10 best men's graphic print t-shirts

From bold pieces by up-and-coming designers to stand-out prints on the high street, we found t-shirts to talk about

A picture is worth a thousand words, particularly when it comes to t-shirts – we’ve always found the sloganned variety a little brash. Much better to opt for its more civilised cousin: the graphic print tee. Long a staple of street-wear, these t-shirts have been welcomed with open arms into the upper echelons of the fashion world. Earlier this month, Dover Street Market – a cathedral of all that is chic, and dearly expensive – erected a display to the humble graphic tee. Here, we’ve pulled together our favourites.

1. Block-Print: £65, folkclothing.com

There’s something timeless about the abstract, block-print on this by London-based Folk. Its tees are made from soft, quality cotton, and the eye-catching but easy-to-wear designs will go with most things in your wardrobe.

Available mid-August

2. Lanvin Panelled Cotton T-shirt: £210, mrporter.com

Who’d spend £210 on a t-shirt? Well, this one from French fashion house Lanvin tempts us to splash out. The camouflaged spider design in acid brights is on a woven panel, rather than the usual screen print. It’s a conversation starter, and an investment, we reckon.

Buy now

3. Fire Hydrant: £31.50, lostartshop.co.uk

Swedish brand Post is one of our favourite brands to wear this summer. This is our pick of the lot - anyone who’s ever seen a Spike Lee film knows the fire hydrant is essential to cooling off at a block party after a long, sticky New York City day.

Buy now

4. YMC Drip Painting: £50, youmustcreate.com

If Jackson Pollock made t-shirts, this is a fair estimation of what they would look like. YMC – short for You Must Create - has remained fiercely independent of trends for 20 years. Instead, it opts for modern, functional designs that you won’t see elsewhere.

Available this week

5. All Over Floral Slim Fit: £18, topman.com

Here’s one from Topman for lazy summer days - or a last-minute addition to your suitcase. Strong all-over tropical motifs on a good-quality, slim-fit white tee make this a holiday buy that will last beyond the beach.

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6. Mike Parillo Tee: £29.99, freezeproshop.com

Volcom’s predominantly a skate brand, but this swirl-print tee, designed by artist Mike Parillo, will work in a wardrobe that doesn’t include a board on four wheels.

Buy now

7. Gunn Print: £80, blood-brother.co.uk

East London-based Blood Brother’s pieces are mostly monochrome and a refined take on street style. The latest collection features nods to military themes. The markings on this tee are taken from a tropical frog – a reference to a Royal Navy ‘frogman’ diver.

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8. Men USA Omiyage Graphic Short Sleeve T-Shirt: £12.90, uniqlo.com

Japanese brand Uniqlo consistently delivers graphic tees with on-point, pop-culture references that cost less than a meal out. We’re fans of this city-inspired range. Hong Kong, Paris and London are all also showcased.

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9. YR Store X Marco Oggian 'Play Time': £29, yrsto.re

YR Store’s USP is that it allows customers to design t-shirts from scratch. It also has a range made in collaboration with digital artist Marco Oggian. His references include the MTV logo, the acid house smiley face and ice lollies, but this geometric design caught our eye.

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10. Flint by Tom Sewell: £25, theillustratedmind.com

Brighton- based The Illustrated Mind provides a platform for up-and-coming designers. All illustrations are printed on thick, hard-wearing tees. “Flint” by artist Tom Sewell is one of our favourites; a psychedelic trip of a print, in seriously bold colours.

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Verdict:

Flint is an exemplar in the field: big, bold, bright, uncompromising. Along with the Lanvin, it catches the eye – but at a tenth of the price. We also love the idea behind The Illustrated Mind – you can support an independent label and an up-and-coming artist while looking fly.