When did men’s undershirts and undershirt-inspired, ribbed tanks become known as wifebeaters? The term seems to have resulted from notions of abuse associated with the “white trash” stereotype, and certain film characters and celebrities who have sported this particular type of garment.

If you ever found it unnerving to call a shirt a wifebeater, you aren’t alone. Moises Emquies, who is behind the tee shirt line Splendid, decided to challenge the use of the term. She teamed with Liveawear, a non-profit organization founded in 2005. Together they’re offering plain white tanks printed with the simple, yet powerful statement “not a wifebeater.” According to an article that appeared in WWD in January, Emquies is donating 50% of the wholesale price of the shirts to the non-profit.

I admit that that the Liveawear logo, with its vibrant yellow a, leaves something to be desired. That’s not really the point though – as stated on the Liveawear site “raising awareness and the prevention of relationship abuse” is. The $40 tank is both a fashion statement and a political one. Helping women (and men) in tough relationships everywhere - you can’t beat that.