The t-shirt is arguably one of the most versatile and essential pieces in any wardrobe. This classic closet staple has embedded itself into pop culture, street style, and streetwear over the decades, evolving into an iconic symbol of youth, rebellion, and casual cool.
Emerging from humble beginnings as an undershirt worn by laborers and soldiers in the late 1800s, the tee was cemented as a bona fide fashion statement in the 1950s and 1960s thanks to cultural icons like Marlon Brando, James Dean, and other Hollywood rebels who sported plain white crews as part of their signature laidback style.
Since then, the basic tee has spawned endless creative iterations, from simple crews to v-necks, pocket tees, baseball tees, graphic tees, and more. Graphic tees, in particular, play a major role in streetwear and urban fashion as they allow the wearer to visually communicate their interests, beliefs, sense of humor, or membership in a specific subculture.
Whether it’s a vintage band tour tee, a screen-printed design from an indie streetwear label, or a tongue-in-cheek graphic parodying pop culture, graphic tees inject personality and individuality into an outfit. They also provide an easy canvas for streetwear and athletic brands like Supreme, BAPE, Stussy, Nike, and Adidas to promote their logos, graphics, and collabs in an instantly recognizable format. The graphic tee epitomizes casual cool—it's youthful, rebellious, creative, and effortlessly stylish.
Beyond making a statement, the appeal of a t-shirt also lies in its versatility. A quality tee in a classic silhouette can be worn on its own in the warmer months, layered under button-downs or knits as temperatures drop, or dressed up with a blazer or bomber jacket for a more polished off-duty look.
When shopping for the perfect tee to anchor your wardrobe, opt for mid-weight, 100% cotton styles in timeless silhouettes: crewneck, v-neck, pocket tee, baseball tee, etc. Typically, the ideal tee should drape close to the body without clinging and hit just below your waistline. However, wearing tees with an oversize fit is a go-to for many folks as well.
As far as graphic tees, focus on reputable streetwear brands with interesting, unique graphics that speak to your personal style and interests. Well-designed graphics will stand the test of time, even after trends fade.
At State Of Flux, we offer an assortment of graphic tees that feature thought-provoking statements as well as celebrate music, art, and contemporary culture for the modern streetwear enthusiast.
Browse our latest tee collection HERE and let us know which ones you're feelin'! What's your go-to graphic tee?
- Johnny T.