Graphic tees can be very, very good. They can also be gaudy or outdated. The trick is to find one right that feels modern but with a nod to the retro. Anything too new-feeling ages quickly—but too much of a throwback can feel just plain old. In 2021, this means nailing a vibe more than anything. Are we going for subtle but cool? Over the top? Are we wearing it with a suit-suit or a bathing suit?
Of course, there's no rule against having a graphic tee for every one of those occasions. Right now, men's style is all about leaning into the overtly casual, and a cool graphic tee is a fun way to try it out. You can look for ones featuring your favorite band or movie, or you can go for something more abstract. There is a time and place for all of 'em.
When it comes to shopping for those graphic tees, Urban Outfitters and Nordstrom have maintained an elite selection for years. They do the heavier lifting for you, so you can peruse a variety of brands and styles without having to go very far. But if you're looking for the fastest way to find some tees with next-level designs, here are 14 of the best graphic T-shirts for men to buy now.
An old-school gym tee worn anywhere but to the gym rocks. Wear it with cool shorts to and around the beach and pool.
Jaws Amity Island Regatta Long Sleeve Tee
Jaws Amity Island Regatta Long Sleeve Tee
Graphic tees that are branded as funny are, if you can imagine, often not funny. Make it your kind of funny instead—like wearing aJawsshirt near the beach.
Men's Health Cut/Ripped/Jacked/Swole Tee
Men's Health Cut/Ripped/Jacked/Swole Tee
$25 at Men's Health Shop
You've seen the tees—the ones that list out details of who youreallyare. Lucky for you, we know just what those things are.
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Music graphic tees are a classic, and this is a great example of how to keep it feeling fresh. A small graphic on a dark tie-dye tee is the expert balance of old and new.
Ringer tees—with a contrasting collar and sometimes arm band—can get a little more old-school than you're aiming for. Keeping just the collar contrasted in a cool forest green and light blue makes it feel right for the times.
Free and Easy is all about simply chilling. The rainbow "Don't Trip" is a perennial favorite—and a go-to choice for the late Mac Miller.
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Star Wars Death Star Battle Tee
Star Wars Death Star Battle Tee
Sometimes graphic tees are for displaying your personal taste or absolute nerdom. Both are welcome. This all-black tee with a smaller-sized graphic is a cool way to do it.
If you're looking for a graphic a little less specific, you can't fail with a vintage Nike graphic tee. Wear it all summer long.
Maybe it's hard to find your perfect band or team tee. That's fine!This T-shirt is expertly retro and doesn't everyone love NASA???
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Pangaia makes the ideal graphic tees with minimalist designs, which are all made as sustainably as possible. We love this lavender for a bright buy, but the brand is always coming out with fun color options.
When it comes to old-school hip-hop graphic tees, the bolder the better. Nas requires it.
We're big fans of graphic tees fit for the moment. This Protest tee—made in respect toGeorge Floyd—is simple and powerful.
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Renowned LA makes cool graphic tees that are always just flashy enough without ever feeling like too much. Wear this one with a leather jacket for a very good laid-back look.
Men's Health Doin’ it for the Grams Tee
Men's Health Doin’ it for the Grams Tee
$25 at Men's Health Shop
Graphic tees work for pre- and post-gym, too. Plus, what better way to highlight your personality than with a literal steak?
