Maglietta vs. t-shirt
The Italian words 'maglietta' and 't-shirt' both refer to the casual upper garment known as a T-shirt in English, but they have subtle differences in usage and connotation.
Maglietta
'Maglietta' is the traditional Italian word for T-shirt. It is more commonly used in everyday Italian speech and writing.
Ho comprato una maglietta nuova per l'estate.
(I bought a new T-shirt for the summer.)
La maglietta della squadra è rossa e blu.
(The team's T-shirt is red and blue.)
Indosso una maglietta bianca sotto la camicia.
(I'm wearing a white T-shirt under my shirt.)
T-shirt
'T-shirt' is a loanword from English that has been adopted into Italian. It is used less frequently and often in more casual or trendy contexts.
Ho visto una t-shirt alla moda in vetrina.
(I saw a fashionable T-shirt in the shop window.)
La band vende t-shirt con il loro logo dopo i concerti.
(The band sells T-shirts with their logo after concerts.)
Preferisco le t-shirt oversize per stare comodo.
(I prefer oversized T-shirts for comfort.)
Summary
While 'maglietta' and 't-shirt' both mean T-shirt in Italian, 'maglietta' is the more traditional and widely used term in everyday situations. 'T-shirt' is a borrowed word from English, often used in trendier or more casual contexts, especially when referring to branded or stylish items.