Is there anything more iconic or recognizable than the classic graphic t-shirt? It’s an age-old favorite that doesn’t discriminate: people from all walks of life and all ages slip into the timeless tee. Not only is it a fun way to express your personality, but this t-shirt trend is also surprisingly easy to style. If you’re wondering how to wear graphic tees and want to get in on this look, here’s what you should know.
A Glimpse at Graphic Tee History
While there’s no telling who exactly wore the very first graphic tee, it’s safe to say that this trend took off decades ago. It’s traced to some surprising sources. The team of resourceful “stuffers” in The __Wizard of Oz dutifully filled the scarecrow with fresh straw when Dorothy and friends arrived at the Emerald City—but that’s not all that made them stand out. They were each decked out in bright green shirts with “Oz” splashed across the front.
T-shirts grew more popular during World War II, when military members wore shirts that featured their branch names. The comfort of the tee was in dramatic contrast to the often rough uniform gear they wore during war time. The shirts made a seamless transition to the “real” world, where they could comfortably sport relaxed garb while out with friends or at home. Soon, celebrities on the big screen also sported the humble tee: It was spotted on the likes of Marlon Brando and James Dean, who all but defined what it meant to be cool at the time.
Designers soon realized the possibilities for the simple fabric were endless. Throughout the 1960s and ’70s, celebrities wore their best trending graphic tees. It wasn’t unusual to spot band members dressed in their very casual best — the Ramones and the Grateful Dead are just a couple examples of those who exemplified graphic tee culture when the trend was at its hottest.
Perhaps most noteworthy was that the graphic tee was all about making statements. In much the same way women in the Roaring Twenties broke barriers and established their style independence, graphic tees gave people the ability to make their voices heard — in the boldest, most artistic manner possible. Perhaps it was the juxtaposition of spirits — the fact that the tee itself was generally an informal garment coupled with the fact that the statements were so defined — that catapulted the tee and its importance into the spotlight.
Fast forward to the modern world — and it’s clear that the T-shirt trend wasn’t so much a trend after all, but a timeless addition to the fashion world at large. Useful to advertise everything from political candidates and funny jokes to sports teams and colleges, graphic tees tell a story. In the wide and expressive world of men and women’s clothing, there’s nothing more important than the ability to be uniquely you. That’s what has always set the graphic tee apart.
How to Style Your Graphic Tee
Wondering how to wear graphic tees? The possibilities are endless! You can keep it simple and simply throw it on with a pair of jeans, cut-off shorts, or yoga pants and slip into your favorite pair of sneakers if you’re taking an ultra-casual approach to style that day. But if you want to work your graphic T-shirt into your wardrobe in a different way, it’s easy to try other looks using garments that you probably already own.
If you just love wearing your tees with jeans, elevate that look by slipping into comfortable boyfriend jeans and pairing the outfit with a pair of chunky canvas sneakers. Or go for a dressier look by tucking it into a pair of sleek, skinny jeans, slipping into a pair of high heels, and throwing a blazer on top. It’s a casually chic look that balances the best of both worlds.
There are even ways to soften your trending graphic tee and approach your ensemble from a more feminine angle. Try tucking it into a midi skirt, for example, or a denim pencil skirt. Add a pair of ballet flats and a statement bangle as dainty finishing touches. Headed out for the night? Try a stark white tee etched with your graphic of choice with a pair of faux leather leggings. Layer a few chain necklaces on top and step into a pair of sizzling heels to create a dressier look. Bottom line: graphic tees are surprisingly versatile. You can even wear them with almost anything — suits, fit-and-flare skirts, high-waisted trousers, ankle boots, sneakers, flats, flip-flops … the list goes on!
Matilda is Marketing Manager in the International Team, bringing Zazzle to customers everywhere from Sydney to Stockholm.
The graphic T with tight rolled jeans, high heel pumps or ankle boots, a blazer, granny pearls and a pork pie hat are a classic 80’s style!