Graphic T-shirts for men over 30: yes or no? (brands, clothes, American)
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I was going through my closet, and found four graphic T-shirts I haven't worn in at least a year. I originally bought them when I was 27 or 28, but didn't wear them all the time. I usually saved them for "nice casual" occasions like at an outdoor concert, or for hipster-oriented events like a Renaissance Fair. So they're still in good condition, and I can wear them without looking messy or careless.
The graphics are hipster-esque indeed: a spoof of Salvador Dali with electric guitars instead of watches, a row of broken telephone lines set against a mountain backdrop, a black-and-white Windows XP logo getting smashed by a rock, and an abstract rendition of the Golden Gate Bridge in dashed and dotted lines.
However, I'm 35 now, and can't help but feel like I'm too old for these T-shirts. I also vaguely remember reading these things on men's fashion sites, that you shouldn't wear graphic tees if you're over 30. But I do like the designs, the fabric is good-quality, and they still look presentable.
What does everyone else on here think? Feel free to elaborate.
If you feel too old, you are too old. Besides if you have never worn them, clearly they aren't for you.
I am a 45 yo woman and I have a couple of graphic tees I still wear in casual settings. One is this one:
I also have one my students bought me that says mother of sharks since I have 25 some odd baby sharks again this year, and I love game of thrones. I wear it on field days.
So no, I do not think t-shirts with pics on them are inherently verboten based on a particular age. It is more based on where and when you are wearing them.
Writers for Business Insider and Nordic Business Insider are fashion experts?
I don't think anyone is saying to only wear graphic T-shirts. I think people are saying that in the right causal context they are fine as part of an "older" man's clothing selections. Of course men should have other more dressy and/or sedate clothes in their wardrobe. And no one should wear only one type of shirt or outfit all the time.
What I really want to know is, how does one become a "fashion expert?" What are the criteria- do you have to be a clothing designer? The owner of a large textile business? An iconic model who has been in the industry for years? Or can any random opinionated person on the internet claim to be part of that nebulous group, and then make sweeping recommendations for an entire demographic based on their (real or imagined) "expertise?"
Well, other than the suit and tie, LOL!!!
I'm kidding.
I'm by no means a clothing expert. As a matter of fact, I don't really know what is "my color". I've watched a YouTube channel that goes into some of the many different nuances of fashion and how to find your color so to speak and how you know it is your color.
And also, some of my clothes are unconventional even though they are not graphic t's or other types of shirts with phrases or logos on it.
I am a 39 yo female. I mostly avoid graphic tees. I wear them very occasionally. And usually something artsy (think Andy Warhol prints). Mostly I like to look a bit more dressed up so t-shirts aren’t really my look. But they can work well if it is your style.
I kind of feel like fashion 'experts' are like movie critics. IF you agree with their critique...then you follow their opinions on their subject matters.
And I suppose you're allowed to call yourself an expert if you get paid for your opinion? (shrugging shoulders.)
I'm of a certain age where "is it fashionable?" is NOT necessarily the main criteria I go by anymore. Sure, I want to look appropriate for whatever situation...but most 'experts' aren't preaching to my demographic anyway. And besides, I have my own opinions with regards to what's in, and what's not.
Like, for the life of me, I don't understand why bare shoulders, strapless anything is marketed to middle aged big boobed women. But it is. (another shrugs shoulders).
If they're clean and in good condition I generally don't have an issue with graphic tshirts on any age, especially if the wearer has a shirt that is expressing something about themselves (as opposed to just wearing some free promotional shirt). I enjoy pop culture, clever, witty, or nostalgic tee shirts.
I'm a 40+ woman who unapologetically wears graphic tees. Some of my favorites: Dorothy and her Oz friends taking a selfie with her cell phone, a Stars Hollow Dance Marathon tee (from Gilmore Girls), a "Goonies Never Say Die" tee, and one that says "I crochet because killing people is frowned upon."
Wow, I liked the forest design in the sample graphic. It actually looks like one of the T-shirts I described (the one with the power lines).
I think that is why I will always own a few graphic tees. I like the mix of art and nerd culture.
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I also vaguely remember reading these things on men's fashion sites, that you shouldn't wear graphic tees if you're over 30. But I do like the designs, the fabric is good-quality, and they still look presentable.
