Graphic tees have long been a staple of streetwear, serving as powerful mediums for personal expression and cultural commentary. With their eye-catching designs and provocative messaging, these tees resonate deeply within urban landscapes, reflecting the trends and subcultures that shape contemporary fashion.
Brands like Brain Dead, known for their artful collaborations and eclectic prints, alongside global powerhouse Supreme, which has mastered the art of hype and exclusivity, showcase the vibrancy of this style. Add in Awake NY's thoughtful designs that pay homage to New York’s rich street culture, and you start to see a world where graphic tees transcend mere clothing and become statements. Dive into our full list of similar brands below to discover more of what the scene has to offer.
If you'd like to learn more about Streetwear Graphic Tees, check out our comprehensive FAQ here.
Based out of LA, Brain Dead is a creative collective and clothing brand that has taken the streetwear world by storm. With their iconic brain logo and graphic-led approach, they've formed a movement that takes cues from post-punk, underground comics and skateboarding.
Supreme is an NYC streetwear and skateboarding brand known for its limited-edition drops and collabs with premier brands and artists. Supreme's collections feature a mix of streetwear and skate culture-inspired clothing, accessories, and skateboard decks.
Awake NY was founded by designer and longtime Supreme vet Angelo Baque. With a logo-driven design (like Supreme), they've been able to capture the cultural spirit and sensibility of NYC. The line embodies the diversity of the city all with a classic and contemporary feel.
Stussy is an California-born clothing brand known for its streetwear and surf-inspired clothing. Stussy, with it's iconic logo, was one of the first streetwear brands and helped to establish the genre and popularize it.
Only NY, founded in 2007, has created a fun-loving and community-based NYC streetwear and skate brand. Their graphic-based approach to design brings forth the pulse of NYC in a colorful way. You'll find a wide range of street, sport, and outdoor apparel and accessories. Discover more brands like Only NY here.
A Bathing Ape (BAPE) is a Japanese streetwear brand known for its bold and colorful designs, featuring the iconic ape logo, and worn by fans of hip-hop and urban fashion worldwide.
Alltimers is a New-York based streetwear company that is a mix of skate culture and sheer fun. From skateboard decks to hoodies expect illustrative designs that will put a smile on your face.
Quartersnacks is a NYC skateboard blog-turned-clothing brand known for their playful and irreverent designs.
Belief is an Astoria, Queens-based standalone clothing and skate shop that's known for both durability and design (think: fun illustrations), crafting pieces that are built to last from the streets to the mountains.
The Hundreds is a LA-founded streetwear brand known for its streetwear-inspired clothing, which draw inspiration from Californian culture, including punk, skate, and surf. Expect bold graphics, bright colors, and embroidery, as well as its collaborations with other brands and artists.
Brendon Babenzien founded the environmentally friendly streetwear brand Noah in 2015 after leaving his post as the creative director of Supreme. As a homage to his NYC skate roots, the brand combines urban and active lifestyle aesthetics with a wide range of traditional design references. Noah is inspired by both defiance and elegance, and he employs a conscious balance of rebellion and sophistication.
Adsum (which means “here” in Latin) has been developing a contemporary wardrobe of menswear classics since 2015. Their pieces are inspired by urban and rural life in the American Northeast and stand out in a low-key way. For an technically sophisticated and laidback brand, look no further than Adsum.
Aimé Leon Dore is streetwear brand out of Queens, New York that has become a favorite of street enthusiasts in NYC and around the world. Throughout the years it has evolved into one of the most sought after brands known for its elevated and 'urban preppy' style. Discover more brands like ALD here.
Anti Social Social Club (ASSC) is an American streetwear brand known for its bold graphics and iconic slogan. The brand has gained a reputation for being exclusive and hard-to-get, due to its limited edition and exclusive drops, as well as collaborations with other brands and artists.
Launched by Sofia Prantera in 2010, this label feels out of the future, creating a part streetwear part contemporary fashion line. They make small quantities, from the best quality raw materials all sourced ethically and responsibly.
Dime is a skateboarding-inspired brand known for its irreverent and humorous approach to design, often featuring playful graphics and bold colors. They have gained a cult following in the skate community and have collab'd with brands like Vans and New Balance.
A streetwear graphic tee is typically characterized by its bold designs, unique artwork, and often oversized fit. These tees serve as a medium for self-expression, blending influences from art, music, and youth culture. Common features include vibrant graphics, logos, slogans, and sometimes collaborations with artists or brands. The materials are usually high-quality cotton blends for comfort and durability, making them both stylish and functional.
Styling a streetwear graphic tee can be fun and versatile. For a casual look, pair it with distressed jeans and sneakers. For an elevated street-style vibe, layer it under a jacket or overshirt, and wear it with cargo pants or tailored joggers. Accessorizing with hats, chains, or statement sneakers can enhance your outfit. The key is to mix and match elements to express your personal style while maintaining a relaxed and trendy aesthetic.
Authentic streetwear graphic tees can be found at a variety of retailers. Look for reputable streetwear brands such as Supreme, Off-White, Stüssy, and A Bathing Ape, which often sell directly on their websites or through pop-up stores. Additionally, high-end department stores and boutique shops may carry curated selections. Online platforms like Grailed, StockX, or even dedicated marketplaces like Etsy often have unique vintage and independent graphic tees, but always be cautious of authenticity.
To prevent fading and maintain the quality of your graphic tees, wash them inside out in cold water. Avoid using bleach and opt for a gentle detergent. It's best to air dry your tees instead of using a dryer, as high heat can damage the fabric and graphics. If ironing is necessary, do it on a low setting and also inside out, or use a cloth between the iron and the graphic to protect it.
Yes, graphic tees remain a staple in streetwear and casual fashion. Their enduring popularity is driven by their ability to convey personal style, incorporate pop culture references, and collaborate with various artists. Trends may shift, but graphic tees adapt to current themes while maintaining their core appeal. Whether worn with classic denim or layered with high-fashion pieces, they continue to be a versatile item for both wardrobes and collections. These questions and answers should provide a solid understanding of streetwear graphic tees and their significance in fashion culture.
