Fast fashion is dying. Men and women are increasingly looking to make more sustainable choices when it comes to clothes. They want to fill their wardrobes with high-quality, durable investments, from their best formalwear right down to their everyday basics. Designer T-shirts have become the centrepiece of this movement, bringing expert craftsmanship to what used to be a convenient throwaway. Here’s what this unexpected shift means for the fashionably informed.
They’re Spearheading a Cultural Shift Back Towards Craftsmanship
Until recently, most people were content with cheap, mass-produced basics. But concerns about the labour used to produce these and their environmental impact have led to a renewed respect for durable, expertly crafted clothes. Many people today would rather pay a little more for a T-shirt that lasts years than spend less on one that will lose its shape and colour in just a few months. The superior fit also helps.
They’re Riding the Minimalism Wave
Minimalism started as a small reaction by a tiny minority against consumer culture, but it is much more mainstream today. Designer T-shirts have been riding that wave, as they arguably offer the best combination of comfort, fit, versatility and convenience out of all garments. The fact that they can be worn with almost anything and feel luxurious, combined with their aforementioned durability, means each person only needs one or a couple of them.
They Demonstrate the Influence of Streetwear
While classic T-shirt styles like the timeless white tee predate streetwear, T-shirts have played a large role in helping high-end designers embrace urban styles. Big luxury brands like Balenciaga have released lines of tees featuring bold designs and logos inspired by what’s being worn in urban environments. Other brands, like Louis Vuitton, have collaborated with streetwear designers to produce exclusive lines that include T-shirts.
They’ve Helped Bring About the Rise of the “Elevated Basic”
Most people look to designer brands for their best clothes; the outfits they dig out just a handful of times a year for special occasions. But recently, a new school of thought has formed, which argues that you should spend more money on the clothes you wear most. That way, you’ll enjoy the luxurious fit and fabric much more frequently. T-shirts are just one example of these “elevated basics.”
They’re Redefining Luxury
Luxury and formality have, in the past, been almost synonymous. But luxury today means something that possesses the qualities of craftsmanship, authenticity, individuality and comfort, not something that adheres to existing conventions. It is by embracing T-shirts that high-end designers have helped bring about this change. T-shirts have been symbols of authenticity and individuality ever since icons like Marlon Brando and James Dean started wearing them as outerwear.
Conclusion
As you can see, the burgeoning popularity of designer T-shirts is caused by a number of trends which look likely to continue. Whichever you decide to embrace, whether it’s the elevated basic or a baggy, bold streetwear piece, remember to follow the care instructions to protect your designer gear against damage and make it last as long as possible.
