock rib knit fabrics.

Neckbands add support to the garment and give the neckline of the T-shirt a more finished look. Neckbands are generally one-by-one inch rib knits, although heavier fabrics or higher quality T-shirts may require two-by-two rib knits. Neckband fabrics may be tubed rib knits of specific widths, or flat fabric that must be seamed. Additional T-shirt materials include tape or seam binding, made of a twill or another stiff fabric. Binding reinforces the neckline and shoulder seams and by covering the seams, it protects them from ripping apart under tension. Alternatively, elastic may be used at the shoulder seams so they remain flexible.

Thread is of course an essential element in sewing any garment. Several types and colors of thread may be used to make a single T-shirt. Some manufacturers use white thread for seams on all their shirts, regardless of color, thus eliminating the extra labor involved in changing the thread. Visible topstitching is done with a color of thread that blends with the fabric. Colorless, or monofilament, thread could be used for hems of any color fabric, again eliminating the need to change thread often, though monofilament thread may irritate the skin somewhat. Finally, optional decorative features may include trim, such as braiding,

Making T-shirts is a fairly simple and largely automated process. Specially designed machines integrate cutting, assembling, and stitching for the most efficient operations.
Making T-shirts is a fairly simple and largely automated process. Specially designed machines integrate cutting, assembling, and stitching for the most efficient operations.
contrasting cuffs, appliqués, and heat transfer or screen print designs.

The Manufacturing
Process

Making T-shirts is a fairly simple and largely automated process. Specially designed machines integrate cutting, assembling, and stitching for the most efficient operations. The most commonly used seams for T-shirts are narrow, superimposed seams, which are usually made by placing one piece of fabric onto another and lining up the seam edges. These seams are frequently stitched with an overedge stitch, which requires one needle thread from above and two looper threads from below. This particular seam and stitch combination results in a flexible finished seam.

Another type of seam that may be used for T-shirts are bound seams, in which a narrow piece of fabric is folded around a seam, as at the neckline. These seams may be stitched together using a lockstitch, chainstitch, or overedge stitch. Depending on the style of the T-shirt, the order in which the garment is assembled may vary slightly.

Styling

Cutting

Assembling the front and back

Assembling the sleeves

Stitching the hem

Adding pockets

Stitching the shoulder seams

Attaching the neckband

Finishing the neckline

Label setting

Optional features

Finishing operations

Quality Control

Most of the operations in manufacturing clothing are regulated by federal and inter-national guidelines. Manufacturers may also set guidelines for the company. There are standards that apply specifically to the T-shirt industry, which include proper sizing and fit, appropriate needles and seams, types of stitches, and the number of stitches per inch. Stitches must be loose enough to allow the garment to stretch without breaking the seam. Hems must be flat and wide enough to prevent curling. T-shirts must also be inspected for proper application of neck-lines, which should rest flat against the body. The neckline should also recover properly after being slightly stretched.

The Future

Exposure to sun's harmful rays has become a concern to many people who enjoy outdoor activities. In addition to sunscreen and sun glasses, sun-blocking T-shirts are now available. Founded by Harvey Schakowsky, SPF Wear company has introduced a line of clothing, including T-shirts, that blocks out 93-99% of ultraviolet rays. A typical T-shirt blocks out only 50% of the rays. Using a fabric called Solarweave, these new T-shirts are made out of synthetically woven nylon treated with a special chemical substance.

Where To Learn More

Books

Carr, H. and B. Latham. Technology of Clothing Manufacture. Oxford BSP Professional Books, 1988.

Glock, Ruth E. and Grace I. Kunz. Apparel Manufacturing: Sewn Product Analysis. Macmillan, 1990.

Solinger, J. Apparel Manufacturing Handbook. Van Nostrand Reinhold, 1980.

Periodicals

Callahan, Peter. "Sunday Best: Protective Wear for Your Day in the Sun." Omni, October 1992, p. 35.

Kopkind, Andrew. "From A to Tee." Harper's Bazaar, July 1993, pp. 34-36.

Audra Avizienis



Also read article about T-Shirt from Wikipedia

User Contributions:

1
Kshitij Kedia
the information here is very detailed and brief.it gives deep content in short sentences.i would like to know which machines are needed for makin shirts and t-shirts,and even their prices.
My email is mez_d_best@yahoo.com
KSHITIJ KEDIA
2
Ajay Kakkar
the information provided in the above article is very detailed and helpfull for those who are interested to start thier new business or take more improvement in thier business. I would like to know more market data in india where I can sell my designs in prompt way. my email is ajayindel@gmail.com
3
shubha
I would also like to know the specific machines for making t-shirts, where I can get them, and their cost.

Thank U So Much

:)
4
nikita
please pass some details regarding the technology. and source. as early as possible.
regards.
its so impotent page to all men is in world. so like this page & i hope so all page in the rank
Thanks 4 d information. Its very simple. I wanna start a t-shirt clothing line but i dont know what machines to purchase, and their prices, and also help me with 'how to' videos if u have anY. Thanks
7
Audrey
Great information, thank you. I would also like to know which machines are needed for making shirt and t-shirt and their prices.


Thank you.
8
Lathaniel
Great information, thank you very much. I would like to know as well which machines are needed to make shirt and t shirts and the pricing and where I may be able to buy these machines. Again that you for you information and all your help, hope to hear from you soon.
This is very impressive and very educative,I personally love this.Like the question being asked by some of the commenters I would love to know which machines are needed to make Shirts and T-Shirts,their prices and where can one readily get them and at a very reduced price.Thanks awaiting your prompt and swift reply.
10
Robin McLeod
This is the business I plan getting into but would like to get much more information, like: how to get started; where to find the equipment; where to find training for this industry; where to find the fabrics, wholesale, of course; and other answers that may come later.
11
Vipin Chauhan
Hi there
Good morning. I want to start my own T-shirt business.But before that i want to learn how to manufacture t-shirt,what material we can use and which type of of machines do we require.What is minimum capital we need to start this business?
Please give me reply on mail id,if you can.
12
Sharmaine Knowles
The information is very useful. What kind of machine would I need? And how much t shirt can be made from machine. I want to start my own t shirt brand
13
Edward Whiteside
I would like to which machines are used in the mass production of t-shirts? Great article

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