Graphic tees are a year-round staple for me. Despite having a pretty decent collection, I’m pretty picky when it comes to graphic tee designs. Today I’m breaking down how I choose which graphic tees end up in my closet, plus 20+ graphic tees perfect for summer.
My favorite way to wear a graphic tee in the summer is super simple: just pair it with jean shorts or a skirt, then add sneakers. You don’t have to overthink anything here. For one, summer makes it too hot to wear anything other than shorts or a skirt. Second, you’d be surprised how much more “put together” your outfit can look just by swapping out a plain t-shirt for a graphic one. Instant look elevator. You heard it here first.
Shop my Outfit
SHOP MY LOOK: GRAPHIC TEE | SKIRT (SIMILAR HERE, HERE, AND HERE | SNEAKERS | BAG | SUNGLASSES
What I Look for When I Shop for Summer Graphic Tees
I naturally gravitate toward these three “themes” when it comes to my summer graphic tees: destinations, band tees, and overall nostalgia.
Destinations
Summer means travel, so I lean into road trip locales, notably summer locations (such as this Saint Tropez tee), and palm tree motifs. I’m also a sucker for any kind of graphic tee that has any nod to California in it, like this Venice Beach shirt. I mean, California is pretty epic in the summer, so I just embrace it.
Band or Band-Inspired Tees
Summer also means outdoor concerts. Band tees are a yes in my book, but I do feel like you need to know at least 3 songs of a band if you’re wearing their name on your chest.
If you don’t want to rock an actual band tee, look for graphic tees that are rock and roll inspired. Anine Bing makes great band-inspired tees and one of my favorite designers for graphic tees in general because they always are a little edgy. (She makes the t-shirt I’m wearing in this post! Also, this shirt already sold out once so my recommendation is if you like it, buy it now.)
Nostalgia Summer Graphic Tees
I love graphic the with vintage vibes. Whatever triggers nostalgia for you in a graphic tee, go for it.
Shop My Summer Graphic Tees Picks
