The pocket tee, in the beginning, didn’t get the recognition it deserved. But it eventually became a wardrobe essential valued for its “casually comfortable” style. While originally simple in design, the basic tee was elevated with the addition of graphic prints, transforming it into a vibrant means of showcasing the wearer’s personality and views. Presently, pocket t-shirts wholesale purchases are soaring with more retailers and organizations opting for the pocket tee over the regular tee.
Origins of the Graphic Pocket Tee
In the late 19th century, the first commercially produced graphic tee was created, featuring a simple logo pocket design for a resort in New York. This kicked off the trend of branded graphic pocket tees for advertising companies, sports teams, and destinations subsequently increasing the demand for bulk pocket t shirts supply. Screen printing allowed for mass production of these logo and icon prints.
By the 1950s, graphic art began appearing on the entire front of pocket tees, such as Milton Glaser’s iconic I ❤ NY design. Pop art came next with bolder graphics. In the 60s and 70s, music bands like The Ramones and The Rolling Stones started selling merchandise featuring pocket tees embroidered with their logos and album art. This also contributed to the popularity of pocket tees as a whole.
The 80s ushered in the explosion of oversized, flashy prints covering pocket tees, from neon colors to abstract designs. Humorous and sarcastic phrases also gained popularity during this decade. Still, the demand was bigger for regular tees. After major clothing brands like Nike, Adidas, and Ralph Lauren leveraged graphic prints on blank pocket t shirts to build influence, the momentum picked up again.
Evolution After The 90s
In the 90s, screen printing improved, enabling photorealistic images on pocket tees. All-over prints became trendy with colorful, collage-like graphics wrapping around the entire tee. Big logos still reigned, seen in the rise of branded urban streetwear.
Today, graphic pocket tees range from minimalist to maximalist. Some focus on small logos and icons, while others electrify the tee with large-scale illustrations or photographs. Collabs with artists, musicians, and influential figures have produced inspired graphic prints.
Pocket tees also reflect important social messages now, featuring graphics related to political and environmental causes. They allow wearers to silently speak their values. YouApparel makes it easier for anyone to design their own pocket tee graphics on-site.
As printing technologies advance, graphics will become even more diverse, complex, and imaginative. The simple pocket tee has certainly evolved since its origin days as a plain pullover, with graphic prints propelling its popularity through generations.
