koszulka

Koszulka is a Polish term for a garment worn on the upper body. In everyday usage it refers to several types of casual upper garments, most commonly a T-shirt worn as outerwear or as an undershirt. The word can also denote a plain undershirt (podkoszulek) or a nightshirt (koszulka nocna), depending on context and region.

Etymology: The word koszulka is derived from koszula (shirt) with the diminutive suffix -ka, originally signaling a smaller or lighter shirt. Over time it has come to designate casual upper garments as a general category.

Variants and construction: Koszulka can be short-sleeved or long-sleeved and is usually knit (jersey) rather than woven. Common materials are cotton, cotton blends, or synthetic fibers. Variants include koszulka T-shirt (often called simply T-shirt), koszulka polo, and graphic or printed designs. A sleeveless version exists for sports or warm weather. Care labels typically recommend machine washing, with attention to colorfastness; cotton-based koszulki may shrink.

History: The T-shirt originated as an undergarment in the early 20th century and gained popularity as outerwear in the mid-20th century. In Poland, as elsewhere, koszulka is a ubiquitous item of casual wear, used across ages and styles. It also serves as a base layer in sports and workwear, and is commonly customized with logos, slogans, or artwork.