T-Shirts: “My Cup of T”

By: Rustycat | in: Design, General |

Well, ‘tis the season to be shopping, so I thought I’d do a quick round up of the “all time” favorite fashion necessity – The T-Shirt.

T-Shirts are the hottest trend lately. It all started back when man was created and he had to cover his body with a cool trendy garment that will make Eve forget about the snake and remember what it’s all about. And today, that same vintage and used garment has become the Christmas dream for every hip but failing student to the hot but hopeless housewife. T-Shirts are what dreams are made of.
For me it used to be very simple, if my t-shirt had my favorite rock band on it or a cool vintage print, I was sold. But no more, today there are a million companies competing for my thirty bucks and let me tell you, some aren’t half bad. I can choose my designs, I can pick the lightest fabric, I can finally have that thin collar that doesn’t choke, and I can actually have it all.

So here’s a round up of the latest and coolest t-shirts out there:

Imaginary Foundation

There are many kinds of T’s available. The first I’ll address is the most extreme in graphic design and the most chic of them all. We begin our journey with Digital Gravel which has most of the leading brands. My latest favorite is “Imaginary Foundation”; their art is pure genius, a bit too much at times, it’s a full on fashion statement but still amazing. Check this one out.

Obey T-Shirt
What I like about “Obey” is that they’re not afraid to go the extra mile, check this out. They have some incredible stuff but I hate their logo.

Another hit in the graphic department are “GRN Apple Tree”. They are really exquisite with their detail perception; check this at the 80’s Purple shop. But the leader of them all in this department is “Heavy Rotation“, this year’s Urban Outfitters pick. Check out their site, great stuff. If you have a few extra bucks to spare you can get a cool “Monarchy” t-shirt, they have interesting stuff as well.

Monarchy shirt

FreshJive Tshirt
Moving on to the next department you can find the more “cute, easy listening” T-Shirts. I think “Threadless” have earned first mention. They just had their “back to school” sale; I got me a couple of really cool shirts there for ten dollars each. Next up are “Freshjive” they have some cool urban rock T’s. Check this one, you can’t live your life knowing you never had a Sex, Drugs and Rock N’ Roll T-Shirt. I also love the “Five Crown” shirts sold at Urban and many other retail stores, although they are hard to find on the net.

Altru T-SHirt
Up next are the all time favs – the vintage T-Shirts. “Junk Food“, “Mighty Fine” and even “Paul Frank” are the dominating brands, but my pick is a small company named “Altru“. They print vintage companys’ logos on quality fabrics – highly recommended.

Volcom Spring Collection

The surf T’s also deserve a mention. Truth be told, these are not my cup of tea but there are a few worth mentioning. “Element” have some cool stuff, so do “Hurley”, “Volcom”, “Zoo York”, “Affliction”, “Ezeikel” and “Burton”. You can find them all in Pacsun’s website.

I haven’t even begun to scratch the surface with this selection, there are so many great designers out there. Whatever trend you’re into and no matter how old you are or where you’re from, one thing is sure, a cool T-Shirt will bring a smile to your face… and maybe to the girl next door… Just be sure to avoid those rock T-Shirts, because they’ve been chewed and spat so much lately. When The Gap starts selling David Bowie shirts, you know something’s seriously wrong.

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Posted on December 20, 2006

Comments

10 Responses to “T-Shirts: “My Cup of T””

John Schuetz on December 20th, 2006 1:29 pm

Check out http://www.dnastylelab.com

The site has some really cool artists and you can design your own shirt!

JS

XTINA on December 20th, 2006 2:04 pm

I really like this article, alot of cool tee’s all in one spot
there are alot more cool tee’s at http://www.tshirthell.com

Gash on December 20th, 2006 2:41 pm

I have some shirts that I love. Most of them were taken from Tony’s house!

Matt on December 20th, 2006 5:40 pm

Gotta love the designs. Sorta like another newer brand, Ekset Apparel. Got some cool stuff. I have a few and they are killer. http://www.ekset.com.

DBarr on December 21st, 2006 7:49 am

tshirt contest

http://www.metroparkusa.com/contests

vote for winner

DBarr on December 21st, 2006 8:04 am

tshirt contest for obey

http://www.metroparkusa.com/contests

vote for the winner

Andy on December 21st, 2006 12:53 pm

Cool. I checked out that DNA STYLELAB site and found some really cool art from this artist named Bess who does gig posters. I’m really digging Battle Squirrel and Tiger Something or another–a whacked out tiger on a bike.

jack on February 19th, 2007 4:31 pm

i really like the topic. i try to remember my favorite t-shirt brand that everyone has to know but i can’t.. maybe later:(

Husna Saleha on July 2nd, 2007 4:27 pm

Hi, I was looking for an Obey T-shirt. I saw Lupe Fiasco wearing it at the Takin’ it to the Streets event and my friends and I were looking everyyywhere for it but we cant find it.
It was a beige or light brown T and it had a picture of a women who had her face covered..i guess it was supposed to be a Muslim woman. But can u PLEASE tell me where i can find it? I was looking for it everyywhere and i can’t find it…so if you know where i can find it, please pleaseeee let me know!!!! But when I typed in Obey t shirts in Google Images, I found the one I was looking for and it was on this website, but the picture wouldnt open!! That was the closest I got to finding it.
Thanks for your time!