There’s no question about it - graphic tees are the ultimate summer essential. This is the season of stripping things back, ditching the jacket, and letting your t-shirt do the talking. And right now, searches for “graphic tees” are at an all-time high. No wonder—they’re easy to throw on, endlessly versatile, and packed with personality. 2025 is not the year for boring fits (millennial gray, we’re looking at you 👀).
Graphic tees have always found a way to stay relevant. Born from subcultures, made iconic in the '90s, and reimagined through raw hems and vintage throwbacks, they’ve adapted with every decade. Fast forward to today, and they’re sharper, bolder, and more gym-ready than ever- a modern staple that makes noise on the training floor and beyond.
But their impact isn’t limited to your leg-day lifts. Whether it’s a bold typography moment, a playful illustration, or a pop culture throwback, graphic tees are about expression. Perfect for weekend styling, events, or vacay fits, they take you from casual to statement-making in seconds. From band logos and movie quotes to gym-inspired graphics, there’s a tee for every mood and every personality.
Ready to find your summer staple? Here’s a look at the graphic tee trends making waves this season, plus how to style them.
The Best Graphic Tees
From streetwear-ready fits to comfy oversized cuts, and minimalist monochrome for easy everyday styling, these are the graphic tee styles making waves this season.
Oversized Graphic Tees
If you want that laid-back, streetwear-inspired vibe, the oversized graphic tee is your go-to, especially a heavyweight tee with structure. A boxy cut and dropped shoulders make it perfect for pairing with baggy cargos, wide-leg jeans, or long basketball shorts. Collegiate graphics add a varsity energy to your ‘fit - perfect for chilling out on campus, heading to the gym, or meeting your crew. Or why not reach for a baggy graphic tee with a colored base for something a little different from the classic black and white, think earthy greens, cool blues, or bright red.
Style tip: Neutral bases keep it easy to style - wear with black-wide leg jeans, sweatpants, or baggy shorts, and keep it fully relaxed with equally loose layers for a true streetwear feel.
Black and White Graphic Tees
Minimal doesn’t mean boring. Black and white graphic tees are ideal if you want something that pairs effortlessly with almost anything. Whether it’s a bold monochrome print or a subtle logo, it’s enough to give your outfit a little oomph, whether that’s for the gym or casual dressing.
Black and white graphic tees lay the foundation of a great athleisure outfit, wear them with your gym or running shorts, crew socks, and oversized hoodies - it’s the epitome of sporty, athleisure for whatever the day has in store.
Style tip: Pair with neutral bottoms for a sleek look, or add pops of color through accessories like caps and sneakers to keep things fresh.
Long Sleeve Graphic Tees
Long sleeves might not be the first thing you think of for summer, but they’re perfect for breezy evenings, layering, or adding a little extra coverage (while still looking cool). Whether you want a tighter fit for a baselayer style or keep it baggy for a relaxed vibe, you can switch out your style for lifting weights or lounging around. A bonus? They also give more space for sleeve graphics, which can be a cool, subtle detail, especially if layering under utility vests when transitioning to the cooler months.
Style tip: Layer under an open shirt or lightweight jacket, or wear solo with shorts on warmer days. Opt for breathable cotton or sweat-wicking blends for comfort in the heat.
Lightweight Graphic Tees
Lightweight fabrics and bright, seasonal colours make summer-specific graphic tees a winner. Think airy cotton blends, breathable fits, and designs that pop in the sunshine. Vibrant blues, butter yellows, pastel pinks are all the tones of this summer, and with our lightweight cotton designs, you can keep you a cool and dry, whether you’re repping it on a summers day, a sweaty commute or a gym sesh.
Style tip: Pair an airy graphic tee with light-wash denim shorts, linen trousers, or mesh for an easy warm-weather look.
Retro Graphic Tees
Retro isn’t going anywhere this summer, and graphic tees are leading the throwback movement. Think washed fabrics that look lived-in, varsity-style wordmarks, oversized numbers straight out of a college locker room, and mesh detailing that nods to old-school sports kits. These designs feel nostalgic but fresh, perfect if you want that vintage vibe without raiding the thrift racks.
The beauty of retro graphics is how versatile they are. They can lean sporty (with big, bold team-inspired logos), casual (with a soft, worn-in wash), or even fashion-forward (when styled oversized with baggy cargos or layered over long sleeves). It’s a trend that adds character instantly, no matter your fit.
Style tip: Go full throwback with a relaxed-fit pair of lifting shorts and crew socks, or balance a washed varsity tee with tailored trousers for a high-low mix. Pair with retro sneakers to finish the look.
Graphic T-Shirts For The Gym
With vintage-style prints reminiscent of the golden era of bodybuilding and modern gym-inspired logos, graphic tees for the gym can give you everything you need to hit that PR. Motivational, aspirational, and a confidence-boosting design that makes you lift as strong as you feel.
Like the mullet of the t-shirt world, our gym graphic tees take a minimalistic approach at the front with a small logo and bold graphics to the back - making it easy to style outside of the gym. So, if flaunting your love for lifting outside of the gym isn’t for you, just throw on a zip hoodie for a more subtle look
Style tip: An oversized fit makes it the perfect pump cover. Wear with technical joggers or gym shorts for training, then throw on a bomber jacket to take the look straight to post-workout plans.
Graphic Tee Outfit Ideas
Graphic tees are one of the most adaptable pieces you can own. Style them up, dress them down, or make them the focal point of your look… the options are endless. Here’s how to wear yours across different aesthetics, from ’90s throwback rest-day comfort.
Streetwear Inspired
A graphic tee is a streetwear staple, so naturally it pairs with other street style essentials. In the summer, wear your graphic tee with long and loose shorts (such as basketball shorts)where the two oversized pieces complement each other for that laid-back street style look. Bonus points if an element on the basketball shorts matches colour-wise to an element on the graphic tee.
Through the colder months, pair a light colored graphic tee with cargos, or a dark graphic tee with baggy light blue jeans. Throw a zip hoodie over the top for protection from the chill without covering the graphic, a cross-body bag for carrying your essentials, and top with a chain if you really want to complete the look.
Retro Vibes
If a retro look is more your style, a vintage-style graphic tee will really make the outfit. Pair a bootlegger graphic tee with hoochie daddy shorts or mesh shorts in the summer, crew socks, and high tops or dunks.
Or when it’s not shorts weather, wear your tee with sporty track pants, a windbreaker jacket, and chunky trainers.
Ready To Lift
We love a gym-inspired graphic (no surprises there) or a distressed graphic to wear at the gym - they offer that grungey, lifting aesthetic that gets you in the mood to work hard. Pair with a functional piece like gym shorts or technical joggers (which will keep you cool and dry as you work up a sweat), and you’ve got an outfit that’s designed for performance as well as looking good.
Rest & Unwind
A comfy graphic tee can elevate your rest day look from super laid-back to ‘I’ve put in a little effort into this outfit’, adding a pop of colour and personality to your basics. Wear it with your fave sweatpants or sweat shorts and a matching zip hoodie for the ultimate loungewear set. We love it if both are gray, as it lets the graphic tee really stand out.
FAQs
How do I style graphic t-shirts?
You’ve got the tee, now here’s how to style it. These quick tips will help you nail the proportions, balance colours, and get the most out of your new favourite XXL top. The graphic tee will usually be the statement piece of the outfit, so it’s important to consider how the rest of the outfit will complement it.
Match The Color
Match elements of your outfit to elements of the graphic - whether you match the colour on the graphic to the colour of your shoes, bag, or a stripe on your shorts, adding a little colour matching through other elements of the outfit can help tie together the outfit while accentuating the graphic.
Opt for different, muted colours such as browns, greys or creams for the rest of the outfit to let the graphic tee stand out alone.
Balance The Proportions
Graphic tees are usually oversized, and luckily, this is the trending look at the moment. If you’re going for a retro/streetwear look, wear it with other oversized items—an oversized zip hoodie, baggy joggers, long shorts, or wide-leg jeans all complement it for a super laid-back look.
If streetwear isn’t your style and you want to go for a more casual, everyday look, you might want to balance the oversized tee with straight-leg jeans, which can help to balance the proportions of the outfit slightly.
How do I stop my graphic tee from fading and cracking?
Graphic tees can fade, crack, or peel over long periods of time - which is perfect if you’re looking for that worn-in look. But to stop them losing their vibrancy over time due to friction, heat, and harsh detergents, you can extend their life by years with the right care.
Wash inside out - This reduces friction against the graphic during the wash cycle, helping prevent cracks and fading.
Use cold water and a gentle cycle - Hot water can weaken the adhesive or ink used in the print, while a gentler cycle avoids unnecessary stress on the fibres.
Wash with similar fabrics - Avoid throwing a delicate cotton tee in with heavy denim or towels, which can rub and cause pilling.
Mild detergents only - Harsh chemicals can strip the print; less is sometimes more. We know it can sometimes be tempting to add more or stronger detergent, but these can break down the graphic, causing it to fade or peel. Skip bleach and strong stain removers on the print area.
Air dry whenever possible - Tumble dryers produce high heat, which accelerates cracking. If you must machine dry, use the coolest setting and remove before fully dry.
Avoid direct sunlight when drying outdoors - Prolonged UV exposure can cause fading.
No direct ironing - Don’t directly iron the graphic - unless it absolutely needs an iron, why not give it a miss? If you do have to iron it, turn the t-shirt inside out and place a cloth or towel over the other side of the graphic to keep it protected.
Be mindful of the friction zone - These are anywhere that something could rub against the graphic - from your jacket, to your belt, to your arms, even. We’re not saying don’t style or move in the piece, but an awareness of these areas can help you protect the print.
Avoid stretching - The print on the tee can crack when overstretched. Luckily, most graphic tees are an oversized, boxy fi,t so you shouldn’t need to worry about it being too tight and unintentionally stretching
Should I tuck my graphic tee in?
To tuck or not to tuck? It all depends on the look you’re going for:
Tucked in = works best for slimmer or standard-fit tees when you want to create a cleaner, more polished look. Pair with tailored trousers or chinos for a smart-casual style.
Untucked = Perfect for streetwear or gym looks, where comfort and a laid-back aesthetic are the priority.
French tuck (just the front) = Tucking just the front of the tee into your waistband is a quick way to add shape without losing the relaxed feel. Great for oversized tees when you want to break up the silhouette.
Are graphic tees still in style in 2025?
Yes, if anything, they’re more relevant than ever. Runway designers, streetwear brands, and everyday menswear labels are all leaning heavily into expressive graphics this year. We’re seeing:
Nostalgic 90s and Y2K graphics
Clean, minimalist typography-based prints
Oversized silhouettes dominating streetwear fits
Athletic heritage designs with retro sports logos
Because they span casual, gym, and even smart-casual dressing, graphic tees remain a timeless investment piece.
Does hot water ruin graphic tees?
It can. Hot water can cause both the fabric and the print to shrink, warp, or fade more quickly. If you want your tee to last, stick to cold or lukewarm washes. Not only is it better for the garment, it’s also better for the environment.
Should I turn my graphic tee inside out when washing?
Turning your graphic t-shirt inside out is one of the simplest ways to prevent print damage. Doing so means the graphic isn’t rubbing directly against other garments or the washing drum, which can cause cracks, fading, and peeling over time.
What’s the best fabric for a graphic tee?
The best fabric for a graphic tee depends on the purpose;
100% Cotton - Soft, breathable, and comfortable. Best for heavyweight tees and everyday wear.
Nylon/Polyester Blend - More durable and wrinkle-resistant, often used for gym or performance tees.
Tri-Blends (Cotton/Poly/Rayon) - Ultra-soft with a vintage feel, but usually lighter in weight.
For summer, look for breathable cotton or blends with moisture-wicking properties if you’ll be active.
How should a graphic tee fit?
Everyone has their own preferences, but we tend to see graphic t-shirts made in an oversized style. Saying that, here’s how the fit of your t-shirt can differ:
Oversized - Boxy, loose, and relaxed for streetwear, pump covers, and gym styles.
Standard fit - Sits just at the shoulders and skims the body for a versatile everyday look and easy layering.
Slim fit - More form-hugging, ideal for layering under jackets, zip hoodies, or blazers.
Can you wear a graphic tee to work?
If your workplace leans more casual or creative, you can probably get away with wearing a simple graphic tee. Choose minimalist graphics in neutral colours, and pair them with tasteful bottoms and shoes. Just make sure to avoid overly bold or potentially offensive prints.
Final thoughts
Whether you want to bring a bit of personality to your outfit, elevate your basics, or rep the trending street style aesthetic, the graphic tee is that piece. And with the right care and styling tips, it’s not just a seasonal pick - it’s a wardrobe staple that’ll last you through countless ‘fits, workouts, and chill days. Trust us, your rotation isn’t complete without one.
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