White Tees are Boring
Words by Rachel Hambly
Edited by Bailey Tolentino
As “quiet luxury” has recently been of appeal to the masses – with stealth wealth lifestyle taking over TikTok and understated basics dominating trend reports – the once-beloved graphic tee has slipped out of the spotlight.
But graphic tees were never meant to be quiet.
Addison Rae was caught by paparazzi wearing a comedic graphic tee paired with matching shorts, while throwing up a casual peace sign. (Source: Vogue)
From the start, graphic tees have been expressive and emotional. Whether it’s a faded band shirt from a concert that changed your life, a bootleg print of your favorite character, or a corny tourist tee from a Nevada gas station, they carry meaning. The plain white tee might be timeless, but the graphic tee tells a story.
In the early 2000s, graphic tees were everywhere. Hot Topic slogans, ironic text, band names, and overly layered looks with long sleeves, jeans, and skirts that screamed for attention. Then came the backlash as we moved out of the 2010s. Suddenly, graphic tees were “immature” or “overdone,” associated with shopping-mall culture and Tumblr teens. In response, fashion turned clean. Brands pushed elevated basics, and consumers leaned into beige and black. We all started dressing like we were heading to a silent retreat in Copenhagen.
However, with trend cycles recurring faster than ever before, the graphic tee is making a slow but steady comeback. Vintage resellers, indie designers, and small-run screen printers are reviving the look with fresh eyes. It’s not just about nostalgia, it’s about individuality in an era where everyone’s wardrobe has become eerily similar.
A graphic tee says what you’re into, what you remember, or how you see the world. It brings texture and voice to an outfit. Yes, the danger is that you appear to have never left 2012, but what’s so bad about that? The beauty of fashion in 2025 is that everything can be remixed if you know how to balance it all together.
How to Wear a Graphic Tee (Without Looking Dated)
Pair with a feminine, flowy skirt
Pairing a boxy or vintage tee with a soft, flowing skirt creates the perfect high-low contrast. Think grunge meets French chic, and finish off the look with ballet flats or kitten heels.
Charli XCX, pictured at Coachella, wearing a Lou Reed graphic tee, flowing satin skirt, and little flats to match, creating a grungy yet feminine look. (Source: Daily Mail)
Go casual with trousers
Wearing a colorful graphic tee with a pair of vibrant linen or loose-fitting pants (of another light fabric) is a casual and comfortable way to look your best, while also allowing you to wear a pair of pants you may not wear that often. Flip-flops or kitten heels complement this look well, giving off a summery vibe.
She wears a simple yet colorful graphic tee paired with linen pants that highlight the same color palette. She finishes the look with a pair of blue Havianas. (Source: Who What Wear)
Dress up for a night out with leather pants
If you want to rock your graphic tee out on the town, this is the look for you. Pairing a fun t-shirt with a sexy leather pair of pants is a sure way to catch attention, while also staying true to yourself.
Bella Hadid is wearing her mini baby tee with a pair of leather pants and stunning heels. With sultry makeup like hers, this is a perfect look for a night out. (Source: Vogue UK)
Wear it on its own!
If your shirt is long enough, just throw on a pair of boots and a little purse! This outfit is great for hot summer nights and music festivals. You’ll be the star of the show, but cool and comfy all night long.
Bella Hadid in an oversized, off-the-shoulder tee, paired with a Balenciaga City bag and leather cowboy boots. With a slouchy tee like this, you’ll look effortlessly cool anywhere you go. (Source: Who What Wear)
Fashion has always swung between quiet and loud, minimal and maximal, polished and punk. The graphic tee sits comfortably in the latter, never trying to blend in or disappear. It reminds us that fashion can still be emotional, funny, nostalgic, or political. It doesn't have to be expensive or understated to be meaningful.
When minimalism asks us to tone down, the graphic tee fights back. It’s a wearable diary, a scrapbook you can throw on and live in. In a moment when so many trends revolve around erasing individuality, the graphic tee reclaims it.
The white tee might be timeless, but the graphic tee is fearless. Fashion could use more of that right now.