The Best Graphic Tee

Buying Guide

Graphic t-shirts have been around for decades, but the internet has made it easier than ever to get the exact design you want. In fact, the custom t-shirt market is worth $3.9 billion and is expected to grow at a rate of     9.9 percent from 2022 to 2030.

But before you have a custom t-shirt designed, first take a look at the many options already available. Chances are, you can find one that expresses exactly the sentiment you want to convey. Whether you simply want something retro or you prefer a whimsical, comedic graphic, you can find it online.

But as with any clothing item you purchase, it’s important to look at the quality of any graphic tee you buy. Cotton is perhaps the most popular material for t-shirts, but it can be prone to shrinking. For that reason, some are preshrunk or mixed with other fabrics like polyester. Still, you might want to size up a little or line dry your t-shirt after washing on cold.

Another consideration with graphic tees is the integrity of the design. Today’s graphic tees are typically higher quality than 40 or 50 years ago, so you’ll likely be safe to wash your t-shirt. For best results, though, turn your t-shirt inside out and wash on cold, then line dry. This will help reduce the risk that your design will fade or crumble.

It’s also important to pay close attention to sizing. Many t-shirts follow the Small, Medium and Large sizing convention with extra-large and extra-small sizes added in. But some can be larger and smaller than what’s advertised, leading to the need to size up. Men’s shirts tend to be boxier in nature, so if you’re a woman who prefers that looser fit, that may be the way to go. That option could also be a great shirt for wearing around the house or with your favorite pair of leggings when you head out for the day.

• Screen printed tops can vary in quality, so it’s important to look closely before buying. Graphic prints tend to look and endure better on 100 percent cotton, so consider that as you’re weighing different options.
• Pay close attention to the pricing on a graphic tee. Some less expensive tees can look appealing, but you’ll regret it if the image starts cracking after the first wash. A quality print goes through a multistep process to ensure it’s fully set into the fabric before going up for sale. Screen printed graphic tees go through a curing process that adheres the print to the fabric so that as it’s stretched and exposed to water, it holds its shape.
• Look at the quality of the fabric itself. You’ll want a t-shirt that’s thin enough to be comfortable even on the hottest days without being so thin that it’s sheer.
• Consider where you’ll be wearing your tee. If you’re looking for something to wear outdoors for hours, you’ll likely want a different type of fabric than if you’re only wearing it indoors.
• Also consider the pants you’ll pair with your graphic tee. If you’re wearing leggings, you might want a t-shirt that rests at mid-thigh, while jeans or shorts might have you looking for a cropped tee or one that’s waist length.
• Pay close attention to the care instructions on any t-shirt you’re considering. Some can be washed and dried, while others need to be hung or lain out to dry. You might still want to wash your tee on cold and tumble dry it if you do go with a machine washable option.
• If you have a very specific design or you’re wanting to support a band or movie you like, you may be limited in your options. You can always have it custom designed, but often you can buy tees on the websites of your favorite artist or entertainment vehicle. You’ll obviously have less control over quality when you go directly to the source.