From Undershirts to Icons: The Wylde History of the T-Shirt

It’s hard to imagine life without the trusty T-shirt.

It’s in every drawer, every closet, and on just about every person you see walking through Oklahoma City. Whether you’re grabbing coffee in the Plaza District, catching live music in Bricktown, or cheering on the Thunder, the T-shirt is the uniform of modern life.

But believe it or not - the T-shirt wasn’t always this cool.

Back in the early 1900s, T-shirts were just underwear. Yep - plain white undershirts worn by Navy sailors and workers who needed something light and comfortable in the heat. It wasn’t until the 1950s, when movie stars like Marlon Brando and James Dean wore them on screen, that the T-shirt became a symbol of rebellion, youth, and effortless style.

From there, the T-shirt evolved into a canvas for self-expression - and the world never looked back.

By the 1970s, with the rise of screen printing, people could finally print their favorite bands, slogans, and local pride right on their chest. The T-shirt became art. It became culture. And here in OKC, it’s how we show the world who we are - creative, independent, and full of local pride.

At Native Wylde, we love that legacy. Every time we pull a squeegee and lay down fresh ink, we’re adding to a century-long story of individuality, creativity, and connection. From small businesses and schools to artists and dreamers, we screen print shirts that say something real - something uniquely Oklahoma City.

So the next time you throw on your favorite tee, remember - you’re wearing a little piece of history. And if you’re ready to make history with your own design, come see us at Native Wylde, your home for custom screen printing in Oklahoma City. We’ll make sure your shirt tells your story - and maybe even becomes the next classic.