14 Oct Top 20 Vintage T-Shirts Of All Time…(in no particular order)
Vintage is defined simply as a collection of contemporaneous and similar persons or things; a period of origin or manufacture esp. of high quality. We’ve come to refer to vintage clothing an older but very popular style. With this in mind we’ve compiled what we believe are the most impactful vintage tees of all time. These are the most iconic, popular, purchased, and worn. Not always the best selling but the most recognizable. I would be proud to wear any of these, but some are my all-time favorite. If you’ve always wanted one of these vintage t-shirts for your collection they’re available to buy now online, at a good price, and we selected the best quality available online. Enjoy!
Metallica
This t-shirt achieved notoriety through shows like Beavis and Butthead, but even before that Metallica’s awesome logo was well known among heavy metal fans. The outstanding design stretches across the shirt perfectly, and lets people know instantly where your music tastes lean.
Yosemite
As a kid I remember this tee being one of the most common worn on the school grounds. It was amazing the viral attraction to the Yosemite designed t-shirts and made me wonder if Kmart and Sears had an agreement with California parks to promote hiking in our majestic wilderness. Although all my friends had a shirt like this about 1% had ever visited.
Primo – Hawaiian Beer
I really hesitate to include this one in lineup, but the sheer number of folks sporting this t-shirt in the 70’s gives it a guaranteed spot. With a logo like this and the coolness of wearing a hip Hawaiian tee made it very attractive at one time to adults and kids alike…regardless of how terrible the beer was.
Adidas
Everyone and their mother sported an Adidas t-shirt at one time, and they still do. Its calming earthy logo, says “I’m hip and athletic”. There has to be a billion variations of this vintage t-shirt worn, and worn out, by now.
Woodstock Festival
Woodstock Festival t-shirt design remains etched in American minds, as it perfectly captures the spirit of the time: Peace, Love and Music. These have become less popular over time; however in the 70’s almost everyone under the age of 30 had one. Remember – don’t trust anyone over 30!
Mighty Mouse
A mouse superhero has to be the underdog of the universe, making this tee an attractive subtle cool that says I’m macho but in a cute way.
I Love NY
In an almost eureka moment, designer Milton Glaser sketches “I ♥ NY” on a napkin and the logo appears on T-shirts soon after. It then becomes one of the most worn t-shirts of all time. Worn throughout the world as an iconic tribute to the modern day Rome.
Vote for Pedro
Wildly popular after the cult hit movie Napoleon Dynamite was released in 2004, the Vote for Pedro shirt has since gained mass appeal. While it’s a relatively simple design on a white/black ringer tee, the movie created quite a visual imprint during Napoleon’s famous dance scene.
Rolling Stones Tongue
This tribute to the greatest rock band of all time is my personal favorite. It’s more than just the band however; it’s the coolest rock logo of all time as well. The Rolling Stones’ “Lick” graphic from the Sticky Fingers LP quickly becomes one of rock ‘n’ roll’s most recognizable symbols. Although the band’s peak in popularity is over this vintage tee is a best seller.
Superman
The literal power of this phenomenon can be seen on t-shirts everywhere and with the seemingly endless television & movie remakes in nearly every decade of Superman’s existence, this story (and t-shirt design) isn’t getting old any time soon.
Hard Rock Café
If you’ve done any traveling, you’ve probably seen someone wearing a Hard Rock Cafe T-Shirt at some point. Each Hard Rock Cafe, along with its vast array of music memorabilia typically sells a shirt with its city name in their gift shop. With over 100 restaurants having opened up all over the world, these shirts have become something of a collectible over the years.
Tuxedo T-Shirt
The perfect mix of high and low, the tuxedo t-shirt is a timeless addition to any wardrobe. Pair with a fine wool slack for that special occasion, or jeans and chucks for the 80s alternative prom look.
The Tie-Dye Tee
Rit Dye, a core component in tie dye is being phased out. The manufacturer of the product launches a huge marketing blitz aimed at the free-spirited youth of the time, due to the psychedelic colors used in the dyeing process. It catches on with hippies around the U.S. and takes off. I love the homemade versions of this tee, and remember making them at home myself. But the subtle dress down, non-corporate, in your face, acid taking, Greatful Dead tribute did get old when I was in high school.
Mickey Mouse
Following the popularity of Mickey Mouse, a Miami-based T-shirt company, Tropix Togs, purchases the exclusive rights to print the figure on a shirt. Emilio Estevez wore one in “The Outsiders” and, boom, it became cool.
Have a Nice Day
The road to iconic tee was a lot longer than Forrest’s run, starting in 1943 as a Swedish film promo and blossoming as the novelty brainchild of two guys from Philly as “Have a Happy Day” in 1972. Somehow “happy” later got switched to “nice.”
Batman T-Shirt
Do we need to explain why Batman tees are the most iconic t-shirt design ideas? The batman symbol makes an amazing graphic for designers to print on a tee. And, everyone likes it be it young or old! You can see people flaunting this t-shirt everywhere!
Pink Floyd – Dark Side Of The Moon
The vintage t-shirt and tank tops was inspired by “The Dark Side of the Moon” album of Pink Floyd. However, even after decades, its popularity hasn’t decreased. It features a prism graphic symbolizing a ray of light entering and passing through in rainbow colors. The image fits perfectly on the t-shirt and shows your taste in Rock without too much in your face imagery.
I’m With Stupid
This famous design still tickles its wearers’ and onlookers’ hearts with a dose of fashion and fun. You can even ask a t-shirt design maker to get it personalized.
California Flag
I have no idea how the California flag became an iconic t-shirt in the 60’s and 70’s but it’s still circulating among tasteful tee wearers as a tribute to the left coast state of Eureka. It’s cool bear and color scheme are easily recognizable, and have a nice pleasant look for wearing around just about anywhere.
Nasa Logo T-shirt
NASA is the official space program for America, and has one of the coolest logos. Many celebrities have worn this t-shirt, and it’s appeared in movies and other shows. Other than that, no telling why it’s one of the most famous vintage tees of all time. Perhaps folks feel more smarterer when they wear it?