Western fashion has always taken its clues from Black people for decades. In fact, it is not limited to just clothes, but all aspects of arts, including music, hair, and nails, have been influenced by Black culture. Black history t-shirts are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to paying tribute to the many leaders who struggled to make a place for the oppressed in society.
Black culture has been a massive impact on mainstream fashion throughout the years. From name-plate necklaces to big hoop earrings, the list is long and boundless. Many such trends remain unknown due to the discredit received by the Black community for their steadfast contributions to fashion. During the era of the Harlem Renaissance, art and jazz became widespread by African-Americans in New York, leading to the subsequent popularity of Black culture and fashion.
The Blacks took pride in their unique style and expressed it for the world to witness. The 20s was the era where fashion was used to signify the free spirit. Some factors driving its inane acclaim include increased globalization, social media, and the new generation of African descent to own and spread knowledge about Black culture.
Here let’s mosey down memory lane and go through some fashion trends that were initiated by Black individuals and are still going strong.
Black history t-shirts with Afro-centric prints
The Cross Colors movement of ‘clothing without prejudice’ became famous when Will Smith showed them off in The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. The innovative use of color blocking, patterns, and mixing gave way to a refreshing style that influenced real and reel life.
Stylish sneakerheads
The only name that was responsible for the pervasiveness of sneakers is Michael Jordan. His effortless manner that entailed basketball jerseys, white sneakers, and tracksuits are still honored today and made Air Jordans a massive hit. The new generation of collectors turned this fad into events and gatherings and swap meets, all in search of vintage or limited collectible items. Sneakers are just as relevant and essential today for any wardrobe—equally in fashion and sports.
Logomania
Dapper Dan, the father of streetwear, made the repetitive pattern a fashion staple. There won’t be any Gucci, Burberry, or Louis Vuitton without Dapper Dan. Black history t-shirts are a testament to the legendary leaders of the past and fashion trendsetters without whom there would be a large piece missing from the fashion scene. Dan’s shop in Harlem was fundamental to logomania by catering to Black culture. He recreated one-of-a-kind items from old-luxury pieces for rappers, friends, and the residents of Harlem. So basically, he gave a personal flair to high-end fashion.
Bucket Hats
Although bucket hats gained fame through Black people, they were originally used by farmers and fishermen as protection from the rain. They went mainstream when worn by Big Bank Hank, 80s Black rapper on a TV show, and again by LL Cool J when he wore his signature Kangol hat many times to the Grammys.
How Black history t-shirts unify Black Fashion and culture
‘It’s a Black thing. You wouldn’t understand’ t-shirt went viral before becoming viral was even a thing. Every Black person either had one or wanted one, and almost everyone had an opinion about it. Decades later, it has become more of an artifact than apparel. Since then, several other statement t-shirts have made their way into wardrobes that declare different facets of identity. It could be anything from being Black, unapologetic, to being happy in showing support to Black institutions.
T-shirts have become a movement with many prominent names wearing such clothing pieces with messages scrawled across their chest. Black history t-shirts designs are now donned with Black luminaries past and present, reprints of classic slogans making them an emerging fashionable force among all types of ‘skinfolk’—from Millenials to Gen Z.
The t-shirt movement is part of past outrage, past social media, and the appearance of a public sphere where apparel is used for political messages. Clothing has always been a thing of regulation, derision, and coercion for Black people. A dress code was ordained as a method of control for a long time. In response, fashion became a treacherous terrain that led to validation and self-representation. Being free to wear whatever we want is a privilege that should not be taken for granted. It represents a facet of Black freedom.
Shopping for Black history t-shirts can be attributed to retail therapy or supporting Black-owned brands dashed with a sense of resistance and racial pride. Wearing Black culture t-shirts is a vital form of connection via commerce. A t-shirt in itself is neutral, but attaching meaning to it speaks volumes for your beliefs while paying homage to every historic leader that paved the way for future generations.
