Fashion is an expression. What someone wears and how they style can tell you a lot about them as a person. Many people decide to wear band tees rather than other styles of clothing, such as dresses or hoodies. If you look around, many Lincoln Park students wear band tees every day. Some wear a variety, experimenting with a new one each day, and some only wear them on occasions.
Most people have a band tee tucked away in their closet. I know I have a couple ranging from my first Rob Zombie shirt I got at Hot Topic to my two most recent ones I bought at a KoRn concert. I have a tendency to buy a band shirt before a concert, then buy a new one at the concert. I guess that explains why I have three KoRn shirts, two Rob Zombie shirts, and two Pierce the Veil shirts.
Band shirts have many different meanings and importance depending on who you ask, but what makes the simple band tee so special? The world around us, in fashion and in general, is constantly changing, but it seems the classic band tees are unchangeable. According to an article by Fluid Branding, “The first official band tee was reportedly made by an Elvis fan club in the 1950s.” Before that, people would customize their own merch either in homage or for fun. The first merchandising company for music, Winterland Productions, was founded in the late ‘60s.
Merchandise is simple and cheap. You find them at every single concert you go to. Even to this day, merch lines are a way artists and bands easily make money, considering a shirt is normally $50 or more. But band shirts aren’t just a way to “steal our money,” they also connect people together, and are used as an expression.
There are a couple reasons why people decide to wear a classic band shirt, and all of them are valid. One reason is the unique style. Vintage band shirts give off a vibe you can’t find in modern clothing. Oftentimes, band tees have a one-of-a-kind design, depending on the time and place you get them. Another reason could be that it is a conversation started.
To Ben Kane, a sophomore from Hopewell, it’s a way to connect, and also easily accessible. “I guess I’m just kind of lazy,” Kane states. “I think it’s cool, ‘cause even for other people who don’t listen to that band, if they know of them, it gives them an idea of what I listen to. I think that with other people, sharing a music taste is like the coolest connection you can have.”
Now, coming from a person who likes fashion, I will give you my personal opinion on people who wear band tees without listening to the actual band. I understand some bands have unique logos and designs that look cool, but you shouldn’t wear it just because of the looks. When you wear something as specific as a band shirt, it tells people that you like this band, artist, rapper, or group.
A band is absolutely a brand when you get to the bottom of it, but to the people who listen to the band, they don’t see it this way. It’s a way that they can connect with artists, not just through their merch. Sometimes, it can even be disrespectful to the band. It’s almost like saying you don’t care about their music, just their logo.
Have you ever seen someone wearing a shirt of a band you like? But, when you go to talk to them, they just awkwardly turn you down. It is not fun. Most often, band tees look cool, because they are.
Evie Lindgren, a sophomore from Ambridge, wears a band shirt everyday. When I asked her for her opinion, she said, “It is a shirt after all. You can wear whatever you want. But it can be disappointing if someone’s wearing an awesome band and I’m like, ‘woah, you know that,’ and they’re like, ‘nope.’”
On the other hand, Diamond Sneed, a sophomore from Aliquippa, feels strongly against it. “No,” she states almost instantly. “Because once I was talking to my best friend, and she’s wearing a Prince and a Selena shirt. And I’m like, ‘oh, you listen to them?’ And she [says], ‘no’. I’m like, ‘then why are you wearing the t-shirt?’
“And she’s like, ‘I don’t know. My mom just gave it to me. I thought it looked cute.’ And I’m like ‘You don’t listen to- you don’t even know who Selena is.’ It’s like, so no. You should not wear shirts if you don’t listen to the band. It’s unacceptable.”
It’s clear that some people care strongly about it, and some don’t. In the end, you can wear what you want, but all I am trying to say is at least try out the band’s songs before you wear their merch as a daily outfit.
What’s your favorite band shirt? Leave a comment down below.
