If there’s one fashion staple that will continue to live on throughout the ages, it would the humble band tee. Since its conception, band tees have served as a way to visually proclaim support for your favorite bands and proudly show off that you went to their concerts, but they’ve turned a new corner in the fashion world during recent years.
Now, band tees are being dressed up and down to give any outfit a bit of an edge, thanks in part to the appeal of the unique artwork and graphics on each tee. Luckily, band tees are not in short supply, making this trend easy to replicate. If you’re new to this trend or need some inspo putting those old tees you have stuffed in the back of your closet to good use, you’ve come to the right place.
Where to shop
Admittedly, I have more than my fair share of band tees that I’ve collected from various concerts throughout the years. In an effort to tidy up my closet, I’ve sent many shirts to local thrift stores and resellers. There are undoubtedly more people like me who choose to donate or sell part of their collection of band tees, making thrift and resale stores the hot spot for picking up this trend.
Online resale apps like Poshmark and Depop have a huge variety and allow you to search for the perfect tee virtually anywhere. Being able to shop this trend from home, at work, or in class makes it incredibly efficient and cheap. Another alternative would be to actually go to a concert, have a great time, and purchase a band tee for yourself. But let’s be real: not everyone has the funds or lives near a concert venue, so thrift shops and online resale apps are your BFF for keeping up with this trend.
How to style
Band tees can be incorporated in your wardrobe year round, making them truly versatile. My favorite way to style them for the fall and winter season is simple: toss it on over your favorite pair of jeans and dress the rest of your outfit up with a fun jacket or cardigan. You can tuck it in or leave it loose, add a belt if you want, pair it with moto boots or your fav sneakers, the decision is yours.
Spring and summer definitely have more leeway when it comes to mixing it up. My favorites outfit inspo that I’ve seen so far are tucking it into a mini skirt for a structured yet casual vibe, pairing it with some patterned pants or shorts for a more eclectic feel, and the tried and true method of knotting it in the front with a pair of denim shorts for a cropped look.
Whatever your particular style may look like, band tees are a fun, easy, and inexpensive addition to help shake things up. Whether you have some already or need to peruse the resale scene to find the perfect match, styling them according to your taste is an exciting way to challenge yourself and try something new.