While the demand for V-necks may seem the height of fashion capriciousness, there is another major shift in T-shirt style that is a little more rooted in rationality. Engel and Pfeil both name pocket tees as an additional structural trend.
“We’re seeing a real rise in pocket T-shirt demand,” Engel noted. “I think it’s because people throw [in] their cell phones or iPods. It’s an interesting shift.” She added that she’s seen many retail stores, like Urban Outfitters and Abercrombie & Fitch, starting to screen print on pocket T-shirts.
Pfeil agreed there is increasing emand for this design, saying Alternative Apparel is adding pockets to a lot of its new styles. She also stated a pocket can be used to enhance the style of a shirt. “[It’s] just for something a little unique and different,” Pfeil said. “I think the styles right now are sort of, not tomboyish, but there’s a lot of oversized fittings, so the little pocket makes it seem more feminine. It’s kind of a nice balance.”