The society we live in is one that tends to find formality attractive. This is why we throw on tuxedos for proms and weddings, galas and funerals. This is why the cargo short donning IT guy, is showered in compliments the day he shows up in suit and tie (we all know about your job interview, Jeff). From fashion forums to Hollywood stylist videos, we see fashion veterans telling beginners to ditch graphic tee shirts because they’re childish and ugly. Many clothing brands won’t even consider making graphic tee shirts, as they want their customers focused on fit, proportion, color, material, quality, heritage, and utility. I’m not going to say the aforementioned attributes don’t matter, in fact they do greatly, but what I will say is graphic tees belong in every wardrobe.

With all of that said, how can graphic tees be a necessity? First and foremost, graphic tee shirts are the easiest way to effortlessly share your personality. If you love music or beer, skateboarding or sustainability, there is a tee shirt you can wear to reflect that interest. I’m not saying to go out and be a free billboard for a brand you care nothing about, but that you can use graphic tees to express yourself at a glance. Remember, first impressions are everything.

In sweltering Summer heat, when layering is out of the picture, being able to turn to your favorite graphic tee for some visual variance and a pop of color can be like finding an oasis in a dessert.

Graphic tees can also be used to reflect taste. What separates Marco Mazonni’s artwork from my scratch paper doodles (I’m a horrible artist) most definitely is not the media used. Nicer pencils aren’t going to make my stussy ‘S’ look any closer to something worth being hung in a museum. That being said, a graphic tee can carry any image. Carrying a Walmart branded sarcastic quote on a tee shirt is incomparable to one that carries any level meaning or thoughtful design.

When it comes to buying a good graphic tee, there are many routes to take. For budget options, I would highly recommend thrifting. Especially with the Marie Kondo craze going on, people everywhere are suddenly finding that their zany 90’s tee shirts no longer spark joy for them, but one man’s trash is another one’s treasure. From old restaurant tees, concert tees and absurd advertisements, vintage tee shirts tend to come with much more creativity than what we’ll find on the market today. A truly thick cotton fabric, dropped shoulders and that patina only a true vintage shirt can carry, these shirts also tend to lend interesting proportions and textures to outfits (along with comfort). If you don’t feel like picking through used clothes in store; etsy, eBay, and even Instagram now cater to those carefully picked through shirts of earlier days.

You can also find a great graphic tee shopping through new stuff. Brands like Uniqlo offer attractive prints, typically through collaborations ranging from Disney to Roland (the music equipment maker). If you don’t want to buy some mass market tee shirt, or find one that better suits you personally, I’d highly encourage digging through your own hobbies. As a beer fanatic, I always find cool tees at breweries I visit, especially ones with cool can art.

If you’re willing to spend a few more bucks, more options open up in your graphic tee venture. Brands like Kidsuper, Stussy, Online Ceramics, Acne Studios, Noah NYC, Brain Dead, Carhart WIP, Reception, Maison Kitsune, Bianca Chandon, Supreme, Palace, A.P.C., By Parra, Mollusk, and the list goes on. Here you’re going to really want to dial in the graphics that work well with your wardrobe, along with your lifestyle. If you’re a bit of a hippie and deadhead, check out Online Ceramics. If you love the water, go for Mollusk. If you’re a Parisian third wave coffee shop regular, Maison Kitsune is worth checking out. Each brand has their own motto and lifestyle they represent. Take the time to learn which one thinks like-minded to you.

If you’re a real daddy Warbucks, and willing to throw big money at tee shirts, this section is for you. With brands like Raf Simons, Undercover, Number (N)ine, The Soloist, Gucci, and Dior, this caliber of a tee shirt comes from the most creative and expressive minds in fashion. Hiring world renown graphic designers, photographers, and drawing inspiration from unheard of to household names in artistry and design, it’s hard to find a more succinct, and direct, yet beautifully creative form of self expression.