Wearing Nostalgia

The old is back. The retro, the vintage, the well-worn—with a past, with a story and some history behind. We want to enjoy again the same things we once enjoyed. T-shirts with childhood prints have become a fashion opportunity. Nostalgia plays in our favour, and different brands and designers have opted for collaborations that remind us of our childhood and the decades of the last century. This nostalgia phenomenon hasn't only been exploited by the fashion industry; it's, in fact, a global trend. For several seasons now, trends in different sectors of the creative industries have leveraged this sensitivity to bring back "things" that marked our lives. The entertainment scene isn't far behind. Series like Stranger Things, remakes of The Little Mermaid, Mary Poppins, and The Lion King confirm that the ideal throwback is to our childhood.

Focusing on fashion, the return of graphic tees to our wardrobes, a staple that was a hit in the '90s and '00s, is back with a bang. After several seasons announcing its return, this 2025 season has finally established itself as a must-have for trend lovers. These tees are characterized by some type of graphic design that makes them special. They're the perfect alternative to basic tees in neutral tones, offering a perfect opportunity to add a touch of colour and fun to your outfits. This garment also has tons of potential to make your everyday looks look more youthful without losing elegance, and they're perfect for any age.

Graphic T-shirts emerged in the 20th century, evolving from underwear to a garment for expressing ideas and personal style. During World War II, they were worn as a key element of their dissemination, and during this period, soldiers began to customize their t-shirts. A turning point was the cover of Life Magazine, which featured a soldier wearing a graphic T-shirt, increasing its impact and visibility. After the war, its popularity grew thanks to the promotion of artists and companies and the improvement of techniques such as screen printing, the use of plastisol ink, which were crucial, allowing for the mass printing of detailed designs on T-shirts. Today, they are used to communicate interests, affiliations, or personal demands, from music band designs to political or humorous messages. Companies like Disney for instance began printing T-shirts featuring their characters, such as Mickey Mouse, to promote their products and parks, which contributed to the widespread adoption of graphic T-shirts. In short, the graphic T-shirt transformed from a functional garment into a wearable canvas for self-expression and the communication of ideas.

You can never go wrong with a Sponge Bob t-shirt. It often brings a smile to anyone who notices it. Mine is black with a colourful sketch of the character and the sentence “Drop on the deck and flop like a fish“. This item and the colour on it will establish/set the rest of the outfit. I wanted to elevate the look, so I am wearing it with beige tapped trousers and a retro looking belt in brown and black leather beautifully matching the letters of the t-shirt. Also, matching the sketch, these bolt green shoes. Classic, elegant and a perfect choice for this outfit. The oversize blazer it is a great garment to make it look elegant but trendy and relaxed at the same time. The black pinstripe garment that its voluminous shoulders; the extra-long sleeves and cropped hem make it so fashionable. I am adding some more colour with the small red and black tote back featuring another graphic example with the message “Open, Sandwiches Eat In, Take Away”. The classic black aviator Raybans complete my look.