A graphic tee is one of the easiest things to own and one of the easiest to wear badly. The difference almost always comes down to fit and to what you put with it, not to the design itself.
Start with fit, not the print
A standard cut should have the shoulder seam at the edge of your shoulder and the hem around mid-fly. Our tees use a roomy unisex cut, so your usual size gives a relaxed fit and one size up gives an oversized look. Be aware that sizing up also adds length and sleeve, so check the measurements in the size guide before you do.
The one rule that covers most outfits
Balance volume. Loose top, fitted bottom, or fitted top, loose bottom, and rarely both loose unless you tuck. A roomy tee with straight or slim jeans works. The same tee with wide trousers works too, but only with the front hem tucked so there is a defined waist.
How to style graphic tees: men
- The default: dark tee, straight-leg denim, white trainers. Add an open overshirt or flannel and the outfit is done.
- Smarter: tuck a plain-coloured tee into tailored trousers with a belt. Large front prints do not tuck well, because the design gets cut in half.
- Layered: a short sleeve tee over a plain long sleeve, both fitted enough not to bunch.
- Cold weather: tee under an unbuttoned overshirt, jacket over the top. Or swap it for the same design as a sweatshirt or hoodie.
How to style graphic tees: women
- Front tuck: tuck only the front hem into high-rise jeans. This is the single most useful trick for a roomy unisex tee, because it keeps the waist visible.
- Knotted: knot the hem at the side or front to shorten the tee without cutting it. It pairs with high-waisted anything.
- Over a dress or skirt: knot the tee at the side over a slip skirt for a shape that is loose on top without swamping.
- Layered: under a blazer or an open cardigan, with the print visible in the opening.
Colour pairing
Pull one colour out of the print and repeat it somewhere else: shoes, a cap, a bag. That single move makes a loud tee look deliberate. Vintage designs are the most forgiving because they are already muted; bright prints on black are the highest contrast and want everything else kept plain.
Frequently asked questions
Can you wear a graphic tee to work?
In a casual office, yes, under a blazer or overshirt. Loud joke slogans are the ones to leave for the weekend.
Should a graphic tee be tucked in?
A centre-front design gets cut in half by a full tuck. A front tuck of just a few inches is the compromise that works.
How do you make a graphic tee look less casual?
Tailored trousers instead of jeans, leather shoes instead of trainers, and a structured layer over the top. The tee stops being the whole outfit and becomes one element in it.
Can you wear two prints at once?
Yes, if the tones are muted and one print is clearly dominant. Two loud prints in bright colours compete and both lose.