Who can remember the first time they saw a now-ubiquitous “Keep Calm and Chive On” T Shirt. Or the thrill you first had finding a vintage logo splashed across a Tee at Value Village. It felt different, more special than what a mass-retailer was offering off the rack.
Once reserved for ecommerce early-adopters and diligent thrift shop patrons, the humble, “original” graphic T is so omnipresent now that you probably haven’t noticed just how many T shirt companies are being marketed at you online. Anyone with a creative mind, a handful of nights to spare, an entrepreneurial spirit, and a bit of space on their credit card can now join the ranks of T shirt entrepreneur.
With its rise in popularity, it’s no surprise the contrarian crowd are now rushing forward to exclaim with pride that “they don’t wear graphic Ts,” the very term dripping with acidic contempt. They’re spitting vitriol with words like “fad”, “over,” or most dastardly “hipster,” as if saying “hipster" is so profound it's conclusive on the matter.
These are the same type of people who are democrats when a republican is in office, a republican when a democrat is in office, and won’t listen to an artist if the mainstream happens to like them too.
So to these people, or anyone who might be sympathetic to the notion that Graphic tees are over, we politely ask you to kindly fuck off and widen your scope. Graphic tees are a wearable canvas, a fun and expressive form of fashion, an often-affordable conversation piece. Whether expressing support for LGBT rights, your love of good wine, or your adoration of a vintage cartoon character, they’re fucking delightful and should be enjoyed by all.
Shop on, T shirt aficionados.