Graphic Tees - Fashion Gets Explicit

Our next episode looks at the most pervasive clothing item of the 20th century

They say all clothing is a type of language. Even refusing to participate in the conversation is a way to say something. Whether you’re in a top hat and tails or Canadian tuxedo or naked, it’s all saying something about you and how you choose to present yourself.

But some clothes speak a little louder than others. Today, we’re talking about arguably the loudest and most explicit of them all. That’s right, it’s graphic tee time, the shirt that literally spells out its message for you right across your chest for anyone who cares to read it.

They may feel like the most ubiquitous item in the world, and that’s because there are an estimated 8 billion of them produced every year, but they’ve been around for less than a hundred years. So have a listen and learn how graphic tees took over our chests and our eyes.

Brands mentioned:

• ⁠BARNS⁠

• ⁠Buzz Rickson⁠

• ⁠The Real McCoy’s⁠

• ⁠Human Made⁠

If you have any questions, comments or concerns or any topics you’d like to hear covered, please let us know at ⁠[email protected]⁠

Today’s episode featured writing from Brad Lanphear’s 2023 Heddels article “⁠History & Evolution of the Graphic Tee⁠”, the production talents of Sean Thornton, and theme music by Andrew Ryan.