NEWS > BUSINESS > HEATWAVE STRIPS T-SHIRT MANUFACTURERS OF REVENUE

HEATWAVE STRIPS T-SHIRT MANUFACTURERS OF REVENUE

June 25 2009

Wichita, KS – Throughout history human beings have battled the elements. Our adaptation to extreme cold and extreme heat has defined civilizations and allowed us to become the most dominant species on the planet. As time has progressed so too has the ways in which we deal with the extreme swings of hot and cold. By simply
adding more and more layers of clothing most are able to tough out the cold. Heat though is a different issue entirely and it isn’t just those dealing with the temperature fluctuations that have to suffer its burden.

Across the United States the first of the summer heat as record temperatures shatter thermometers and local governments warn people to stay indoors. Public pools are starting to see record numbers and utility companies are already struggling to keep power flowing as the demand increases. Some aren’t so happy with the soaring temperatures, namely t-shirt manufacturers who are suffering through one of their worst years yet. Now as fewer and fewer people feel a need to wear shirts never mind buy new ones, some in the industry are wondering how they will survive.

“The thing with the T-shirt industry is that people can live without buying new ones. Most people don’t wear t-shirts to work or to important events so they are okay with a little hole here and there or a stain or two. In this economy people are just living with what they have and saving their money for things like food and that hurts our bottom line,” said Troy Vernon of Wichita-based Cotton Ten. “Now with the heat wave on people are just not wearing any shirts. Sure they throw them in the car in case they go into a store but all in all shirts are going unworn. That extends the life of the existing shirts and makes it even harder for us. Frankly, we were hoping it wouldn’t get hot this year.”

Summer in the Northern Hemisphere lasts from June 21 until September 21. Through that period temperatures Can reach into the mid-forties Celsius or low hundreds in Fahrenheit even in traditionally cold climates. Such bursts of heat are normally accompanied by a landscape of bare-chested men.

“That is one of the few remaining traits of our animal roots. This vast savannah of
man hair and patchy skin across the civilized world is a sight most people are used to seeing. What most people don’t see though are the innocent victims of that t-shirt doffing namely the manufacturers. In a normal economy it would be such a big deal because that is worked into the system, but in this economy it could spell disaster,” said Scrape TV Business analyst Ken Green. “We can only speculate at what might happen if a significant portion of these manufacturers go under. At worst we may see people wearing the same t-shirts year in and year out or even worse, we may be subjected to shirtless men the whole year round, at least in the warmer climes.”

Scientists have yet to discover why the majority of men going without shirts are significantly overweight and have unsightly body hair.

“The problem is if these manufacturers go under then the cost of materials goes up making shirts more expensive and then people buy fewer of them. The situation then just continues and eventually you end up with t-shirts being a luxury item that most people simply can’t afford. The industry served themselves well by lobbying congress to uphold existing shirt laws for women but they could be in danger if they can’t do something about the men as well,” continued Green. “That’s going to a be a hard row as well because people have become so used to pulling off their shirts at the slightest whiff of summer but it is a fight worth making for the future of T-shirt manufacturers everywhere.”

The no T-shirt phenomenon has traditionally been isolated to countries in North America and certain parts of Europe. Tanning salons and hair groomers have reportedly expressed an interest in joining the pro t-shirt movement.    

William Ashford, Business Correspondent

NEWS > BUSINESS > HEATWAVE STRIPS T-SHIRT MANUFACTURERS OF REVENUE