The origin of the t-shirt starts with the Spanish-American War of 1898. Crew-necked, short-sleeved, white cotton undershirts were issued by the U.S. Navy to be worn under a uniform. It became common for sailors and Marines in work parties, the early submarines, and tropical climates to remove their uniform jackets, wearing only the undershirt. It seems the printed t-shirt started to be popular when a 1942 Life magazine cover featured Corporal Alexander Le Gerda wearing his printed Air Corps Gunnery School t-shirt.

The National Archives Store is pleased to offer you a wide selection of fabulous t-shirts and other apparel to show your Archives pride. Purchases from the National Archives Store generate financial and creative support for National Archives exhibitions, public programs, and educational initiatives, introducing America’s records to people around the U.S. and the world.