What is a Single Stitch T-shirt?

     As soon as you enter the market of vintage t-shirts, you will hear the phrase "single stitch" being thrown around all the time. Have you ever wondered what this actually means?

Definition 

     Single Stitch is a term used to describe the way a fabric's edge is secured. This includes the cuff or hem of a t-shirt. The cuff or hem of a t-shirt will reveal a single row of stitches securing the raw edge fabric edge.

Ex. of Single Stitch Cuffs

Ex. of Single Stitch Bottom Hems

Why Is the Term "Single Stitch" Associated with Vintage T-shirts?

     Single single t-shirts are hard to avoid in the vintage t-shirt market. This form of construction was prevalent in t-shirts manufactured predating the mid 1990s. The majority of modern t-shirts made after this date are constructed with a double stitch securing the cuffs and bottom hems.

     Therefore, when you're at a thrift store or shopping online for vintage t-shirts, you should pay attention to the sleeves and bottom hems. Single stitch hems are a key characteristic to look out for. By browsing the sleeves in the t-shirt section at your local thrift store, you might be able to save time and become a more efficient vintage shopper.

Modern Versions of Single Stitch T-shirts

     Due to the rise of popularity in the vintage market, apparel brands are replicating the construction on vintage t-shirts by implementing single stitch hems on their clothing. This may complicate the process of identifying vintage t-shirts, however there is an easy way to resolve this issue. You should look at the brand's tag on the t-shirt, this is a dead giveaway as to whether or not the t-shirt is truly vintage.

Ex. of Modern Single Stitch Replica T-shirt

Look at the Inside Label

     An inside label refers to the tag on the back of the collar, identifying the brand/manufacturer, size, country of origin, fabric content, and care instructions. A true vintage single stitch t-shirt will be accompanied by a vintage tag. The modern single stitch replica t-shirts will most likely use a modern tag that is screen printed on, opposed to sewn on. 

Ex. of True Vintage Single Stitch T-shirt