The men's t-shirt was originally developed towards the end of the 19th century, when the idea of the underwear shirt became more widespread. These men's shirts weren't really worn in public until sometime after WWI, and they didn't become popular until somewhat later. People used to be more modest, which is why the cool men's t-shirts we know today weren't really a cultural possibility until the middle of the century.

It is not exactly sure when the first mens t shirt was produced, but most people who are familiar on the subject believe they came to America with the soldiers during the First World War. American soldiers saw the lightweight men's shirts their European allies were wearing, which helped catch the sweat under their wool uniforms that made them so uncomfortable. Other people believe it was the United States Navy made the first cool men's t-shirts to keep soldiers breezy and dry during the sweaty battle.

It probably wasn't until around the 1930s when the mens t shirt was worn by the general public, though. Some say Howard Jones of the USC Trojans football team commissioned the Jockey clothing company to make their men's shirts for the players to wear, so they could absorb sweat during practice and game-play. Many people say this led to the modern shirts, which have evolved to the cool men's t-shirts of today.