10 Best Graphic T-Shirt Brands To Add a Splash of Color to Your Outfit

Graphics t-shirts have made a big comeback in fashion trends these past few years. This type of clothing always seems to capture one generation, skip the next, before becoming trendy again.

Whether you’re a movie buff, a superfan of an indie band, like zany images, or just love to rep your favorite brands or comic book characters, graphic tees are the best way to show it. Graphic t-shirts started to trend in the 70s when rock bands would print shirts for specific tour dates as a way for their fans to brag about seeing them.

Today, graphic tees of all pop culture references can be bought just about anywhere. If you are a fan of these effortlessly fun shirts, here’s our list of the 10 best graphic t-shirt brands for men.

1. Threadless

Threadless is one of the most inclusive, diverse, and creative brands on our list. This company supports thousands of independent artists by giving them a platform to sell their designs in an eco-friendly, ethical, and socially responsible manner.

Starting out with selling just t-shirts, Threadless has since expanded into apparel, accessories, and even home decor. There are now several kinds of tops, bottoms, and even shoes available in their store. Their emphasis on inclusivity makes their store one of the most convenient choices for people of all shapes, sizes, and tastes.

You’ll not find any mainstream brands in the store, which is just a great opportunity to try out newer, smaller artist designs. Threadless regularly releases new designs for their graphic tees, hoodies, tank tops, and even socks and shoes.

The online store also gives you the option to choose your size, type of fit, and colors. Buying from Threadless is a great way of supporting independent artists without sacrificing quality and creativity.

2. Stussy

This company was started in the late 80s in Southern California and blends surfing culture with fashion. This brand grew organically from founder Shawn Stussy’s backyard where the young creative would print images on shorts and t-shirts and hand them out as complimentary items with every surfboard he sold to friends and locals in the area.

Stussy’s collection includes some of the most stylish, light, and classy tops, bottoms, and accessories on our list. Their graphic tee designs are a combination of classic art, dyed tees, minimalist prints, and company logo shirts. Their Midnight Insanity Tees inspired by Van Gogh’s Starry Night is our personal favorite.

The online store has also expanded to include casual and semi-formal clothing in its inventory. Sportcoats, button down shirts, plaid shirts, and Hawaiian shirts are just some of their most popular items. Stussy has choices for both men and women, so you can also match outfits with your friends for your summer escapades and parties.

3. Cav Empt

Short for Caveat Emptor, which is Latin for “let the buyer beware,” Cav Empt embodies this phrase perfectly with its experimental, quirky, and often bizarre designs and styles. This path may not be for everyone, but it surely is for the brave and the bold.

Founded in 2011 by Billionaire Boys Club alumni Toby Feltwell and SK8Thing, Cav Empt is the quintessential passion project by the wealthy elite. Throughout the years the brand has collaborated with larger companies such as BEAUTY & YOUTH, Vans, and Nike to create unique items that follow the mold of Cav Empt aesthetic.

You can find their collection on the brand’s website, which is just as eccentric as the brand itself. However, once you adjust to the site’s design, you’re sure to find something that fits your style. The AS MCOMP Short Sleeve Shirt and AS NCLOG2 Heavy Big T are two of the most popular items in their collection. If you are looking to develop a new fashion style, Cav Empt might be your best option.

4. Kenzo

Founded in Paris in 1970 by Kenzo Takada, this brand has been putting emphasis on modernity and diversity for more than 50 years. Their combination of prints and elegant colors give off a light, positive vibe in any setting.

Kenzo’s signature polychrome, borderless aesthetic makes their collection of graphic tees the perfect choice for bold young people. On the other hand, the brand promotes inclusivity and individuality, so they also have items for people of all ages and sizes. If you’re going on a trip for the summer, you can dress up the whole family in Kenzo, and that even includes the babies and the grandparents!

Two of Kenzo’s most iconic graphic tee designs are their Tigre T-Shirt and Kenzo Sport T-Shirt. The Tigre T-Shirt showcases Kenzo’s logo printed on the front of plain-colored shirts, while the Kenzo Sport T-Shirt features a square print on a white or dark blue shirt.

5. Goat Crew

Goat Crew puts up a strong case as the hippest, coolest brand on our list. Started in 2013, this label features designs worn by famous hip-hop artists and other celebrities. Big names like Skepta and Dizzee Rascal have sported Goat Crew merch during their performances and on their social media.

Goat Crew only releases a limited number of each item, which means their drops are often sold out within a day or two. If you miss out on their iconic graphic tees on release, chances are, you’ll have to buy from resellers for outrageous prices to get your own. So if you want one, you better be lightning fast.

Some of our favorite releases by Goat Crew include the Legendary Vintage T-Shirt featuring an image of 80s action superstar Chuck Norris, the Arnold Flex Vintage T-Shirt, and the Protest Vintage Shirt with an image of Ol’ Dirty Bastard and John Lennon holding a sign reading “Wu-Tang is for the children.”

6. Bandit Brand

Bandit Brand is the ultimate American t-shirt brand. They only sell good old vintage-style tees that are proven and tested. The company manufactures its products exclusively in the United States too. They cut, sew, and dye their own fabric and handprint their own shirts upon orders.

In terms of style and aesthetic, Bandit Brand has the most western take of all the brands on our list. From guns to cowboy hats and motorcycles on their graphic tees, this brand has everything a true, blue American would probably wear. Their Ammo Men’s Tee, Bandit Town Eagle Men’s Tee, and Coors Men’s Tee are some of their bestsellers.

Personally, we love the Bandit Town Cowboy Men’s Tee for its bold yet classic aesthetic. The contrast between print and shirt always stands out. Bandit Brand’s collection is available for both men and women, and even has select items like onesies and tees for babies, whom they affectionately call “little bandits.” 

7. Undercover

UNDERCOVER may have the most unexpected collaboration of cultures on our list. With the rough approach of British punk and the Zen-like qualities of Japanese minimalism, UNDERCOVER combines these two contrasting influences to create their signature aesthetic.

Founded by Jun Takahashi, UNDERCOVER specializes in wool tailoring and oversized t-shirts. Their vests, tank tops, and t-shirts typically have sizes for all customers. The No Face Graphic-Print T-Shirt is one of their top-selling designs because of its large yet understated print. The Zerstoren slogan-print cotton t-shirt embodies Japanese minimalist design the most in their collection.

The oversized, comfortable make of UNDERCOVER’s graphic tees make their shirts easy to match with whatever outfit you have in mind. Whether you’re going for a streetwear look, a casual party outfit, or going to watch a rock concert, there will be an UNDERCOVER shirt perfect for the occasion.

8. UNIQLO

Japanese casual wear retailer UNIQLO has hit mainstream popularity in recent years due to its combination of clean, classic designs and affordable prices. A subsidiary of Fast Retailing Co, UNIQLO also designs and manufactures all their clothing and accessories.

The brand’s graphic tee collection is one of the most popular in the low to middle price range because they have collaborations with big pop culture names. For fans of manga and anime, UNIQLO has a One Piece, Jujutsu Kaisen, and even an Ultraman collection. Meanwhile, for those into Western pop culture, there are Godzilla vs. Kong and Marvel graphic tees in their inventory too.

For both adult and young gamers, UNIQLO has also recently released collaborations with Minecraft, Monster Hunter, and League of Legends. They also have a collection of other popular characters and brands like Peanuts, Mickey Mouse, Pokemon, and even the Japanese bestselling author Haruki Murakami. UNIQLO has a wide sizing chart that ranges from XXS to 3XL to make sure anyone can fit the clothing from their stores.

9. In God We Trust

When John Elijah Richards started In God We Must in 2014 to help pay medical bills after he was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes, he had no idea just how successful it would be. After only seven years in the industry, IGWM is now a mainstay in its niche of graphic tees and other apparel with inspirational messages and designs.

Most of their graphic tees have large prints with spiritual or motivational phrases in the back and a smaller logo on the front. The Brandon Lake “Let Your Lion Out” Tee is one of their bestsellers. This collaborative graphic tee features the eponymous phrase on the back in a large font and includes the phrase “In God We Must” along with Christian worship singer Brandon Lake’s name at the bottom.

The Tomorrow Is Not Promised Tee is our favorite inspirational t-shirt from IGWM. The message is slapped across the back on a round graphic with an hourglass right in the middle and the same logo is printed much smaller on the front chest area. This graphic tee embodies the entire purpose of In God We Must, both as a business and a passion project.

10. Yeaaah! Studio

Founded by French illustrator and graphic designer Stephanie Casier, Yeaaah! Studio was originally an independent graphic design company that provided services to clients of all needs and sizes. Wanting more creative freedom for herself, Casier began designing and selling shirts online. Eventually, she turned it into a full-fledged online shop.

The Secret Inspectors Tee is one of Yeaaah! Studio’s best-selling shirts. The beautiful design was created by Korean tattoo and comic book artists Jojo and Mido. The print features their two characters, Reng and Dori, as secret royal inspectors splashed across the front. One distinct feature of this design is that its bright colors contrast nicely with the white t-shirt they are printed on.

The Space Shiba Tee is also popular among both adults and children for its cute orange-on-black design. This graphic T-shirt is available in sizes small to XXL.

Apart from graphic tees, Yeaaah! Studio also sells printed art, calendars, gift cards, note pads, patches, pins, postcards, stickers, and tote bags all designed by their team and collaborators.