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The fashion industry is worth almost $4 billion and that’s just your weekend splurge. Kidding! It’s not cheap staying on trend but what it takes from your wallet it makes up for in fun. T-shirts are a staple of every wardrobe so staying on top of t-shirt trends is essential if you’re going to kill the fashion game.

So what’s happening in the world of shirt trends? Here are a few of the top t-shirt design trends to look out for as we settle into 2019.

Fresh (Prince) Prints

Nostalgia is a powerful thing and it regularly storms the runways but this year’s throwback fashion is right out of the opening credits of some of our favorite 90s afternoon binges.

Word art and swirling terrestrial TV graphics in bright, bold shades are back and this time they’re on our shirts. Trending t-shirt designs reminiscent of Clarissa Explains It All and Saved By The Bell are winners: clashing pastels with bright paint-stroke prints serving to bring us all back to Bel-Air.

How can you get in on this style? Shed a few decades and choose t-shirts that make you feel like you’re strutting the halls of Sweet Valley High. Pair with acid-wash denim and boxy blazers for an extra kick of nostalgia.

A Focus on Detail

Plain cut shirts with pops of trending detail are a big deal right now. From ruched hems to asymmetric sleeves to utility pockets, plain tees are taking to the streets with punchy upgrades.

If you want to rock this look without the price tag, why not go DIY and detail a plain t-shirt yourself? Ruching is an easy way to add shape to an otherwise plain shirt. As for asymmetrical sleeves – let’s just say, don’t be shy with those scissors!

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Add Utility

Low-key utility was an especially big trend on this season’s runways after Virgin Abloh introduced the concept of “accessomorphosis” to the scene. The blurring of the lines between bags, wallets, and clothing is now trending in a big way with everyone from Chanel to Proenza Schouler riffing on the theme.

So how can you get behind this trend? Lean into shirts cut with pops of detail, particularly pockets. And if in doubt: accessorize. Graphic tees aren’t the only thing the 90s has to offer on this front – a plain cut shirt can go from zero to hero with a bumbag or front-loaded tool belt slung over your shoulder.

Branded Merch

2016 kicked off the brand merch comeback and the trend hasn’t slowed down since. As 2019 kicks off properly, we’re expecting to see more merch hit the streets and our wardrobes as everyone from musicians to YouTubers jump at the chance to cultivate a fashion culture around their brand.

Independent artists, in particular, are experiencing a surge of interest in their merchandise. In today’s oversaturated entertainment industry, it can be a real blast knowing your money is helping individual creators do what they do best.

Want in on this trend? Show your support by rocking branded merch. Have a brand of your own? Go that extra mile and rock your own merchandise.

Sustainable Fashion

Fast fashion has become a dirty word in the fashion industry and for good reason. It encourages high, fast turnover and contributes to the 148 million tonnes of overall waste the industry is expected to produce by 2030.

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Sustainable fashion (also called eco fashion) is the antithesis of fast fashion and is gaining ground as we become more mindful of our effects on the environment.

T-shirts made from ethically sourced materials and produced through sustainable practices are a must when staying on this particular trend. Look for brands with transparent manufacturing processes and go out of your way to support eco-friendly companies.

Buying second-hand and repurposing vintage shirts is another great way to lower the impact of your wardrobe’s carbon footprint. You’ll give new life to an old favorite with an added bonus of cashing in on the heavy nostalgia trend rocking the runways.

Tie-Dye

An eye toward saving the environment isn’t the only hippy trend experiencing a resurgence in 2019. Yep, tie-dye shirts are back and they’re as colorful as ever!

New York Fashion week saw a slew of tie-dye pieces. Everything from blazers to hats to pants were given the stain treatment. But the real standouts were the shirts.

R13 killed it with multiple variations on the old favorite, pairing their bright tie-dye shirts with chunky plaid and studded motorcycle boots. John Elliott toned things down with white ensembles featuring splashes of pastel tie-dye effects. Collina Strada harkened back to the classic 90s look, with a purple tie-dye shirt knotted at the front like the model had just stepped out of an episode of Saved By The Bell.

What does this prove? The time has come once more to drag out your plain t-shirts and grab some ink. Tie-dye is back to stain your hands for days once more!

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Neons

Want to give your tie-dye shirts a run for their money? Why not indulge in the other major color trend to hit the runways for Spring? That’s right, neon colors are here to stay. No matter the cut, a bright, bold neon shirt will keep you on trend and standing out from the crowd.

Jeremy Scott, Prabal Gurung, and Sies Marjan all brought neon to the runways in a big way this season. Paired with chic jeans or the right skater skirt you’ll be walking the streets like you just stepped off the catwalk.

Rock These T-Shirt Trends

Fashion trends may come and go but isn’t that half the fun? Whether you’re embracing your inner 90s chick, supporting an independent brand, or turning your eye to sustainable practices, all these t-shirt trends will put a spring in your step and your look.

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