While regular merch is tired (RIP to the “Mommy’s Little Meatball” shirt my friends made me buy on a whim in Little Italy last summer), graphic T-shirts with a built-in wink and nod are everywhere — the funnier and weirder to decipher, the better.
It’s hard to say exactly when meme merch became a trend, but when Sabrina Carpenter slipped on a T-shirt at Coachella that read “Jesus was a carpenter” in a flowery, self-serious cursive, it solidified itself as a moment worth noting. Not only did the tee have her last name on it for a cute little pun, but it was also a nod to her ongoing beef with the Catholic church. And when I recently saw a tween in a “Carrie Bradshaw AF” shirt walking around the Upper East Side (only Olivia Rodrigo fans would know she’s keeping up with the Guts singer’s latest tour costumes, and not prematurely binging the series), I knew graphic tees were a thing.
And it isn’t reserved just for singers on tour, but for actors, movies, body parts, television shows, previously failed marriages (a RIP Brangelina purse), and sometimes multiple things at once (an “I am Kenough” shirt from Barbie with Kendall Roy’s face from Succesion on it). It can be a lot to keep up with, so here are some T-shirt options we think will help you convey insider humor this summer, no matter what you’re into.
You’re a film buff who …
… won’t shut up about Challengers.
You don’t want it to be too obvious or the Loewe “I Told Ya” tee is far out of budget, but you prefer a low-key version of a fan tee for the internet’s favorite movie of the year anyway. Either way, you’re already getting ready to see the movie for your third or fourth time (and you’re probably team Patrick).
Challengers Shirt
… shares Letterboxd reviews while exiting the theater.
Even if you didn’t love Love Lies Bleeding, you’ll watch anything A24 puts out and this one inspired you to hit the gym a little harder than usual.
Red Crater Gym Staff Tee
$40 at A24
… is always one step ahead when it comes to fangirling over the leading man of the summer.
Last year was all about Charles Melton. At the Independent Spirit Awards, host Aidy Bryant capitalized on the breakout moment for the May December actor by sporting an ultimate fan T-shirt, a specific design that many celebs wore for one another last year. (Melton wore one for both Bryant and co-star Julianne Moore). Prepare for this year’s breakout boy, Glen Powell, with your very own ultimate fan tee. But order fast: Twisters is set to hit theaters on July 19 and with a buzzy GQ cover under his belt, the actor is already skyrocketing.
Glen Powell Vintage Tee
$25 at Etsy
You’re the first of your friends to declare a song of the summer and …
… you want to appease the masses.
“Espresso” is a certified bop after all, and after Carpenter’s Coachella set and continued fairytale Barry Keoghan romance, the singer’s major (and positive) attention doesn’t seem to be going anywhere.
Jesus was a Carpenter T-Shirt
$25 at Etsy
… you are just a bit alt.
While most people didn’t consider Addison Rae a true artist following the release of her debut album in 2023, the internet was quick to claim her as a pop icon after her featured scream in Charli XCX’s new song “Von Dutch (Remix).” Rae posted a photo dump a few weeks after the song came out in this tee as a clapback to all her previous haters. This is for those of us who always knew Rae had a pop-star quality in her.
Hating Pop Music Doesn’t Make You Deep T-Shirt
$20 at Amazon
… you are a Rihanna stan through and through.
Even when she trolls you, you’re willing to sell into the bit. After stepping out in the New York streets in a similar t-shirt last week (though hers was custom Connor Ives), I bet this shirt will become a new staple amongst her loyalist of fans and those of us who just desperately want more Rihanna content in any shape or form.
I’m Retired Tee
You’re really proud of your tits and …
… you are having a hot-girl summer.
Like Megan Thee Stallion, you’re not one to shy away from showing off your body or letting everyone know that you know you look good.
Best Tits T-shirt
… you want everyone to know you’re gay.
Any queer femme will quickly recognize that “good tits, big heart” is from Reneé Rapp’s song “Tummy Hurts,” so you’re not just showing off that you’re a fan of Rapp or have a “massive rack,” but that you’re for the girls, thank you very much.
Big Heart Crop Tee
You want men to shut up about them.
Sydney Sweeney was over everyone talking about her boobs and so are you.
Sorry For Having Great Tits And Correct Opinions Sweatshirt
$32 at Amazon
You just want to show off your online knowledge and …
… you still love the nepo-baby discourse.
You also bought a “Mommy’s Little Meatball” shirt, have New York Magazine’s nepo-baby cover on display in your home, and have dealt with one too many nepo babies in the wild.
Mommy’s Little Nepo Baby Tee
… you are obsessed with The Bear.
This summer, who won’t be? Everyone will be saying “Yes, Chef” again, so this will be an easy crowd-pleaser.
Yes Chef Carmy Tee
… you have fallen victim to the latest celebrity play endorsement.
The latest downtown Off Broadway play Invasive Species specifically sent out merch to celebrities to garner interest in the play. According to their PR, it worked so well that Chris Rock showed up on opening night without a ticket to see it. In a few months, this will be the new Slave Play.
Invasive Species Shirt
You love a good roast.
Whether you’re a Kacey Musgraves fan or not, if you’ve ever been slightly cyberbullied or received some silly online hate, this shows you’re the perfect mix of relatable and self-deprecating.
Tweet Tee
Brooke LaMantia , 2024-06-11 13:00:51
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