Band T-Shirts: How to Wear Music Merch and Spot Official Tees

"Music band t shirt" is a small but rising search in India in our Google Trends data. In our scan of 149 Indian streetwear brand websites, 57 brands sell music or band merch, across 1,122 product listings. The band tee is one of the oldest graphic tees. This guide covers official merch, vintage tees and how to wear one.

#Official merch, fan art and fakes

When you buy official merch, part of the money goes to the artist. If you want to support an artist, buy from their official store or at their concert.

#What "vintage" means

A vintage band tee is an old tee from a past tour. Collectors pay high prices for old, original tour tees. Many new tees use a faded print and a washed fabric to copy that look. These are "vintage-style", not vintage.

To check a vintage claim:

1. Look at the tag. Old tees have old brand tags and old size labels.
2. Look at the print. An old print is cracked and soft, and it fades evenly.
3. Look at the tour dates on the back. Check them against the real tour.
4. Look at the price. A real old tour tee is rare. A cheap one is almost always a copy.

#How to choose a band tee

• Choose a heavy cotton tee, about 220 GSM or more, so the print sits flat. Read What Is GSM in T-Shirts?.
• Check the print method. A screen print lasts longer and feels softer than a cheap heat transfer. Read DTF vs Screen Print vs Puff Print vs DTG.
• A washed black tee is the classic band tee colour. Read Acid Wash T-Shirts for faded finishes.

#5 ways to wear a band tee

#1. Black jeans and boots

The rock classic. A black band tee with black straight jeans and boots or high-top sneakers.

#2. Under an open flannel shirt

The 1990s grunge look. Wear the band tee under an open flannel shirt with ripped or straight jeans.

#3. Under a leather or denim jacket

In winter, wear the tee under a leather or denim jacket. Let the print show at the chest.

#4. Oversized band tee with cargos

A streetwear take. An oversized band tee with baggy cargos and chunky sneakers. Read the Cargo Pants Guide.

#5. At the concert

Wear the band tee to the show. Read What to Wear to a Concert in India for the rest of the outfit.

#Styling rules

• One loud piece per outfit. The band tee is the loud piece.
• Repeat one colour from the print in your shoes, cap or jacket.
• Keep the rest dark or plain.

Read How to Style Graphic T-Shirts for more rules.

#How to wash a band tee

Turn it inside out and wash in cold water. Do not iron the print directly. Dry it in the shade. This keeps the print and the black colour for longer. Read How to Wash T-Shirts.