Modern Fashion: Are Plain T shirts Good Than Graphics Shirts?

You may have noticed how there are so many types of t-shirts out there. Some look plain and classy while others are etched with printed designs, slogans and group associations. Both are great for their intended use, but when comparing plain tees with graphic ones, which one is better? Is it true that plain t-shirts are better than graphic ones? 

See, plain t-shirts are a wardrobe staple of everyone and owing to their simplicity, they are very fashion malleable. But when it comes to graphic t-shirts, only certain casualwear looks can be achieved, and if the printed design is about some inside joke or niche community, then you can say such tees fashion becomes even less versatile.

But if that is true, then why are custom-printed t-shirts so popular right now? Read this blog till the very end to decide which kind is better for you!

Introduction: Quick History of Tees

T-shirts, also known as tees, were not always an outerwear garment. Instead, they were worn by soldiers back in World War I and meant to serve as comfortable undergarments. However, with the passage of time, the soft feel and exceptional comfort of these cotton t-shirts became so normalised that even non-military persons began to enjoy them. 

But it was only a matter of time before manufacturers decided to add custom prints onto garments, and surprisingly, the t-shirt industry was swept by this trend. Rock stars, sports teams and basically anyone who was not aligned with traditional values suddenly had their eyes on graphic tees. 

The printed designs, even from the very start, were not just out of the blue; instead, they were meant to serve as a channel for self-expression, which at the time people loved. Now, both t-shirt types have become so renowned that people are confused about which one they should get.

What are the Differences Between Plain Tees and Graphic Tees?

Plain tees and graphics tees are meant for different fashion needs altogether. Sure, they are basically the same thing if we go by layouts and structures, and you may ask what the differences are between graphic t-shirts and a simple t-shirt? but the entire scene changes when a printed design is etched onto a garment. It totally shifts the entire meaning of clothes.

Here’s how plain tees are different from graphic tees:

1- Versatility and Styling Opportunities:

• Plain tees are highly versatile, and their simplicity allows for easy styling for both casual meetups and professional settings. You can just put on a blazer over your simplistic tees along with any denim pants, and nobody would question your fashion choices. 

T-shirts can also be worn as neutral bases, which gives opportunities to further solidify your outfit with added-on layers and accessories.

• Graphic tees, on the other hand, are statement pieces endowed with eye-catching designs, slogans and even positive affirmations for self-expression. Having a custom printed t-shirt collection means your wardrobe is fun, exciting and ready for almost any casual party. 

However, due to bold designs, graphics t-shirts often lose out to plain t-shirts when we are talking about general usability.

2- Different Fashion Statements: 

• The timelessness and classic feel of plain tees can never be questioned. They have been “trending” ever since they appeared. Unlike printed t-shirts, Plain types of t-shirts have always been adored and can be worn in any season and situation. 

In other words, if you ever decided to buy a high-quality t-shirt in black, navy or grey, then you would never have to worry about going out of fashion. Their simplicity ensures they always look fresh and sophisticated, no matter the era!

• Graphic tees are, however, based on current market trends. Suppose the current trend is to have edgy statements and slogans, then your previously bold printed t-shirts are not in fashion. In fact, you would find people making fun of you for being out of trend.

But there is one thing for sure: when you pick the right printed t-shirts for yourself, you become the talk of the town and a de facto king of chic. Simply speaking, graphic tees are highly attractive but have very little surviving time.

3- Individuality and Social Cues:

• Plain t-shirts for men exclude that minimal look that speaks volumes about confidence and elegance. Plain tees are often best for people who like to tone things down a little, or someone who prioritises highlighting their jewellery or layered-over garments. 

On their own, these simple t-shirts might seem bland, but when paired with denim jackets or coarse wool coats, they become exceedingly sleek and head-turning pieces.

Related Read: Winter Fashion: What is Difference between Jacket and Coat?

• Meanwhile, graphics t-shirts shine at being expressive and serve as a beacon of individuality for those looking to flair up their outfit game, and quite honestly, designs can range from engravings to quirky graphics and basically anything you can imagine. 

It’s not like printed shirts are just mass-produced by white label manufacturers; you can instead even ask private-label clothing manufacturers for your own personalised t-shirt, which is made exclusively for you!

Interesting Fact: You never know who you impress with your graphic tees. So be ready for all those unexpected compliments and friendships. 

If you are interested in knowing more about white label and private-label clothes, then you can check out this short blog: Comprehensive Overview: Private Label Clothing vs. White Label

4- Wearability and Care Routine:

Plain t-shirts are easier to maintain as opposed to graphic t-shirts. Since they are just dyed in solid colours, stains are harder to display, and even after multiple washes, plain t-shirts refuse to wear out. Just depending on this factor, we can agree that plain t-shirts are good than graphic t-shirts.

Printed t-shirts require a little tedious caring routine due to the printed designs. Since designs are mostly bound onto the surface of fibres, with time they begin to fade and even crack with frequent wearing and washing. Depending on the type of printing, different care methods are needed for their upkeep and durability.

Popular Types of Prints and Technologies For T-shirts

• Sublimation Printing: 

It is widely regarded as one of the most reliable printing techniques. In sublimation printing, a custom-printed pattern is attached to white polyester or cotton fabric, and later, a heat press transfers the design onto the fabric. This technique ensures proper colour binding to fibres, which in turn means garments with a longer design lifespan.

• Prints are always etched before garment making, so when you have to make tees with fuller designs and colour schemes. Nothing is better than sublimation.
• Sublimation is great for all-over patterns, artworks and designs that wrap around the seams of clothes.

• Screen Printing:

Screen printing is also a very popular method to customize garments, and it’s actually quite affordable. In this technique, Inks or their blends thereof are forced through a mesh screen onto finished garments. Yes, finished garments. Unlike sublimation printing, you can’t fully print your clothes. But it does give you an edge for strategic design placement.

• Screen printing has no restriction on the base layer; you can print designs on white, black, grey and basically any colored fabric of your choice.
• Screen printing can be used to imprint simple logos, complex multi-colored patterns and even simple artworks.

• Vinyl Transfer:

Vinyl transfer, also known as heat transfer vinyl (HTV), is a method where a design is sliced out of a vinyl sheet and then applied onto garments using a heat-press, just like sublimation printing.

• This method is most viable for printing slogans and quotes onto t-shirts.
• Only applicable on fabrics with light stretch, meaning materials like nylon and spandex can’t be customised using HTV.

• Direct-to-Film:

Direct-to-Film or DTF printing is yet another popular technique where designs are transferred from a special film onto either finished garments or fabrics using applied pressure. While the ink is still wet on the film, a hot adhesive powder is uniformly applied over the designs-to-be-printed, which ensures proper binding.

DTF, unlike other printing methods, is highly versatile as it can etch designs even on fabrics like nylon and leather. Another likeable aspect of DTF is its durability against cracking, peeling and fading.

• However, there is one major drawback: Direct-to-film prints are quite expensive.
• Photorealistic designs with finer details and vibrant colours are often applied using DTF. 

Plain T-shirts vs Graphics T-shirts: Which One to Wear?

Both plain and graphic t-shirts have their place in the wardrobe, and which one to wear can be tricky due to the high versatility of plain shirts. But for convenience’s sake, consider the points below:

Choose plain t-shirts for:

• Everyday casualwear.
• Smart-casual events.
• Layering outfits.
• Minimalish or classic look.
• Highlighting other accessories or clothing items.

Choose graphics t-shirts for:

• Casual Hangouts with friends.
• Events like music festivals and concerts.
• Streetwear.
• Making a bold statement.
• Showcasing your personality and interests.

Modern T-shirts Trend: Different Styles and Fashion Tips

The modern t-shirt trend is a weird one. You would expect everything to be about individual expression, but then there are people who still like to showcase their classic t-shirts. So we can say this trend is all about Minimalism and Excessiveness. 

But which ones are better to wear out, plain t-shirts or graphic t-shirts? 

1) Plain T-shirts:

When it comes to plain t-shirts, there is a heavy emphasis on colours such as navy, grey and half-white, along with the use of sustainable fabrics for environmental preservation and personal comfort. Some of the most popular plain tees are crew-necks, v-necks and henleys.

> How to style plain t-shirts for a casual and formal look?

Opt for plain tees with proper fitting and learn how to leverage tucking for achieving a different look. Full tuck for a professional look, while a half tuck for a casual appeal. Additionally, you can also throw on a denim jacket and sneakers for further refinements. However, if you are going for a polished look, then get yourself a nice pair of loafers and tailored trousers.

2) Graphic T-shirts: 

Graphic t-shirts are popular because of their bold and lively prints that make you the centre of attention. Currently in the market, there is a huge demand for tees with woke designs and slogans. You can expect to find solid colored tees with edgy patterns all over the market and e-commerce platforms.

> How to style up your printed t-shirts?

Since t-shirts are already the centre of attention, you need to balance out the outfit by either wearing plain jeans or a pair of tailored chinos along with sneakers and boots for that casual yet edgy aesthetic. You can also pair up a leather and bomber jacket to dress up your chic look. Additionally, if you really want to accentuate graphics, then consider wearing minimal jewellery and accessories.

Quick Summary

When it comes to plain and graphic t-shirts, there is no definitive choice as to which one is better than the other. Plain tees have their own place in the fashion industry and are loved for being highly versatile and easy to style, whereas graphic printed t-shirts are loved for being bold, inspiring and expressive.

However, there are also downsides, such as plain shirts can be difficult to style, and if you are not in shape, then instead of looking sharp, you would just look loose and unkept. Similarly, you can’t achieve certain outfits with modern printed tees.

Trendwise, neutral colours are highly liked by both men and women in plain t-shirt types, while bold and edgy printed statements are like that for streetwear and woke styling when it comes to graphic tees.

Understanding the differences and styling opportunities between the two t-shirt sides can allow you to make sound decisions for your wardrobe and business as well, if you are going by that route! 

FAQs: Everything You Need To Know About T-shirts.

Which t-shirts are good for men, plain or graphic?

It highly depends on your own preferences. Plain tees are a must-have for every man and aim to serve as a timeless yet fashionable choice, but graphic tees are something special. If you manage to find the right prints for yourself, then it can capture the true you.

What are some of the best graphic t-shirts?

Currently, Crew-neck and Henley Graphics tees are making a stride in the market with their timeless vintage designs, abstract prints and pop culture referencing quotes. These t-shirts combine good quality fabric and print for high serviceability. 

Which is better for starting a business, plain tees or graphic ones?

There is no definitive answer to it. There are high business opportunities for both t-shirts. But if you want to run a quick reward business based on drop-shipping and discount isles, then without a question, graphic tees are better for you as opposed to plain tees, which are excellent for building a brand identity in the t-shirt industry.