While streetwear has gained a lot of mainstream traction lately, hip t-shirt designs have been around for as long as we can remember. Streetwear is defined as “casual clothing of a style worn especially by members of various urban youth subcultures.” This means that, while the culture of streetwear may not have been as popular as it is now in the past, there are still countless great t-shirts we’ve all come to know and love.
The t-shirts we’ve listed below have influenced streetwear culture in some way or form. Thus, even if some of them are not ‘trending now,’ they still deserve recognition for their iconic look and are worth mentioning.
- I Love NY
Created by graphic designer Milton Glaser in 1976, the concept of this t-shirt was drawn on a piece of scrap paper while sitting in a cab. Meant to promote tourism, this simple design ended up becoming one of the world’s most notable, recognizable t-shirts of all time. Today, the NY Department of Economic Development owns the trademark, licensing its use around the world. According to the British Telegraph, the logo is said to generate more than $30 million a year.
- Stüssy Logo
As people may or may not know, this brand has been around since 1980, originally designed and created by Shawn Stüssy. This all-time famous logo and streetwear brand that many consider ‘the grandfather of American streetwear’ was originally scrawled on handcrafted surfboards using a marker. This was at a time when there was no real ‘streetwear’ culture alive like today. Hip-hop was nothing more than an infant, and Shawn would sell t-shirts with this logo from the back of his car. It is said that he was inspired by the punk and surfing culture that was more prevalent at the time.
- Supreme Logo
The Supreme logo shirt is one that will go down in history. The block logo is synonymous with streetwear and serves as a symbol of the culture of New York City. What started off as just a skateboard company has become one of the top streetwear brands of all time, working with the current generation’s greatest artists – from designers, musicians, and photographers. It has become more than a streetwear brand. The logo itself has become as iconic as Apple or Microsoft’s logo.
- Wu-Tang Logo
Wu-Tang Clan’s iconic W logo was seen almost everywhere during the 90s and is undoubtedly one of the most substantial logos that influenced the next generation of urban logo design. Originally envisioned as a lifestyle brand, Oliver ‘Power’ Gran,’ the executive producer for the Wu-Tang Clan had always been interested in diversifying into fashion. What started off as just fitting clothes for the members of the group soon transformed into something much bigger.
- Obey’s Giant
Founded by Shepard Fairey, what was originally meant to be a sticker campaign (the Obey Giant logo) ended up turning into something greater, with prints of Andre the Giant’s face all over t-shirts. With a “mix of progressive design,” the OBEY brand adds elements of activism and political commentary in its clothing, which is what makes it quite popular for counterculture kids.
- RUN DMC Logo
Derived from the American hip-hop group founded in 1981, the trio consisting of Joseph Simmons, Darryl McDaniels, and Jason Mizell was known for music and fashion. With a simple design of block letters showing off their emblem, this t-shirt was heavily worn by not only fans of the group, but the youth of the ’90s. It is considered to be a logo that represents hip-hop.
- Comme des Garcons’ Heart
Created by Rei Kawakubo in 1969, it means ‘like boys’ in French. Although the headquarters are located in Paris, France, the label was originally started in Tokyo. Most known for its heart-shaped logo with eyes, the brand’s casual wear known as ‘Play’ is what catapulted it to mainstream fame. Kanye West, Pharell Williams, and Justin Timberlake are just a few well-known artists who sport the brand.
- BAPE Logo
Also known as ‘A Bathing Ape,’ BAPE is one of the most popular streetwear brands out there. Founded by Nigo (Tomoaki Nagao) in 1993, the brand focuses heavily on men’s, women’s and children’s lifestyle. It continues to be a highly popular street fashion brand in Japan and has had several collaborations with big brands like Supreme, Adidas, etc.
- SSUR Rebel Ape
Founded by the artist Ruslan Karablin, the Rebel Ape shirt that depicts a mix between Che Guevara and an ape is also a nod to the movie ‘Planet of the Apes.’ It symbolizes the power of standing up to authority and has played an influential part in the counterculture of America. It is also considered one of the most notable logos that has a monkey in it.
- Rolling Stones Lick
Although its roots come from rock, inspired by The Rolling Stones, the “Lick” t-shirt cannot be ignored as it is one of the most iconic shirt designs worn, especially from the 80s to 90s. The graphic was originally designed by John Pasche in 1970. It was created to symbolize Mick Jagger’s pout and tongue out gesture.
Final Thoughts
Over the decades, there have been countless iconic t-shirt designs that have made their way into streetwear culture. The ones mentioned above are what we felt were most memorable to people all across the world. However, there are definitely a lot more that could’ve been included.
Whatever the case may be, while t-shirts are a staple in our wardrobe, the simple logos that designers choose to place can have a profound influence on our culture, so for any aspiring designers out there, it’s important to keep creating – since you never know if your next design might become globally recognized.