If you think that putting your own image on a t-shirt requires enlisting the assistance of a professional clothing customization company, think again! Whether you have a photo, a piece of artwork or any other type of image you’d like to add to a shirt, you can do it yourself using little more than your printer and a regular household iron. Designing your own apparel is fun, and this t-shirt decorating idea is one that is easy enough for absolute beginners to get right on the very first try. And once you’ve mastered the general technique, you can use it to customize a whole lot more than just t-shirts. 

Learning how to print t-shirts at home with an iron takes just a few minutes, and in this guide for screen printing for beginners, we will be going over all of the tips and tricks to ensure your project turns out perfectly. Let’s get started!

Choose a Design

Chances are if you are reading this guide, you probably have an idea of what image you would like to use. Keep in mind, though, not all designs are ideal. To produce a high-quality shirt, you need a high-quality design. If the design is pixelated, too small or lacks detail, it isn’t likely going to look good on a shirt. Choose an image that is detailed, clear and crisp. While you can digitally edit your design, editing is no substitute for having a high-quality image in the first place. 

Cheap Bulk T-Shirts Makes Customization Affordable

Decide on a Shirt Color

When it comes to printing designs on shirts, one of the most important considerations is what color shirt to use. The color of the shirt has a huge impact on the overall appearance of your finished project, and it determines what type of transfer paper you need to use (more on that in the next section). If your design mostly consists of light colors, it will get lost on a light-colored t-shirt. Likewise, dark images will get lost on dark shirts and tend to work best on blank white t-shirts. Choose a shirt color that complements your design, but provides enough contrast to make the image “pop.” 

Consider investing in cheap bulk t-shirts rather than buying just a single shirt. When you buy from a wholesaler, it is often possible to get several shirts for as much as you’d expect to pay for a single shirt from a retailer. While this is an easy project and nothing should go wrong, buying in bulk means you’ll have extra shirts to fall back on in case your first attempt doesn’t turn out as you’d hoped. And if the finished product is as amazing as you hope, having extra shirts means you’ll have plenty of leftovers to use to make custom shirts for your friends and family.

Pre-wash to Prevent Shrinkage

T-shirts are notorious for shrinking. And when this happens after you’ve ironed on a photo, artwork or design, it can result in a distorted image. To avoid this problem, always pre-wash the shirt you plan on using. Wash and dry the shirt according to the laundering instructions on the tag. Do not use liquid fabric softener or dryer sheets, though, as these products can prevent the transfer from properly adhering to the fabric. 

In addition to preventing shrinkage after the design has been applied, pre-washing gets rid of any dirt, oil and debris that may be on the fabric. 

Purchase Transfer Paper

Using transfer paper is the easiest way to print t-shirts at home using an iron. If you want the project to turn out as you envision, though, you’ll need to purchase the right transfer paper. First, determine whether you need laser or inkjet paper. This is, of course, based on what type of printer you have. In most cases, you’ll want inkjet transfer paper, since most home printers are inkjet models. If you are using a laser printer, though, make sure you are using laser transfer paper to ensure safety and quality.  

Next, you’ll need to determine whether you need transfer paper made for light-colored shirts or transfer paper made for darker shirts. The option for light-colored shirts is thinner and transparent. This makes the background clear. Keep in mind, however, that any white parts in your image will also be clear, which could be problematic. This type of transfer paper works best on white, but it is also appropriate for pastel-colored shirts. 

Transfer paper for dark shirts is significantly thicker and has a white backing. This means that any white parts in your image will appear white on your finished shirt, too. It also means, however, that any background areas you don’t carefully trim away before ironing will be white on the shirt. 

Cheap Polo Shirts Can Be Customized, Too!

Lastly, take the time to read the packaging to determine what types of fabric the transfer is meant to be used with. Not all transfers can be ironed onto all types of fabric, so this is extremely important. Most products are made to work with shirts made from cotton, polyester or cotton/poly blends. If your shirt is made from a different fabric, you may need to put some additional effort to find the appropriate brand of iron-on transfer paper. 

Prepare Your Image

While you’ve already selected a high-quality image, you still need to do a bit of prep work with photo editing software. Doing so ensures it will look right on the finished shirt and can save you a lot of time and effort when it comes time to cut out your design.

First, load up your image in the photo editing program of your choice. You don’t need anything fancy, as long as the program has basic image editing capabilities. If your image includes text or any other elements that need to face a certain direction, the first thing you’ll need to do is flip it to create a mirror image. This ensures it will be facing the right direction after it’s been ironed onto the shirt.

Next, crop the artwork down to remove as much of the background as possible. Cut out anything you don’t want to be present on the finished shirt. Removing additional elements in your photo editing software can save you time from having to cut it out of the transfer with scissors by hand. 

Print and Trim 

Once you’ve prepared the image, it’s time to print. Before you click the “Print” button, though, take a few moments to read the instructions that came with your transfer paper. They will tell you what printer settings to use to ensure the best possible results. The instructions will also provide information on how to properly load the transfer paper into your printer. Spending a few minutes reviewing the instructions now can save you a lot of frustration later. 

After printing, carefully cut out the image. Remember that any excess paper left around your artwork will be transferred to your shirt. If your design is complex, you may want to consider trimming around the edges using a craft knife, such as an X-acto knife, rather than scissors to ensure the cleanest results.  

Prep the Shirt 

Place your washed and dried t-shirt on a table, ironing board or another flat, heat-resistant surface. Smooth it out and then use your iron to remove any wrinkles or creases. Ironing also eliminates any excess moisture that may still be lurking in the fabric. 

Place the Design on the Shirt

Peel the backing paper away from the transfer and set aside. Next, carefully position the transfer on your shirt. Take your time to ensure proper placement and that you’re happy with the location. Make sure it’s straight and that everything looks “just right.”

Now, use the backing paper you peeled off to cover the transfer. If the backing is made of plastic, place a kitchen towel or a piece of parchment paper over the transfer paper instead. 

Iron on the Design

Check the transfer paper’s instructions to determine the appropriate heat setting for your iron and adjust accordingly. Once it has heated up, apply the iron to the design. Working from the center outward, move the iron in a circular motion. Apply a bit of pressure, but don’t press down with too much force. Continue moving the iron over the design in a circular pattern for as long as the transfer instructions recommend, typically three to four minutes. 

Let Cool and Peel

Let the transfer cool completely and then carefully begin peeling up the transfer paper, parchment paper or towel. Start at a corner and check to make sure the design is not peeling away from the shirt. If it is, repeat the previous step. 

If the design is staying on the shirt, continue carefully peeling until the entire image is revealed. Congratulations! Your new shirt is complete and ready to wear! 

Take It to the Next Level

Now that you’ve learned how to print images on t-shirts using your iron, you can take your apparel customization game to the next level by trying your hand at adding designs to other types of garments. Using the same technique, you can now add your own photos or artwork to bulk polo shirts, hoodies, tote bags and just about any other fabric you can think of. You can use this technique to create one-of-a-kind gifts for your friends and family, make uniform tops for your employees to wear to work or even create clothing and accessories emblazoned with your artwork to sell to your loyal fans. Once you’ve mastered the basic technique, the options are endless! 

When working with different types of apparel and accessories, always remember to pay attention to fabric content and review the instructions included with your transfer paper. The process may vary slightly depending on what type of fabric you are working with, or you may need to purchase a different type of transfer paper. Checking the instructions is a vital step in making sure the finished project turns out right. More importantly, though, doing so ensures your personal safety. 

Caring for Your Printed Apparel 

To ensure the longevity of your transfer, wash garments with iron-on transfers inside out, and avoid dry cleaning. Use cold or warm water as opposed to hot to avoid damaging the transfer. Launder according to the instructions on the garment’s label, but don’t use a harsh detergent, bleach or fabric softener. 

Hanging customized garments to dry is a safer bet than throwing them in the dryer. If you must use your dryer, though, be sure to use low heat. If it comes out wrinkled, avoid ironing directly on the transfer. The high heat will damage the transfer. If you have to iron over the design, place a towel between the transfer and your iron and use low heat. 

Conclusion

Whether you’re trying to create a unique gift, need to customize shirts for your business or organization or just looking for a fun new project, printing t-shirts at home with an iron is both simple and affordable. And once you have mastered the basic technique, the only limit to what you can create is your own imagination. With iron-on transfer paper, you can create your own designs without spending a fortune on specialized equipment or professional printing services. 

At The Adair Group, we have cheap bulk t-shirts that are perfect for this project. Whether you’re a beginner hoping to stock up on extras in case of mistakes or you’re a seasoned pro planning on making a lot of customized apparel, buying in bulk drastically lowers your costs and allows you to meet your goals. Start shopping for the supplies you need today! 

The post How to Print T-Shirts at Home with an Iron – The Ultimate Guide first appeared on The Adair Group.

For a while now, there has been much discussion about 3D printing. While it was actually invented in the early 1980s, it didn’t become hugely popular in the mainstream American culture until now. Within the last couple of years, 3D printing has become more than just a hot topic for discussion and dissections; it’s become a reality.

So, what exactly is 3D printing? In laymen’s terms, 3D printing is a process for making a physical object from a three-dimensional digital model. This is typically done by an additive process, which involves laying down successive layers of material until the object is created. Pretty cool, huh?

Printing is no longer a term used to describe the act of placing ink on a sheet or paper, t-shirt, etc. The design or print can now jump off the paper and create something solid. Not to mention, the availability of 3D printing is easier now than it ever was before. In fact, many university campuses across the nation have accessible 3D printing available to its students. If they don’t, they’re well in the works of providing it. As you can imagine, this changes the landscape of many industries.

While we could surely discuss at length the effects of physical printing on any number of trades, the way it’s changing the fashion industry is something that piques our interest. Where is fashion headed? Has 3D printing made its way through all avenues of fashion, or just specific ones? How will the fashion world embrace this new technology? There are many questions and ideas to consider. Let’s take a look into the world of 3D printing and the fashion industry.

How Does 3D Printing Work?

When thinking of 3D printing and the future of fashion, minds are abuzz with all the possibilities. However, before we jump into that, let’s break down the process and how it works according to 3D printing.

As you can imagine, you first begin with a virtual design. Before you can print the solid object, you first have to digitally create the object. When you want to create something completely new, you have to design the object in a Computer Aided Design or CAD file using a 3D modeling program.

On the other hand, if you wish to copy an existing object, you will use a 3D scanner to make a 3D digital copy of that original object. You better believe that these scanners aren’t the ones you’re used to. 3D scanners have a pretty extensive list of equipment used to create the model. Some of the simpler types of technology include:

• Time-of-flight
• Structured light
• Volumetric scanning

Once you have the file ready to print, the software then “slices” the model into hundreds of horizontal layers, and once the sliced file is uploaded to the 3D printer, the object is then created. The printer reads every slice and creates the physical item by blending each layer so precisely that, rather than seeing visible layers, an actual 3D object is created.

So, what does this new technology have to do with the fashion world? While the concept of printing physical objects – in this case, clothes – would certainly appeal to the customer, what about those who work in the industry? Everyone, from big name fashion empires to the small mom and pop shop that prints your graphic tees, would be affected if this became a viable option for clothing.

So, how exactly would 3D printing change the landscape of the fashion world? While these are hypothetical questions and ideas, it’s worth exploring.

Couture

Shorthand for haute couture, this sector of the industry reigns supreme in the fashion hierarchy. These are the big name fashion houses whose clothing comes with many zeroes on the price tag. While the regular Joe or Jane may not be able to buy these items, you can catch these garments walking down the runways.

Couture items aren’t those you could wear while you run errands, and they aren’t designed with that in mind. While some top-notch celebrities might wear these gowns, shoes, and jewelry to big events, they are created with one thing in mind – to make a statement. This often means over the top pieces and items made from different fabrics are involved. Think of these clothes as canvasses the artist (or designer) creates for a show. The designers want to inspire you with their pieces, they want you to feel something, and they want to send you a message.

So, it’s easy to see how 3D printing fits in with this type of scene in the fashion world. Designers such as Iris van Herpen and Nadir Gordon have created haute couture dresses and swimsuits straight from 3D printers. But, one look at the bathing suit, and it’s clear to see this item is not made for the pool.

Rather, those designers who are experimenting with creating clothes using this new technology are doing so to take designs to the next level. The 3D printing software allows designers to create shapes that otherwise would be hard to achieve in the traditional way of manufacturing.

The end result of these 3D couture pieces are certainly stunning, but, aside from the walk down the catwalk, are they made for long-term wear? Is there a way to make comfortable clothing via a 3D printer?

Streetwear

While 3D printed dresses, shoes, jewelry, and other accessories may look great under the dramatic effects of the runway, showroom, or art show/display, what about the real world? Is there a way to select a model and then create a t-shirt with an original graphic using a 3D printer?

Streetwear is a fashion term for garments that originally were made for skaters, surfers, and those who preferred their clothes with a sporty edge. However, as of lately, streetwear has gained a major cult following, and now it has its place solidified in the fashion world. In fact, street style has become even bigger (or just as big) as the runway.

T-shirts, sneakers, and denim are the main staples. So, think of streetwear as everyday wear. The items you are comfortable in, yes, but, more importantly, the person who wears them has an attitude and styles the clothing in a way that turns heads.

Needless to say, most people find streetwear more achievable than couture looks fresh off the runway. This is because, while the runways do offer outfit inspiration, most of the time the looks are created with a design aesthetic in mind. The outfits are often shocking and statement making, and go with the overall theme of the show.

While cutouts, mesh or cage effects, and head turning designs are possible, and the fashion industry has used them before, this just isn’t the right effect for everyday style or streetwear. Until there is a way to produce tees with graphics and other items out of breathable cotton, denim, and other natural fibers, 3D printing won’t be making waves in this sector of the fashion world.

Benefits

While you still may be skeptical of 3D printed created clothing taking over the runways and fashion blogosphere, there is one aspect of this idea that can’t be ignored nor denied. 3D printed clothing is quite sustainable, because fewer raw materials are wasted when creating these garments. As anyone heavily involved in the fashion world knows, this is not a green industry.

However, with the ability to create and print your clothing without harming a single animal, using gallons of water, or creating harmful pollution, the industry could take on a whole new process. This will obviously appeal to environmentalists, and fashion will no longer leave such a hefty carbon footprint. Obviously, we aren’t quite there yet; however, it is something to consider, as it could very well happen in the future.

Not to mention, if or when we reach a point of printing our clothes rather than buying them, there is another benefit – personalization. Imagine creating your very own clothing and shoes which fit perfectly and are unlike anything else.

This could be possible, and it would eliminate the need for tailoring or altering a garment to fit you better. You could instantly create the perfect fit. This would be especially helpful for footwear, as many shoes use a common mold, no matter what your foot shape. Which, of course, leads to rubbing, blisters, and other issues for your feet.

Consumers aren’t the only ones awaiting the projected benefits of 3D printing. This benefit applies to those who work in the industry. It’s not uncommon to hear complaints from designers about the long wait times for samples and the huge minimum orders that factories impose (while that might not be a big deal for major brands, for the independent designer it makes life difficult.)

Getting the garments from the sketches to the rack is a long process when you factor in aspects of the process, like sourcing your manufacturer, creating the clothing, and then waiting for the order to ship.

However, that could change with this new technology. With 3D printing, designers will have the potential to produce in the quantities that they believe are best and, more importantly, have the orders filled within weeks. Yes, just mere weeks.

Even more notable: 3D printing will allow designers to make samples quickly. This is a huge concept for the industry, as samples as of now are a long process. Not only does getting the sample now take a while, it’s usually costly. You can see how beginner designers would benefit greatly from rapid prototyping.

Not to mention, for those small, independent designers (think along the terms of those designers on Etsy) 3D printing will make it that much easier to run their eCommerce shops. The Internet has made it virtually possible for anyone with some skill and a good eye to become an entrepreneur. These designers are able to make something they enjoy doing, are good at, and without the pressure of meeting high volume orders. Think what they could do with access to 3D printers.

While these ideas are exciting to think about, there are plenty of questions and issues that arise out of the hypothetical future of 3D printing and the fashion industry. While it would be awesome to print your own clothing and produce less waste, issues about the design and brand do come about. It’s easy to see the potential problems and legalities that would arise; however, it is still fun to think about the major changes this industry (and others!) might take in the near future.

The Takeaway

When it’s all said and done, we are still far away from printing off 3D fabric that is breathable and comfortable to wear. So, don’t get rid of all your clothes just yet! To think that 3D printing will become the norm for everyday clothing is still a far-off concept.

However, as far as couture runway, art, and conceptual design, 3D printing is something that shows signs of sticking around. There are many design schools with 3D printing on their campuses. Not to mention, certain big name designers such as Michael Schmidt (he designed a 3D dress for Dita Von Teese), Iris Van Herpen, and Masha Ma, along with the company Shapeways, have experimented with printing 3D clothing and accessories.

3D printing for fashion is still very much in the conceptual stage and is used for art pieces rather than actual wear. As of yet, 3D printing isn’t taking over the graphic design and printing for everyday clothing. However, don’t rule it out.

The fact that fashion and design schools, along with artists, are experimenting (successfully) with3D printing demonstrates that the technology isn’t going anywhere, anytime soon. If methods advance, it is something that could forever change all aspects of the industry. Designers, brands, and consumers alike will all be affected if the industry makes this switch.

The post 3D Printing: The Future of the Clothing Industry first appeared on The Adair Group.

While most any fabric can be tie-dyed, it is important to choose the right dye for the right material. For example, silk and wool should be dyed with an acid dye due the protein base of the fibers. Acid dyes are safe and easy to use. In fact, many of them are used in the food industry. Vat dyes are complex and can be toxic, but they are the best way to dye silk and cellulose fibers like cotton, hemp, and linen. Cellulose fibers can also be dyed with a high pH dye if you want a color-fast result. If you are not averse to a bit of color bleed, household dye like Rit can produce excellent results on cellulose. Just be careful when washing them with the rest of your laundry.

Tie-dye shirts came into vogue in the 1960s and 1970s. Many performers and participants in the peace movement wore the bright, psychedelic shirts as a symbol of the Age of Aquarius and as a contrast to “the system,” which forced people into conservative, drab business attire. This iconic fashion of the 1960s is attributed to two retired artists, Will and Eileen Richardson, whose work was picked up by the designers at Halston. With the Halston brand behind it, musicians like Janis Joplin and Jimi Hendrix wore the groovy colors of tie-dye onto the stage. The tie-dye movement was born.

The liberalism of the 60s and 70s gave way to the conservatism of the 80s and 90s, and tie-dye almost faded away. Several anti-establishment groups and one mainstream band are attributed with keeping the style alive. The band, “The Grateful Dead,” and their loyal fans, “The Deadheads,” kept the symbolism alive. The style has experienced a resurgence in the second decade of the new millennium.

There are two main ways to experience tie-dye: buy it or create it. You can go to a Phish concert and pay through the nose, or you can purchase exceptional quality tie-dye shirts through a t-shirt discounter. The advantage to purchasing tie-dye is the quality of the materials. The dyes will be colorfast and not run, and the patterns will stay intact.

On the other hand, much of the fun of tie-dye is the artistic expression that goes into the creative process. If you desire to tie-dye your own shirts, consider these steps:

1. Purchase shirts based on the type of dying you are prepared to do. If you are going to use Rit or some other household dye, 100 percent cotton tees are your best bet. Cotton/poly blends can be dyed, but the results will not be near as bright or crisp unless you use special dyes or color enhancers. If your shirts are new, be sure to wash them prior to dyeing, or the dye may not adhere properly.

2. Shop at a t-shirt discounter or even consider irregulars for the most economical experience. Remember, part of the tie-dying culture is thrift, so shopping frugally and picking up high-quality shirts at a discount is part of the process.

3. Choose your dyes. Rit is a classic, but Procion dyes offer some of the brightest, clearest colors. If you don’t buy the dye already in a kit, you can purchase the components separately: dye powder, urea, soda ash, and bottles for each color. Rubber or plastic gloves are recommended so you don’t dye your hands. While many kits suggest you use string to tie the shirt, many people swear by rubber bands.

4. Gather your accessories and prep the area. Tie-dying can be messy, but, if you are prepared, you can moderate the impact on your environment. You will want to have a roll of paper towels, some old rags, some plastic, a short stick, and a bucket. Lay the plastic out. You want enough to cover your entire workspace. Nearly everything the dye touches, it colors, so be careful.

5. Mix warm water and soda ash in the bucket. Wear gloves if you don’t want to get “burned,” and soak the shirt in the solution for 10 to 15 minutes. Wring out the shirt as much as possible. The more water that is left in the shirt, the less dye which can be absorbed. Prepare the dye mixtures while the shirt(s) are soaking.

6. Twist a shirt around the stick. There are no wrong ways to do this, but you will find some methods better than others. The more different ways you twist the shirt, the more different patterns you will get. To create an amazing swirl pattern, put the shirt face down and put the stick in the middle of the back. Start twisting. Pull the stick out of the shirt and hold your creased, folded, and twirled shirt in place with half a dozen or more rubber bands.

7. Start to apply the dye. Hold the bottle close to the shirt so you don’t get a lot of splash-back. Divide the shirt up into as many segments as you have colors. Most tie-dye patterns use three to four colors. If you use fuchsia or magenta, yellow, and turquoise, you can get all the colors of the rainbow (Think about your bubble jet printer. These are the three colors used to create all of your pictures). The alternate colors are created as the colors overlap. Remember to start with yellow first, since it will be changed when it comes into contact with any other color. Flip the shirt over and repeat on the back side.

8. Put your creation into a Ziploc bag and let the shirt sit for 18-36 hours. Too little time, and the colors won’t set right; too long, and the colors start to lose their brightness. After the requisite time, run the shirt under cold water until the dye stops running. This could take a while. Take off the rubber bands and run the shirt under cold water again until the dye stops running. Dry out your shirt. Remember, the dye may still run, so wash your shirt with dark colors or by itself for the first two or three times, at least.

Tie-dye shirts are a great addition to any wardrobe. Whether you buy them at a discount or create your own, you now have the information needed to join in this millennium-old tradition.

The post The Complete Beginner’s Guide to Tie-Dye first appeared on The Adair Group.

Is your wardrobe getting a bit dull? Do you want to spice up your outfit, but do not have the funds to go on a shopping spree? You can recreate your style without breaking the bank. In fact, all you need are a few plain white t-shirts!

Now you might be thinking of the girl-next-door look with a typical t-shirt and jeans.Thanks to the power of Pinterest, there are several ways you can wear a tee. Say good bye to the boring bedtime version of a t-shirt, and say hello to a fresh, modern look. You can transform your t-shirt into skirts, dresses, tank tops, and better versions of a t-shirt. Some styles require a little bit of sewing, but others are a tie-up-and-go style!

Before you go out and buy a whole new wardrobe, rummage through your closet and drawers for t-shirts. If you find a handful, do not sell them in a yard sale — you will regret it. Instead, you can upcycle the fabric to make these hot trends.

HERE ARE 10 DIFFERENT WAYS TO MAKE
AN EVERYDAY T-SHIRT STYLISH.

1. The T-Shirt Dress

You need three t-shirts, scissors, and a sewing machine (or needle and thread) for this project. It is a cute, playful dress, great for all ages. You can wear it on a sunny day or to a pool party over your swimsuit. This style may be a little harder to master, compared to the others in the list, so do not get frustrated if it does not come out perfectly the first time around.

• Cut off the neckline and sides of one t-shirt
• Cut off the bottom of the other two t-shirts
• Cut the triangle arc off of one set of sleeves
• Re-attach it to the cut shirt as sleeves
• Sew two shirt bottoms together
• Gather the top edge
• Re-attach it to the bottom of the shirt (to make the skirt part)

2. The Mini Skirt

To create a one-of-a-kind mini skirt, you will
need one t-shirt, some type of alternate knit fabric, a two inch elastic band, and a sewing machine (or needle and thread). You can make a fun and flirty look by using a different color for the alternate knit fabric. Different prints, patterns, and textures will also vamp up this look!

• Cut off the bottom of the t-shirt
• Cut one side open
• Sew in a strip of alternate knit fabric
• Add the elastic waistband

3. The T-Shirt with Button Sleeves

You will need one t-shirt, two buttons, a sewing machine (or needle and thread), and a charm square. The charm square is a piece of fabric. You can use a different color or pattern, like polka dots, to add a little flair. This is a simple yet adorable way to make your t-shirt pop! If you are unsure of what type of charm square to use, imagine what skirt or pant you would wear with the t-shirt and add a complementary color.

• Place one end of the charm square on the inside of the sleeve and the other end on the outside of the sleeve for a wrap-around look
• Sew the button through both ends of the charm square

4. The Wrap-Around T-Shirt Skirt

Do you have a long-sleeve t-shirt that is too big for you? Maybe it is a maternity shirt or you simply lost weight. You do not want to part with it because you never know if you will get pregnant again, or gain weight. Whatever the case may be, you can wear it as a skirt. The best part: you do not need any scissors or sewing machine. All you have to do is follow these simple steps to transform the long-sleeve t-shirt into a skirt.

• Step into the t-shirt (put your legs through the head/neck part of the t-shirt)
• Pull the shirt over your bottom area and smooth it out
• Tie the long sleeves in the front (you can do a knot or a bow)
• Tuck the edges (the shoulder parts) underneath the sleeves to make it look more like a belt or a sash
• Look in the mirror and move the fabric around a little more to your liking

5. The Watercolor T-Shirt

You do not have to be an artist to make a cool t-shirt, thanks to this
basic technique. You need a t-shirt, fabric paint, a paintbrush, and a
little water. Paint whatever picture you like on your t-shirt. You can paint faces, words, or an abstract shape. Then add water to it for an added effect. Do not worry about “messing up,” because the water will allow the paint to bleed through the fabric. Everything will look like it was done on purpose.

This can be a fun afternoon project for you and the kids. Make sure you wear an old outfit, just in case things get a little crazy while painting. If it is warm outside, take the project outdoors. Otherwise, be sure to cover the table with some newspaper.

6. The Off-the-Shoulder Dolman

For those of you that don’t know, a dolman is a fashionable shirt that has a cape-like effect instead of traditional sleeves. You can create your own dolman out of a plain t-shirt. All you need is a t-shirt and a pair of scissors. If you are
an aspiring fashion designer, you can really impress your friends and family by explaining to them your creation.

• Look in the mirror and move the fabric around a little more to your liking
• Remove the neckline

7. The Raglan Sleeve T-Shirt

A raglan sleeve is when a sleeve extends to the collar, which leaves a diagonal seam from the armpit to the collarbone. This undefined look is common in sportswear uniforms and other exercise wear. You learn something new every day! In order to create this unique look, you need one t-shirt, scissors, sewing machine (or needle and thread), and an alternate fabric. You can use a colored pattern, print, or texture for the alternate fabric to make a bold statement.

• Cut off the neck, sleeves, and sides of the t-shirt in a raglan fashion
• Using the cut t-shirt sleeve, cut a new sleeve from the alternate fabric
• Sew new sleeves to the t-shirt using the alternate fabric
• Sew the other sides back together
• Attach a neckline using the alternate fabric

8. The Wrap-Around T-Shirt Dress

Much like the wrap-around t-shirt skirt, the dress requires no scissors or sewing machine. Instead of cutting and sewing, you simply
have to tie the shirt on in a specific manner. Make sure you use an oversized t-shirt, so there is enough material to cover your whole body the way a dress would. (It needs to be long enough!) If you ever are in an emergency situation where you need a dress, this is perfect! Maybe the airline lost your luggage or you simply forgot to pack your dress. Here
is the ideal answer to your mistake (and you will still get compliments on your look).

• Step into the dress so your legs go through the head/neck hole
• Pull the t-shirt up past your breasts like a tube top
• Fan out the right sleeve and pull it over to your left shoulder
• Tuck it snuggly into the top of the t-shirt
• Do the same thing to the left sleeve and right shoulder
• Look in the mirror to play around with the material a little more until it looks pleasing

You can also tie on the t-shirt dress in the same manner in which you tied the wrap-around skirt. Now you know two different ways to tie on a t-shirt as a dress. Both versions are strapless and perfect for the summertime. If you are in need of a clothing change, these t-shirt dresses are fast, easy, and fashionable!

9. The T-Shirt Tank Top and Belt

If you are sweating the day away and a t-shirt just will not do, opt for a tank top. You can easily create a tank top out of a t-shirt with a
pair of scissors. Now, you may think any regular Joe Schmo can make a tank top. If you are going for a more sophisticated style that requires a little fashion sense, you can add accessories. Since the tank top will be a little baggy, you can add a fabric belt to create a unique style.

• Cut off the neckline and sleeves
• Add a ribbon belt/li>

10. The Modern Tie-Dye T-Shirt (Sleeveless)

Every 90s kid had a radical tie-dyed t-shirt full
of bright colors. That style may be not so fashionable anymore, but the concept is still fun and quirky. You can make a cute, sleeveless
t-shirt with a pair of scissors, sewing machine (or needle and thread), and RIT tie-dye color. The tie-dye will not be all in your face the way
the old-fashioned styles were; it will be subtle, yet eye-catching!

• Cut off the sides of the t-shirt to make it a tank top
• Sew back up the sides of the t-shirt (you can sew as high or as low as you want for more or less coverage)
• Knot the bottom of the shirt
• Dip the bottom half of the t-shirt in RIT color tie-dye

Try and Try Again

You can also tie on the t-shirt dress in the same manner in which you tied the wrap-around skirt. Now you know two different ways to tie on a t-shirt as a dress. Both versions are strapless and perfect for the summertime. If you are in need of a clothing change, these t-shirt dress-
es are fast, easy, and fashionable!

For the pieces with alternate fabric, you will figure out what type of cloth works best. The styles that involve cutting and sewing, you will learn where and how to cut each part just right. For some styles, you may need to experiment with different sizes. The wrap-around dress, dolman, or raglan sleeve t-shirt requires a much larger t-shirt than, say, the button sleeve or the tie-dye t-shirt.

When in doubt, play with color, prints, textures, and patterns. If you want to recreate a look,
go bold! After all, your canvas is a white t-shirt, so you cannot get more basic than that. You certainly do not want to add more boring white or a subdued tan.

Where to Get Your T-Shirts

If you are planning on playing around with these different styles, you may need to purchase more t-shirts. Also, as mentioned before, you might need a shirt that is not originally your size. Since this is a fun project, you do not want to invest too much money. Instead of purchasing expensive t-shirts, you should buy them wholesale.

Maybe you will get really good at it and can start your own fashion line! Okay, that may be farfetched, but a couple of your girlfriends might request a t-shirt from you after they see how great yours turned out. You certainly do not want to spend hundreds of dollars on t-shirts for this hobby.

The Adair Group is a great outlet for t-shirts. Instead of spending a bunch of money on fabrics, you can buy t-shirts wholesale from this online provider. You can shop by department; it has t-shirts for adults, men, women, kids, toddlers, and babies. The site also features different styles, including long-sleeve, short-sleeve, pocket, V-neck, tank top, and sleeveless.There is a rainbow of colors available, along with shades of black, white, and brown.

You can also find specials like $1 t-shirts and closeout sales. The Adair Group also receives irregular t-shirts. These are t-shirts that have minor manufacturing defects, so they are on sale for next to nothing.

Besides t-shirts, the company features polos, sweatshirts, underwear, hats, and tie-dye clothing. You can shop online 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year. The company has a “best price” guarantee and ships out of Atlanta, Georgia via UPS.

The post 10 DIFFERENT WAYS TO WEAR A T-SHIRT first appeared on The Adair Group.

Most of us have accumulated many t-shirts through various events such as school-related activities, sports teams, churches and other organizations, concerts, races/marathons and any other time that causes us to walk home with a tee. A lot of the time these shirts bring memories, sentimental meaning or act as a badge of accomplishment. Certainly, you want to hang on to these for the long haul, and we don’t blame you!

Not only do certain shirts hold emotional value for the owner, but we know just how long it takes tees to reach the maximum comfort level. That cozy, super soft, “worn-in” feeling doesn’t happen over night. That comes from years of love, care and lots of time in the washer and dryer. We wouldn’t want to get rid of those either!

 

We certainly don’t encourage you to throw out your favorites, but we are creatures of habit. That means no matter if you have 30 or 300 old t-shirts, you are likely to reach forthe same couple over and over again. But, even though you might wear the same few shirts, if you’re anything like us, you are likely to have a drawer full of old t-shirts that are there for the simple purpose of taking up room. You know the drawer (or back corner of you closet.) The one that is filled with tees that you either never wear or ones that you havesimply outgrown.

Although it is a pain to go through your drawers and closet to figure out what you don’t need, it has to be done at some point. Whether you are moving, giving your closet a makeover or need something to do on a rainy day, you will likely reach a point where you want to get rid of those barely worn or ill-fitting tees.

Once you separate the “keep” pile from the “get rid of” pile, what do you do? Before you head to the dumpster with loaded arms, consider resurrecting your old shirts into useful items. And, yes, even your rattiest garments can lead a new life if you know what to do with it. Not only does this cut down on the landfill mass, (the clothing industry being one of the worst industry for wasting materials) but you might also find new ways to use those shirts that you’ve never thought of before. This could save you money, time and give you a craft to do on your off days.So, why not give it a try? It can’t hurt anything and the outcome might surprise you.

 

There are probably a million ways to reuse, recycle and re-wear those loyal tees. Luckily for you, we scoured the depths of the Internet to find 20 of the most creative and useful ways to breathe new life into those old t-shirts of yours.

 

Make a Quilt

If you have a whole slew of old sports teams tees, summer camp shirts from your childhood or shirts with quirky graphics and messages, you could always make a quilt. It makes a pretty cool and sentimental gift, and most people could use an extra blanket for drafty days around the house.

 

This is for the craftier person, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be done. Depending on how big you want the quilt you can use anywhere from 30-40 shirts. With a sewing machine, iron, rulers and a fabric for the back of the quilt you will be well on your way. Since this is a big project, expect it to take some time. However, the outcome will be well worth it. Here are the full directions.

 

Wall Art

Perhaps you have an old concert tee that is near and dear to your heart but it just doesn’t fit anymore. If that is the case, you should consider mounting in on your wall. That way it isn’t sitting in your drawers until the end of time.

However, if you go this route, keep in mind that purchasing a jersey cases can be expensive and slightly overkill for just a tee. Instead, find an acrylic box frame (these are cheap and easy to find.) Place the shirt in the box frame and then place the cardboard box insert inside. Note that to make the tee fit; you can either cut the excess of the shirt or fold it inside the frame. Now you have a super cool wall art piece!

 

Tote Bag

Because you can never have too many totes and plastic shopping bags are a terrible waste, use that old tee to create a reusable, washable tote bag for groceries, pool, library books, the gym or anywhere else where you need a few extra hands. Step by step directions here.

 

Dog Toy

With just two stained t-shirts and a pair of scissors, you can give make Fido a new toy! Cut wide slits in the bottom of each shirt and then rip along the slit. Gather your t-shirt slits and tie together. Now all you have to do is braid down the length of the remaining fabric and tie off the other end. Viola!

 

Painter’s Smock

If you or someone in your family is a painter, an old tee is great to use for a painters smock. They will protect clothes from messy paint and you avoid buying something that could potentially be expensive. Cut the sleeves off your t-shirt and create pockets on the lower hem to hold brushes and supplies. This works great for those who like to refurbish or stain furniture and those young tots who spend their afternoon finger painting. Get the full, simple directions here.

 

Produce Bag

 

Perhaps you weren’t crazy about the tote bag. If that’s the case try your hand in a reusable “mesh” bag perfect for produce. To make the bag, turn the t-shirt of your choice inside out and draw a bag shape into the “body” of the shirt. You can make the bag as small or large as you like. Make sure to cut through the entire shirt, so you have two identical pieces.Next, stitch the two pieces together to create the bag. Once the bag is sewn together, use a ruler and a pen or marker to create dashes horizontally across the bag. Use scissors to snip across the lines and be sure to stagger your cuts. When you’re done with that, cut a longer sit two inches from the top to serve as you handle. Now all you have to do is stretch the bag and wash/dry it. After that the slits curl and give the bag a better appearance that is perfect for carrying produce, veggies and flower from the garden or farmers market!

 

Necklace/Scarf

In just four steps give you old tee a new life as a necklace-scarf hybrid. It’s super easy and you don’t even need a needle or thread. First, cut the hem off the shirt, then cut the shirt into several strips. Each strip creates a ring and depending on the desired size you can use as many or little as you like. Note that if you want a large necklace you might need to use two shirts.

Last, gather all the strips and tie together with the leftover fabric. If you want, add ribbons, beads, feathers or strips of other colors for a personal touch. Once you’re done personalizing, you have a fun new accessory that will add interest to any outfit!

 

Hula Hoop Rug

Do you have a spare hula-hoop lying around? You can easily use one and a slew of your colorful old tees to create an accent rug that is sure to brighten up any room. If you have a child heading to college, it might serve as a nice weekend craft to do together. Then, they can take the rug with them to put in their dorm room It’ll add a homely touch and provide an emotional sentiment. Learn how to do this super fun craft here.

 

Belt

In just four steps give you old tee a new life as a necklace-scarf hybrid. It’s super easy and you don’t even need a needle or thread. First, cut the hem off the shirt, then cut the shirt into several strips. Each strip creates a ring and depending on the desired size you can use as many or little as you like. Note that if you want a large necklace you might need to use two shirts.

Last, gather all the strips and tie together with the leftover fabric. If you want, add ribbons, beads, feathers or strips of other colors for a personal touch. Once you’re done personalizing, you have a fun new accessory that will add interest to any outfit!

Baby Tutu

Children clothes can be expensive and since they constantly grow, it’s smart idea to find ways to save from spending your entire income on toddler’s clothes. Plus, tutus not only look adorable but are super popular in the baby fashion world.When you set out to make your tiny tutu, remember the softer the fabric the better. You will also likely want to use pastel colors or combination of shades that complement each other or are in the same family. Check out the full step-by-step direction here.

 

Headband

For those looking to add new life to a hairstyle, consider making a headband by twisting pieces of you old t-shirt together. You have the option to use all one color or complementing color combinations. Plus, if you are in need of holiday or birthday gift but on a budget these work great! Get the full directions here.

 

Tee-kini

Ladies do you have a beachside vacation coming up but can’t seem to find the right bikini. Whether on a budget or looking for one-of-a-kind swimwear, an old t-shirt might do the trick. This is a great way to upcycle, plus the fabric is more comfortable than most store bought ones. Step by step instructions here.

 

Bracelets

Fabric from your old shirts is great to use when you need some new arm candy. Braid and twist strips together and make various bracelets of different colors and widths. For a simple bracelet, tear fabric and tie it around your wrist. There are virtually endless numbers of ways to make unique and fun bracelets. Plus, this is a perfect idea for sleepovers, birthday parties or any activities to do with a friend. Friendship bracelets anyone?!

 

Nautical Necklace

 

If necklaces are more your speed, don’t worry you can make those two. Since you need a clasp you will need a little more skill and time but they are still fun to do and make a cute finished product!
Go here for directions.

 

Shag Rug

In need of a bathroom rug or cozy accent rug your feet will love? You’ll need a big t-shirt, XL is preferable, and lots of small scraps. This is one of the more extensive projects, but it can be quite fun and yields a unique home piece. If you think you’re up for the challenge, read how to make your own here.

 

Pillow

Maybe you have a graphic tee that you love but for whatever reason, can’t wear anymore. Learn how to easily save your souvenir and turn the graphic into a nice pillow! Choose a pillow insert that will fit inside your tee. Then pin the fabric along the outline of the insert and remove the pillow. Then using either you hand or sewing machine, stich the t-shirt together, be sure to leave the bottom open!

Trim the access fabric and place the pillow inside the shirt. Fold the overhang at the bottom and finish sewing that together. You now have an awesome pillow to add to you bed, couch or chair!

 

T-shirt Yarn

If you know someone who knits, you can always gift him or her with t-shirt yarn. It’s super easy to make and if you aren’t the creative type, you can easily hand it off for someone to make something of you old tee. Get full instruction here.

 

Summer Sandals

Have a pair (or two) of flip-flops that aren’t cutting it this season? Wind fabric from an old tee around the toe straps to bring a pop of color to your plain Jane feet. If you are feeling extra crafty, add extra fabric to wind around your calf for a gladiator sandal look.

 

Tunic or Cover-Up

If you have an oversize t-shirt you can easily turn it into a cover-up for the beach or pool or into a tunic perfect for the dog days of summer. Cut off the sleeves and along the seam under the sleeves. You can cut as far down as you wish, keep in mind that this open the shirt and will show your sides. Next cut off the collar and you’re all set! This is so easy you’ll want to make more than just one!

 

Give to Charity

 

If all else fails, you can always pass those old shirts you never use to charity. Although this isn’t a craft, you are giving them a new life by providing them to those in need. This doesn’t involve throwing them out or wasting yet another garment in the dumpster. Then it becomes someone else’s new favorite tee. Look for a Goodwill, Salvation Army or clothing collection bin in your community. Also, many churches, schools and organizations have clothing drives periodically throughout the year that will distribute your old items to a charity for you.

The post Creative Ways to Recycle Your Old Tee first appeared on The Adair Group.

The post T-Shirts: The Wardrobe Staple first appeared on The Adair Group.

Ah, the beloved sweatshirt. America loves these cozy garments, and we have many endearing terms for it. Whether you call it a hoodie, pullover, sweatshirt, jumper, or jersey, chances are you have at least one that you pull out of the depths of your closet when the temperatures begin to drop. Whether you live in yours or only wear it around the house, there is much to be said about the sweatshirt. Is it a fashion faux pas, or does it have merit in the fashion world? Has it proven itself a universal article of clothing for all ages, or is it strictly for the kids? So, we have decided to scour the depths of the Internet to find the answers to all your hoodie-centered concerns.

Friend (Pros)

Created in the early 20^th century, the original cotton jersey hoodie was used to relieve football players from uncomfortable wool jerseys. Soon manual labors jumped on the sweatshirt bandwagon, as it added protection and warmth to their work wardrobe. While it may have originally been designed for workers and athletes, soon the sweatshirt was mainstream, and it’s not hard to figure out why.

Their comfort is probably one of their greatest advantages. Sweatshirts have been a long-time favorite of most college students, as they exude the ease and comfort needed when running around campus and studying in the library all night. Whether a child, teen, or adult, sweatshirts will always remain a staple of comfort clothing.

Along with comfort, hoodies provide warmth. The garment is perfect for fall days and winter layering. Wear them alone or with a jacket, scarf, and hat. Either way looks great, and will keep you warm and cozy against any chill. Plus, with the recent rise of street style in the fashion world, there are many bloggers and stars who wear awesome sweatshirts and make it look effortlessly cool with retro sneaker and dark sunglasses.

Lastly, the sweatshirt is universal. Kids love hoodies, and parents appreciate the ease and warmth it gives their children. However, even though kid-approved, they also look great on adults – men and women alike! There is literally a sweatshirt for everyone.

Foe (Cons)

The truth is, it’s difficult to find the cons of a sweatshirt. They are easy to slip on, give the wearer loads of comfort, and keep him/her warm. Plus, thanks to the rise of street style, the relaxed look of a hoodie is no longer unacceptable.

That is, unless you plan to go to work or to a fancy dinner party. Here it is folks, the one downside of your favorite sweatshirt – you can’t dress it up. Try as you might, there is no way around it. When you sport a sweatshirt, you can’t really achieve a professional look. So, you probably need to leave the hoodie at home before heading to the office. Oh, and if you plan on attending holiday parties, you might want to dress up (unless it’s an ugly Christmas sweater party!)

The lesson here is to use your common sense. If you are going somewhere with a dress code or to a meeting where you need to impress others, a sweatshirt should not be your go-to option. Remember when Facebook guru Mark Zuckerberg met with Wall Street investors in his hoodie? They were none too pleased, and it caused quite a statement. In the business world, casual wear and suits still reign supreme. Just leave your hoodies for your off days!

Styles

When it comes to sweatshirts, there are many different style options to choose from. When you know the specific term for each style, you are better equipped to pick out the right hoodie for you. Below are the definitions and differences between each style.

• Crewneck

As with a t-shirt or sweater, a popular sweatshirt style is the crew neck. Crewnecks are probably the most versatile, as they look great plain, in any color, and with teams and logos plastered on the front. Plus, everyone looks great in this classic style!

• Zip

Zip sweatshirts refer to the garment that has a full zipper down the front. If you are looking for a garment that is easily layered with others, or you are dealing with temperamental climates, this is your best bet.

• Hoodie

When you hear or see the term hoodie, that simply refers to a sweatshirt that has a hood. Hoodies come in the pullover variety, as well as the full zip.

The post The Sweatshirt: Friend or Foe? first appeared on The Adair Group.

With new t-shirt designs coming out every minute, sometimes it is nice to sit back and think about where the whole thing started. Some of our most recognizable and beloved shirts can be forgotten about with the new ones that saturate the market. Well, not to worry. Here are the most iconic t-shirts of all time. So, sit back and take a stroll down memory lane.

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James Dean’s Plain White Tee

Why don’t we start out with the most basic t-shirt of them all? Even though t-shirts today are widely popular, before the 1950s they were just known as under garments. Then along comes James Dean in the 1955 classic Rebel Without a Cause. He wore the iconic white t-shirt and leather jacket, and turned it into a fashion statement. Soon, white t-shirts were everywhere, and a lot of people cite him for turning the t-shirt into an American fashion staple.

AC/DC

The iconic four letter logo with the bold lightning bolt is a visually captivating and worldwide recognized symbol for one of the most well-known bands in the world. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame band’s iconic t-shirt has potentially become more popular than they have.

Just Do it – Nike

While the inspiration for the iconic shirt might not be as motivating as the shirt itself, this slogan has become internationally known and famous. Nike’s advertising executive Dan Wieden, who came up with the slogan, credits his inspiration for the campaign from the final words of Gary Gilmore before his 1977 firing squad execution.

Vote For Pedro

Napoleon Dynamite was one of the biggest movies of the 2000s. The quirky, nerdy film was a huge hit and quickly acquired a cult following after its release. The Vote for Pedro shirt became one of the most instantly recognizable shirts after having been introduced in the movie. Pedro, a quiet Mexican immigrant kid, is running for high school student body president, and, as part of his campaign, he distributes the iconic shirts. It is a white shirt, with Vote for Pedro printed across the front. After the movie, it quickly became iconic and immensely popular.

The Godfather

Today, our fascination with the Mafia is still running high. We can thank Francis Ford Coppola and The Godfather for that. The American crime film won three Oscars and was one of the highest grossing films. It is widely regarded as one of the greatest films in world cinema, and it is preserved in the United States National Film Registry. As popular as it was in 1972, it is still just as popular today, and the shirt bearing the movie logo is the same.

Keep Calm and Carry On

Keep Calm and Carry On started out as a motivational poster produced by the British government in 1939 in preparation for WWII. The poster was designed in hopes of raising the morale of the British public and, even though 2.45 million copies were printed, the poster was hardly ever publicly displayed and didn’t gain attention until it was rediscovered in 2000. It quickly became a huge phenomenon and can be found on t-shirts everywhere

Yolo

In 2011, rapper Drake planned to release a joint mixtape title YOLO along with Rick Ross. In order to promote the mixtape, and to get the acronym talked about, Drake started mentioning YOLO prominently on several tracks. Drake’s use of the word elevated it into common use. The mantra was even nominated for 2012 Word of the Year by the American Dialect Society. Now you can find the it on t-shirts all over the country and world.

Rainbow Brite

You don’t get much more 80s than Rainbow Brite. The adorable figure was the star of a popular psychedelic cartoon, which featured talking rainbow horses. The t-shirt version of Rainbow Brite seemed to gain more popularity from an ironic teen reference than the actual fandom of the show. Our tie-dye shirts are similar to these iconic shirts.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

Speaking of iconic shirts from television cartoons … who wouldn’t want a shirt with Leonardo, Michelangelo, Donatello, and Raphael on it? The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles were originally a comic book series, but gained huge popularity in the late 80s and early 90s when they expanded into the cartoon series.

Kiss Me. I’m Irish

This is the green shirt that you pull out every year for St. Patrick’s Day and wear with pride. The Kiss Me I’m Irish shirt became widely popular among Irishmen and women, and even spawned numerous copycats from other nationalities, although none quite as successful.

Rock The Vote

Rock the Vote is a non-profit organization that started its campaign for the 1992 Presidential Election between Bill Clinton and George H. Bush. It was geared toward increasing young voter turnout among voters 18-24. It’s known for its partnership with MTV, and has had a huge impact on young voters.

Alvin A’s

Who doesn’t love Alvin and the Chipmunks? Alvin and the Chipmunks have been around since the 1950s and, over the years, have become one of the most popular animated series of all time, spanning several television seasons and multiple movies. The star of the show, Alvin was named one of the top 50 best cartoon characters of all time in 2002. He is easily recognizable in his red shirt with a giant A on it. Sometimes Alvin is shown in a t-shirt and other times he is shown in a red hoodie or sweater, but, regardless of which type of shirt it is, the red shirt with the yellow A has become synonymous with the chipmunk. The shirt is easily recognizable as belonging to Alvin, and has become something of a cult classic.

 

Charlie Brown

Charlie Brown is one of the greatest American cartoon characters of all time. He is ranked 8th on TV Guide’s 50 Greatest Cartoon Characters of All Time, and is beloved by all. One of the defining characteristics of the Peanut’s character is his yellow shirt with the singular brown chevron stripe. It became a very popular and iconic symbol of the character and is easily recognizable by all.

I’m With Stupid

Whoever created the iconic I’m With Stupid shirt was undeniably a genius. The shirt, which tries to make fun of your friends, family, or complete strangers is bound to elicit a laugh or two at their expense.

Rock the Vote

Rock the Vote is a non-profit organization that started its campaign for the 1992 Presidential Election between Bill Clinton and George H. Bush. It was geared toward increasing young voter turnout among voters 18-24. It’s known for its partnership with MTV, and has had a huge impact on young voters.

Animal House “College”

Another cult classic movie, Animal House might even be considered the original cult classic. While that might be up for debate, Animal House is considered one of the greatest comedy films ever made and, in 2001, the United States Library of Congress deemed the movie “culturally, historically or aesthetically significant,” and it was selected for preservation in the National Film Registry. It has been selected numerous times as one of the funniest movies, and in 2008 it was selected as one of the 500 greatest movies of all time.

In what would be his breakout performance, John Belushi starred in the film as John “Bluto” Blutarksy. He made his blue “college” sweatshirt the most legendary sweatshirt known to man. While not necessary a t-shirt, the college sweatshirt is one of the most iconic pieces from American cinema. Today you can get the legendary shirt in either a sweatshirt or t-shirt.

Entertainment

Cookie Monster

Born in 1966, Cookie Monster is one of the most famous characters from the last century. While a lot of the characters from Sesame Street are popular, none are quite as lovable and funny as Cookie Monster. Maybe that’s why the t-shirt with his face on it is quite so iconic.

Mickey Mouse

The Flash is another Marvel character that has gained a huge popularity. His uniform is a red suit with a lightning bolt on it, which is what the t-shirt shows as well. In recent years, this t-shirt has become popular even with people who never read the comic, thanks in part to the movie releases by Marvel.

Captain America

Captain America is a fictional superhero who appears in Marvel Comics. His indestructible shield is perhaps his most famous accessory. It has a lone white star with a blue bulls eye and red and white rings. And that’s what his famous t-shirt is modeled after. The t-shirt is one of the most powerful patriotic expressions among young people.

The Flash

The Flash is another Marvel character that has gained a huge popularity. His uniform is a red suit with a lightning bolt on it, which is what the t-shirt shows as well. In recent years, this t-shirt has become popular even with people who never read the comic, thanks in part to the movie releases by Marvel.

Hello Kitty

Hello Kitty is a fictional character from Japan that launched in 1976 and turned into a 5-billion-dollar media empire. Over the past few decades, the brand has gone global with their apparel, which is a huge part of their success. Strange part about Hello Kitty? Even though the name would have you to believe she is a cat, she is actually a third grade girl. Even weirder … she is British and lives outside London.

The Max – Saved By The Bell

Saved by the Bell was one of the most popular television shows in the early 1990s. The show was one of the highest rated shows during its run and, after it ended, AOL TV named it one of the “20 Best School Shows of All Time.” The show focused on a group of friends in high school and followed their exploits.

One of the more popular places in the series was The Max, a local restaurant hangout for the group. While most television restaurants are filmed using a soundstage, the Max was a fully functional restaurant in Los Angeles. During the series, the employees of the Max wore a red t-shirt with “The Max” printed across the chest. Due to the extreme popularity of the TV show, the t-shirt became immensely popular, and it is very synonymous with the show and its beloved characters.

Abbey Road

Of course, Beatle Mania crossed over into the t-shirt industry. The Beatles final album cover for Abbey Road shows the four of them crossing the road outside EMI Studios on Abbey Road. This image of the Beatles on the crossing has become one of the most famous pictures of the last century, and, of course, it was printed on t-shirts for sale.

Property Of….

In the 1930s, the University of Southern California created a undershirt for their football players to help prevent chaffing from their pads and to absorb moisture. Unfortunately for the university, they gained popularity around the campus, and they had to stencil “Property of USC” across the shirts to prevent theft. Naturally, this only increased the shirt’s status. Decades later, “Property of …” shirts are widely popular with colleges and universities across the nation.

Harley Davidson

Regardless of whether or not you own a Harley, wearing their iconic t-shirt is totally acceptable. The shirt has gained popularity along with the motorcycles. The shirts give off a cool “Hell’s Angels” kind of feel that is accessible to everyone.

Planet Hollywood

In theory, Planet Hollywood seems like a huge success, right? It’s the Hard Rock of the movie business backed by the Hollywood elite. Unfortunately, Planet Hollywood didn’t have the success most thought it would and over 100 locations have closed. Currently, there are only 3 left in the United States. But, hey, on the bright side, it makes their iconic t-shirt that much more desirable.

Another one of the world’s most visible and well-known brands, Coca Cola is not only cashing in from making everyone’s favorite drinks, but from their shirts as well.

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Woodstock Festival

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If you happen to have an original Woodstock Festival t-shirt, you need to hold onto it for dear life.
The originals of this iconic t-shirts are extremely rare and valuable. If you don’t have an original, don’t
fret. You can get a replicate that is just as good. The Woodstock Festival t-shirt design shows exactly
what the spirit of the festival and time was all about: peace, love, and music.

 

The post The Most Iconic T-Shirts of All Time first appeared on The Adair Group.