Men wear graphic tees to express something (a message perhaps) through the print of the tee itself. And some gents feel like rocking these tees simply because they want to. But what makes a graphic tee special?
Types of Prints
- Typography. It includes messages, quotes, and slogans without images and plainly words.
- Photography. It focuses on images more than texts.
- Abstract. It involves patterns, shapes, lines or a combo of these. Abstract prints don’t have to mean anything as they concentrate more on creating interest.
- Graphic. This design is the most commonly used type of print for tees. It’s a combo of texts, images, and drawings.
Styling Tips
- The Fit. Get a graphic shirt that is never too baggy nor tight. For V-neck, the bottom of the collar should line up with your armpits. It’s best to try it on before checkout. And when buying online, double-check the details, especially the body measurements. It’s better to be safe than sorry!
- For Graphic Shirts With Words. Stick to catchy words, phrases, and even sentences that will help you channel your free-spirited self. And in any event, the font style would matter the most!
- For Band Shirts. Your style will show naturally if you are actually a fan of the person printed on your shirt. So if you can’t name at least one Nirvana song, you don’t deserve to wear one.
- Layering. When teaming up your graphic shirt with other pieces, make sure that the tee will be the main focus. That said, keep it minimal elsewhere and let the tee do the talking. Also, when wearing a graphic tee as an undershirt, do not cover or hide it otherwise, what’s the point?
- Accessories. Use your graphic tee as the basis to get the right accessories. For instance, if your tee is black, match it with a black belt or sunglasses.
- Colors. If you choose to wear a graphic tee, you are already making a statement. That said, stick with plain, solid hues. Colorful shirts and flashy graphics combined is overkill.
- Fabric. Your best bet is 100% cotton, as well as a 50/50 polyester blend. If you can, steer clear of synthetic fabrics as they are less breathable. They are also less absorbent and prone to shrinking, making them a bad choice for warm weather.
What To Avoid
- Looking so formal. Try not to look like you’re off to a black-tie or cocktail party. Graphic shirts are casual, and they should be styled accordingly. Even if you pair it with a smart piece, e.g. suit, the casual vibe should stand out.
- Prints promoting drugs, alcohol, tobacco, and other vices. Even if you find them cool, ditch them as much as possible. There are other options out there.
- Tees with vulgar and offensive terms. Ditch those tees with sexist remarks, racial slurs and whatnot. Promote what you love instead of bashing what you hate. And just think of other ways to be a head-turner.
- Tees with photos threatening or objectifying people. Most of the time, your graphic shirt will say much about your personality. And I’m sure you don’t want to make people think that you’re rude and reckless.
How To Wear a Graphic Tee in Different Ways?
↓ 28 – For Plus Size Men
Men with boxy body shape can wear anything they want. And it would be ideal to opt for cotton fabric, especially in the warmer months.
↓ 27 – With A Leather Jacket
A restrained style is ideal but if you’re ready for the biker look, then go for it. Wear it over a graphic tee (preferably in white) and team them up with dark blue jeans. Do check out these Leather Jacket Outfits for Men.
↓ 26 – Activewear
↓ 25 – For Mature Men
If you are someone in their 40s or 50s, get a tee with a design appropriate for your age. It would be best to avoid imitating the style of a teenager. As such, stick with minimal prints and simple shirt cuts.
↓ 24 – Inspirational
Tees with words of inspiration printed can help you get in the mood. This is more common in the gym to keep you moving (or started). These are also a great conversation starter.
↓ 23 – Superhero Tee
Wearing graphic shirts is a great mean to show how much you love your childhood superhero. If not the hero’s logo or name, it’s their catchy phrases that are usually printed on the tee.
↓ 22 – Game of Thrones
↓ 21 – Streetwear with Ripped Jeans
Band T-shirts, slogan and logo tees have been here since the 1970s. Until now, men are moving the graphic tees’ vintage and retro feel. It would be best to stick with minimal and simpler designs to achieve the look properly. Exaggerated prints would ruin the fun, and it’s not good to look like you tried hard.
↓ 20 – For Teens
↓ 19 – With A Blazer
Graphic tees are casual, but that doesn’t mean you can’t wear them with formal pieces. For instance, try using it as an undershirt to a blazer or coat. This is a perfect way to strike a balance between creativity and elegance. But mind that you can never wear a graphic tee to business meetings or at work unless otherwise stated.
↓ 18 – With Camo Pants
Here’s a very unique pairing that looks really good for some reason. Here are some more of our favorite Camo Pants Outfits for Men.
↓ 17 – For Short Guys
Get your favorite graphic tee and tuck it into your trousers. If you are a rather short man, opt for vertical striped pants to have that “lengthening illusion.” And please, pay attention to the cut – ensure that the hem will not fall below your ankles. If that ever happens, you can just cuff them. Avoid baggy pants as well.
↓ 16 – With Jackets
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↓ 15 – With A Flannel
Try wearing a graphic tee underneath a flannel shirt. This will give off a grunge vibe that’s way cooler than lumberjack style. Here are some more Ideas on How to Wear a Flannel Shirt
↓ 14 – Tie-Dye
We often see graphic tees in plain colors. But how frequent do you come across a guy wearing a tie-dye tee? As such, it’s not bad to defy the rule of minimalism once in a while. Besides, that’s the point of fashion – to express yourself in the most creative way imaginable.
↓ 13 – Casual Street Style
Graphic tees are casual by nature. Some shirts with minimal prints can be referred to as “less casual.” At the end of it all, it always comes down to how you’ll style them.
↓ 12 – Hip-hop Style
For hip-hop fashion, you have the freedom to opt for baggy and slightly lousy clothes. And it always comes down to how you accessorize. For instance, shiny silver jewellery (e.g. necklace, rings) are a must. And remember to wear your baseball cap sideways.
↓ 11 – Sneakers or Running Shoes are Ideal
Limit your options to casual footwear like sneakers and running shoes. And please don’t wear your graphic tees with Oxfords and brogues. However, loafers can be an exception as long as you’ll do it right. It would also help to match the shoe color to your tee.
↓ 10 – Accessorize It
Graphic tees are a treasure from the vintage era of fashion, and it’s stylish to wear them with accessories from the same period. Fancy sunglasses and bandanas, to name a few!
↓ 9 – Monochrome
↓ 8 – Minimalist
Keep your outfit simple, which means fewer accessories, especially if they don’t add up to your style. Also, stick to single colors and similar shades.
↓ 7 – With A Bomber Jacket
↓ 6 – With A Denim Jacket
↓ 5 – With A Sherpa Jacket
↓ 4 – With Jeans
↓ 3 – With Ripped Chinos
↓ 2 – With Shorts
↓ 1 – Summer Style
