Graphic tees have always been a quick and easy choice for casual wear. Some feature band logos, surreal patterns, portraits, and others, like ours, raw and insane graphics.
Styling a graphic t-shirt can actually get tricky. We've all rocked the jeans and tee combo, and we know that sometimes, the occasion and mood call for something totally loud.
Buckle up 'coz we're going to show you how to style graphic t-shirts like a headbanging rocker with impeccable taste. Let's waste no time and stomp right into it!
The Ultimate Graphic Tee Outfit Ideas
The Go-To Classic: Graphic Tees and Jeans
A graphic tee and jeans are a classic match. Most people definitely have a pair or two of jeans in their wardrobe. However, the type of jeans you wear can change your whole image.
Skinny Jeans
A pair of skinny jeans makes you look taller and slimmer. It works well with a slim-fitting tee. Simply tuck it in.
If you're wearing an oversized t-shirt, tuck the left or right side in and leave the other out. You can also let the tee drape without tucking it. Both looks work well with sneakers, heels, booties, or sandals, depending on what you like.
Our oversized men’s t-shirts come with high-definition graphics and all-over prints. Wear them with jeans in a monochrome color to make the prints pop out.
Mom/Dad Jeans
These baggy high-waisted pants are chill and street. You can tuck a tee in or leave it untucked; either way, you'll still be ruling the moshpit.
Slim-fit tees are bomb with mom or dad jeans. Tuck in or tie at the back, and wear with sneakers, heels, boots, or any other shoe you're comfortable in. Oversized tees also work well. Dress them up with a chunky belt for a little extra something.
Wide-Leg or Straight-Leg Jeans
If you’re feeling a little more experimental, wide-leg or straight-leg jeans are having a major moment. You can rock any t-shirt with these pants.
Oversized tees, like this unisex Kompany Cybernetics Oversized T-Shirt, give you an edgy, alt street style. Roll up the sleeves of your t-shirt or cuff the jeans at the ankle just because you can.
Formal But Loud: Graphic Tee and Fitted Trousers or Chinos
This style is for something either a little more formal or for those informal business catch-ups. You can't go wrong with fitted trousers or chinos.
- Trousers: Wear your graphic t-shirt with fitted trousers for a smooth, fashionable style, appropriate for everyday business wear or a night out on the town. Tuck in your graphic tee if you want to look neat, and untuck for a laid-back feel.
- Chinos: Chinos are a bit more casual than fitted trousers. Wear them with a standard or slim-fit graphic t-shirt and top with a blazer for a modern, business-casual style. Sneakers or loafers also fit the style perfectly.
Effortlessly Feminine: Graphic Tee and Skirt
If you prefer to wear a skirt, its type and length will determine the vibe you give. You may choose to style your tee with a:
- Mini Skirt: Wear your standard-size, slim-fit, or oversized tee with a mini skirt for a young and playful appearance. Either tuck in your tee or tie it at the side of your waist, then rock tall boots or chunky lavender sneakers for a kawaii-inspired pastel goth style.
- Midi Skirt: A slim-fit graphic t-shirt and midi skirt combo is perfect for a more elegant take on everyday clothes. A flowy skirt in a complementary or neutral color allows your graphic print to stand out.
- Maxi Skirt: This one is for a bohemian or relaxed vibe. Tuck in the t-shirt, tie it around your waist for shape, leave it draping, it’s all up to you. Wear with sandals or boots.
Our women’s t-shirts are a fan-fave, and they give you so many headbanging styling options. Wear them loud, muted, or anyway you like.
Laid-Back Cool: Graphic Tee and Joggers or Shorts
- Joggers: These are super casual, and they rep street style to the max. Wear your tee with joggers for a cool, fun look and top it with sneakers or combat boots.
- Shorts: On warmer days, shorts and a graphic tee are the perfect pair. Canvas, khaki, denim shorts, and athletic shorts are all good choices.
Tip: As the chill sets in, layer up with some of the sickest men's sweatshirts and hoodies. You’ll stay warm and still be dripping.
Layering Graphic Tees
1. Layer with a Blazer
One of the best ways to take your graphic t-shirt from meh to amazing is to wear it with a well-fitting blazer. The tailored appearance of the blazer contrasts wonderfully with the tee. It creates a crisp, business-casual outfit you can wear anywhere.
Tip: Go for fitted trousers and sneakers for a sharp style that retains a little bit of edge.
2. Wear Under a Jacket
- Denim Jacket: It works well with any graphic concert tee.
- Leather Moto Jacket: Wear it over your t-shirt for an edgier, rebellious outfit.
- Bomber Jacket: It counteracts the graphic tee with a sporty cut that's both stylish and comfortable.
Check out our men's jackets for the unisex Sullivan King Atonement Bomber with custom graphic inside lining, high-definition screen prints, and embroidery. It comes stomping straight from our official collab with Sullivan King. This high-quality bomber keeps the graphic vibe going when it gets chilly and you have to zip up and cover your tee.
3. Wear Under an Overshirt or Cardigan
During winter, wear your graphic t-shirt under an overshirt or cardigan. A cardigan will soften the graphic tee and give you a semi-casual outfit.
Tip: Be intentional about the color and texture of the cardigan. A thick knit is cozy, and it'll make you look casual, while a crisp, buttoned cardigan is more semi-casual.
The Finishing Touches: Footwear & Accessories
Footwear
When it comes to footwear, honestly, wear whatever you want. However, here are basic recommendations if you're feeling a little unsure:
- The Must-Haves: White sneakers are the ultimate classic, and they match with any graphic tee.
- The Edgy Option: Any boot type, be it a combat boot, Doc Marten, or sleek Chelsea boot, will give you edge.
- The Polished Image: Loafers and dress shoes like sandals, heels, and the rest.
Accessories
Wear any accessory that makes you feel like you. Some basics include:
- Jewelry: A necklace or a striking watch complements any graphic tee style. Delicate chains, rings, and pendants are an absolute fave among scummy bears.
- Hats: Baseball caps or beanies are ideal for an urban feel, and they also protect you from the sun. These are perfect for casual wear.
- Bags: A simple tote or crossbody bag works well with a graphic t-shirt, but if you have something out-of-this-world, carry it!
Tip: You can take your outfit a whole decibel higher with our rave festival accessories.
Trending Graphic Tee Styling Hacks
How to Tuck Your Shirt in Stylishly
- The Knot/Tuck Trick: Tuck the front of your t-shirt into your skirt or pants, and knot the rest at the waist. This is a stylish way to define your waistline.
- French Tuck: Tuck in just the front of your tee to shape your outfit.
- Full Tuck: If you’re feeling trad, go for the full tuck. This works best with standard and slim-fit graphic tees.
Playing with Monochrome
A hot hack to level up is to use an all-black or an all-white graphic tee with color-matching pants or a jacket.
That is, if your t-shirt is white or red, match it with a white or red bottom, respectively. Monochrome outfits set the graphic off, and they keep your overall look together.
Styling Graphic Tees For Any Occasion
Work
Have simple graphics or muted colors on your t-shirt. Tuck your shirt in for a clean look. Choose fitted trousers and a blazer to balance out the casual feel of the graphic tee.
Casual Business Wear
Go with a fitted t-shirt for convenience. Wear with chinos or slim-fit jeans, and consider layering with a blazer, denim jacket, or cardigan. Round it up with white sneakers and a watch.
Everyday Wear
Adorn yourself with sick jewelry, just the way you like it! Wear with skirts, wide-leg pants, or a pair of jeans, depending on the setting. Rock any shoe that gives you mainstage energy.
For instance, you could wear a band t-shirt with a high-waisted mini skirt, platform combat boots, a choker, and a leather moto jacket for a bit of attitude.
Buyer's Guide: How to Choose the Right Graphic Tee
Fit is Queen and King
How a cloth fits is the foundation of styling, and with graphic tees, it's no different. Your fit should suit your body type and align with your style. The three fits of tees include:
- A Classic/Standard Fit: This fit is the go-to for everyday graphic tees. It gives you a straight cut and a slight room for movement. It's a classic fit perfect for almost every body type.
- Oversized/Relaxed Fit: Now, this type of fit radiates a laid-back attitude. If you want a modern, streetwear vibe, the oversized graphic tee is it! It also works well with most body types.
- Slim/Fitted Fit: Slim-fit graphic t-shirts give you a trimmer, neater look. They're ideal for layering under rave cloaks, bomber jackets, blazers, vests, and sweaters.
Quality and Material
Bomb and amazing graphic t-shirts are made of the highest quality material. The material should be moisture-wicking, breathable, soft, less prone to shrinking, and durable. Consider the following materials:
- Cotton: Moisture-wicking, breathable, lightweight, perfect for everyday wear and warm climates. At Scummy Bears, we make our t-shirts with 100% pre-shrunk cotton.
- Polyester-Cotton: Soft, durable, less prone to shrinking and wrinkling, also perfect for everyday wear and warm climates.
- Linen-Cotton: Lightweight, textured finish, perfect for cooler weather or a laid-back summer evening.
- Spandex-Cotton: Stretchy, best choice for tight, form-fitting graphic tees.
- Rayon (Viscose): Soft, silky feel, flowy, drapes nicely, comfortable for warmer weather.
- Modal: Softer than rayon, silky, excellent moisture-wicking abilities, smooth finish, common in high-end t-shirts and athletic wear.
- Bamboo: Eco-friendly, incredibly soft, breathable, natural moisture-wicking, gentle on skin.
- Hemp: Strong and durable, eco-friendly, breathable, rugged finish, gets softer with each wash.
- Lyocell (or Tencell): A type of rayon, eco-friendly, super soft, breathable, less prone to wrinkling, drapes nicely.
- Nylon: Often blended with other fibers, stretchy, wrinkle-resistant, common in performance-based t-shirts.
Where to Find Insane Graphic Tees
Scummy Bears' graphic t-shirts have gained popularity for their all-over, in-your-face prints. Each piece features one-of-a-kind, high-definition, custom screen prints of original artwork based on heavy bass music and underground mosh-pit action.
Fans love Scummy's graphic tees for their:
- Unisex & Oversized Fits: Inclusive and edgy alternative fashion.
- High-Definition Prints: Large, all-over prints of custom-made art.
- Insane, Out-of-this-World Graphics: Inspired by bass music, rave life, the mosh pit, and alt fashion, these designs capture the intensity of underground culture. Check out our Cursed Scumbubu Oversized Boxy T-Shirt and see exactly what we mean.
- Distressed & Unique Details: Patches and embroideries give our tees extra personality and an unfinished, raw vibe.
- 100% Cotton Fabric: We use pre-shrunk cotton to create soft, comfortable, breathable, and durable graphic tees.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do You Put a Graphic on a T-Shirt?
Designing a graphic t-shirt starts with choosing the right design and printing method. Screen printing and direct-to-film (DTF) printing are two popular techniques that produce great quality, long-lasting prints. However, you can save yourself the hassle and buy from stores like Scummy Bears.
How Do You Style a Logo T-Shirt?
Dress your logo t-shirt up with classic pieces like jeans, denim jackets, or chinos. If you want a more dressed-up look, wear it under a blazer or jacket. Fold the sleeves of your t-shirt twice for a casual appearance.
How Do You Prevent Cracking on Graphic Tees?
The best way to prevent cracking on graphic t-shirts is to wash the tee inside out in cold water (without fabric softeners) and air-dry it. Always follow care instructions for the best results.
Should I Turn Graphic Tees Inside Out?
Yes! Turning your graphic tees inside out before you wash them prevents the print from fading or cracking.
What Pants Go Best with Graphic Tees?
Jeans, be it skinny, straight-leg, or mom jeans. A pair of fitted trousers or chinos can also work well with graphic tees.
Should Adults Wear Graphic Tees?
Absolutely! Graphic t-shirts are for everyone, grown-ups included. Grab one, like this Sullivan King Atonement Tie-Die T-Shirt, and wear it however you want.
Conclusion
Graphic t-shirt styles go beyond the classic "tee and jeans" combo. As long as you have bomb bottoms, jackets to layer, and accessories with finesse, you can wear a graphic tee for any occasion.
Your confidence is what will make even the most questionable outfit work. This means when you're sporting a graphic tee, you need to rock the hell out of it!