Don’t know if you’ve heard… but word on the street is street style is full of words lately. Graphic tees are trending, but if we’re honest, they’ve always been a timeless staple for their unique way of doubling as a mode of self-expression and a comfort item for their wearer. And while a cool graphic t-shirt is always welcome in our world, today we want to take a moment for the cheeky tees that do the talking for you. Something about wearing a quote on your chest feels bold and personal, but it also has a way of letting walls down as it steps into the world and makes people laugh. Whether it’s goofy, sarcastic, or deeply relatable, having words on your shirt says something about your attitude—it’s communication without having to open your mouth to say a word.
This season, since everyone’s saying the quiet part loud, our latest Daydreamer drop is all about saying it how it is and wearing your wit. And in celebration of that, we’re taking a dive into what makes this particular graphic t-shirt trend so serendipitously nostalgic right now, how we’re bringing it back, and introducing you to the perfect vintage-inspired t-shirt that communicates your particular brand of attitude…
The Retro Graphic Tee’s Hipster Era
Of course, our love for the tongue-in-cheek graphic tee didn’t just pop up overnight; it’s made its appearance in the pop culture spotlight before. Flashback to recent history’s Tumblr era, when sassy quotes were plastered on everything from our phone wallpapers to t-shirts. Think minimalist fonts and ironic phrases like "I'm Not a Morning Person," or "Sarcasm Loading… Please Wait." These tees perfectly captured the quirky, sometimes self-deprecating humor that defined the hipster subculture of the 2010s, paired effortlessly with flannels, skinny jeans, and beanies… naturally.
Even before that, pop culture moments cemented the legacy of these cheeky tees. Who can forget Britney’s iconic “Dump Him” tee, to start? And let’s not overlook Paris Hilton, the queen of funny slogan t-shirts—while the infamous “Stop Being Poor” tee was photoshopped, her collection of irreverent shirts (including the real version: ‘Stop Being Desperate’) is all too real and totally unforgettable.
Stars and the Slogan Tee Today
Fast forward to today, and the wordy tee is back, louder and cheekier than ever. From Rihanna’s “I’m retired” shirt, a playful jab at her music hiatus, to Hailey Bieber’s “nepo baby” tee, these statement pieces are a form of saying the unsaid, and reclaiming narrative. Zendaya recently made headlines with the Loewe “I TOLD YA” tee from the Challengers costume designed by Jonathan Anderson, proving that even high fashion isn’t shying away from the power of a statement t-shirt. Then there were plenty of pop stars rocking slogan tees on stage this summer from Sabrina Carpenter’s Coachella viral “Jesus was a Carpenter” tee to Olivia Rodrigo’s SATC tour look channeling a ‘90s vibe that speaks to the nostalgia of old-school graphic tees.
Tongue In Cheek. The Perfect Slogan Tee For Every Kind of Attitude:
With this playful resurgence of graphic tees with sayings, we have a brand new batch of cheeky quote tees from our collection of high-quality, vintage-inspired t-shirts made in LA. Here, is the perfect sarcastic slogan tee for every kind of attitude:
For the one who’s not taking anyone’s sh*t:
Attitude Problem Merch Tee
The first of our funny and cool t-shirts is the iconic Attitude Problem Merch Tee. She’s bold and cleverly rebellious. With the defiant phrase, “I don’t need your attitude, I have one of my own,” this shirt leaves no room for other people’s BS, and embraces a fiery spirit. Crafted in our Daydreamer Merch Tee, the tee’s oversized, relaxed fit feels like that go-to piece you’d throw on when you’re ready to own the day. The reactive black shade and thick ink print give it a sharp, fearless look, perfect for anyone who’s done playing by someone else’s rules.
For the one who can't be wrong:
See It My Way Merch Tee
A tee for the unapologetically opinionated, the See It My Way Merch Tee features the cheeky phrase, “Save time. See it my way!” for those who never back down. This tee’s personality shines through its cool mint spray color contrasted by bold red text in a vintage-inspired font, which immediately adds an eye-catching element to any outfit. The crackle ink design gives it that slightly worn-in vibe, nodding to a no-nonsense attitude. Plus, we love the effortless draping on this oversized fit of our Merch Tee. Made to last, it feels like the kind of shirt you’ve had forever.
Once I Was Wrong Oversized Ringer Tee
Another one for our self-assured and proudly stubborn friends, the Once I Was Wrong Oversized Ringer Tee always makes us giggle with its tongue-in-cheek quote, “Once I thought I was wrong, but I was mistaken.” Its clean aesthetic somehow adds a knowing irony for those who always keep the upper hand. Designed in our Daydreamer Oversized Ringer Tee, it features a vintage-inspired cut with a distinct ringer neckline (think retro athletic tees). The vintage white color with soft blue text printed in crackle ink gives it an authentic, lived-in feel, making it look like a favorite that’s been through countless wins (and mayyybe just one mistake). This is the shirt for those who are rarely wrong and never sorry about it.
For the one who can never be too much:
Too Much? Vintage Tee
Made with love for the unapologetically extra, the Too Much? Vintage Tee is here to let your personality speak at full volume. The front asks, “Too Much?” while the back responds with “Find Less.” This tee is playful and provocative, and we love how it lives in the world with the call and response design. The slightly shrunken fit and crew neckline of the Vintage Tee style bring a nostalgic twist while the sunny yellow color with hand-laid flocked text adds an unexpected pop that’s fun and fearless—just like you. This shirt won’t let anyone tell you you’re too much.
For the one who can’t be bothered:
Same Sh*t Vintage Tee
The Same Sh*t Vintage Tee captures the perfect cool-girl effortlessness. With the classic quip, “Same sh*t. Different day,” this shirt embodies the vibe of someone who’s seen it all and is hard to impress. The cut of the Vintage Tee makes it feel like a thrifted find, complete with a slightly shrunken body and unique detailing. Its powder blue shade and bold red lettering stand out, giving off a laid-back coolness that pairs perfectly with jeans, joggers, or whatever you’re throwing on to get through another day that you’re probably too qualified for.
Leave Me Alone Vintage Sweatshirt
For those days when you’re just over it, sometimes, the message is simple: you need space. The Leave Me Alone Vintage Sweatshirt says it all without you having to say a word. Crafted with the perfect amount of slouch and designed in a washed indigo hue, this sweatshirt brings cozy vibes with an edge. Though the juxtaposition of the delicate script font on this one feels like a funny touch, the puff ink gives the quote an extra layer of dimension, ensuring the message stands out just as much as the attitude behind it, packing quite the punch. With raglan seams and a classic fit, it’s the ultimate go-to for anyone needing a little extra distance from the world (we get it).
As vintage-inspired t-shirts once again make their way into new t-shirt styles of 2024, the slogan tee is clearly making a pretty welcomed entrance into our closets and our culture. Whether you’re trying to make a statement entrance or simply want to be left the heck alone, there’s a special something ready for you in the Daydreamer collection– there to add your two cents to the chatty t-shirt convo. Go ahead and get a little wordy with this one, take what you’re thinking and say it on your chest, and above all, just have fun with it.