The Divisive Graphic Tee Trend is Back, and It's as Popular as It Was in 2002

The fashion world throws you a curveball just when you think the Y2K trends can’t possible keep coming back. Take, for example, graphic T-shirts. There were lots of ways to get your statement t-shirt fix in the early 2000s. To begin with, the more contentious the language, the better (oof, those Abercrombie flashbacks …).

The Divisive Graphic Tee Trend is Back, and It’s as Popular as It Was in 2002

Then it was all about outrageous Ed Hardy designs before we moved on to inspiring sayings, which was a popular look in group fitness sessions. We’ve seen a rebirth in recent months, spearheaded by a couple of our favorite style heroes. They’re sometimes cute and funny, sometimes they have deep meanings, and sometimes they’re just a random vintage option that may or may not mean anything. Still, one thing is certain: graphic T-shirts in all shapes and sizes are back in a big way for summer 2021. We’ve rounded up the tees that made us double-take, along with where you can get your own statement-making alternative, from writing that makes us laugh to pop culture homage.

The funny Tee

We weren’t surprised to see Addison Rae imitate Britney Spears circa 2002 because she’s the queen of the Y2K comeback (she’s even been seen wearing a Von Dutch hat). (Remember the “Dump Him” tee? It’s iconic.) She got this sarcastic graphic tee from Depop, but a similar one is also available on TeePublic. What a powerful message! When she wore this large option with leggings, sneakers, and a fluffy purple purse in May, the TikTok star let us know she was feeling both hot and melancholy. Just with pully tops and shests, if Bella Hadid wears a style, it’s almost certain to be everywhere in a matter of months. So, naturally, we’re eager to follow in her footsteps with our own Tootsie Pop tee, many of which can be seen on Depop.

The Inspiring Tee is a tee that will inspire you.

A graphic shirt is sometimes the simplest way to add a colorful, new touch to simple summer staples. This season, we’ll definitely take Emily Ratajkowski’s lead and style our own version with cycling shorts for a quick yet charming look. This red and beige one, which reads “There’s no such thing as a wrong beat, simply discover the right rhythm,” was purchased by the new mom from Online Ceramics.