How to Wear Band T-Shirts

Band t-shirts have been a staple in the world of fashion for quite a while now. They represent music artists, most often commemorating a specific tour. As a result, many band tees exude a sense of nostalgia for a particular era.

Typically, band t-shirts feature silk-screened graphic designs with the name of the group or tour on the front and tour dates and cities on the back. With an “I was there” message, wearing a tour t-shirt can be a point of pride for fans.

Of course, authentic concert merchandise is purchased at an actual concert — or in the case of vintage band t-shirts, acquired second hand. That said, some band tees aren’t associated with a particular album or tour and can be purchased elsewhere.

Band Tee Outfits Through the Ages

Band t-shirts were first popularized in the 60s when people began wearing a shirt in the name of fashion and self-expression, as they do now. At the time, they were also worn at protests, as many rock band t-shirts represented bands who were anti-war or otherwise challenging the status quo.

Whether it’s a vintage band shirt, brand-new concert t-shirts, music festival merch, or a band logo t-shirt, band tees are cultural markers. Wearing one reflects your personality and interests while also igniting solidarity among other fans of the band. 

If you love the look of band t-shirt outfits but aren’t quite sure how to style yours, Affliction Clothing is here to help. Keep reading for a breakdown on how to wear band t-shirts.

How to Wear Band T-Shirts with Jeans

There may not be two articles of clothing that go better together than band t-shirts and jeans. It’s a straightforward clothing style that’s laid back, casual, timeless, and effortlessly cool. If this is what you’re going for, don’t worry about looking like everyone else. Although this band t-shirt outfit is a staple, there are plenty of ways to make it your own.

Classic blue jeans pair well with virtually any concert tee, but black works well, too. Also, ripped, distressed, and regular denim are all good options, so pick whichever wash and wear you like best. 

Depending on the season, jeans don’t have to be limited to long pants, either. Denim shorts (AKA jorts) are fashion-approved summer wear for both men and women. While jean skirts have never really gone out of style, they’re coming back in a big way and are an excellent choice to wear with a concert t-shirt.

In terms of fit, go with what flatters your frame best while also considering the cut and size of the shirt. Does your band tee have a slim cut? If so, opt for bootleg or relaxed-fit jeans. Is the band t-shirt boxier or a few sizes larger than you usually wear? Go for slim-cut jeans to balance out the ensemble.

Longer shirts can also be tucked in the front of your jeans, or for women, tied into a knot. For shoes, throw on a pair of simple sneakers, like Converse, Vans, or Keds. Finish the look with a jacket (if you need one) and a hat. For band tee outfits with jeans, beanies look good on men and women.

The Grunge Band T-Shirt Outfit

Is your vibe a little more edgy and daring? Or maybe you want to sport a punk, metal, or angsty rock t-shirt that’s been sitting in the back of your closet. For a darker look that celebrates hard rock genres, we recommend a grunge band t-shirt outfit.

So, what is the grunge look? It draws from the clothing worn by iconic 90s bands, like Nirvana Alice in Chains, and Hole. Grunge fashion is all about worn-down, torn, and faded denim, plaid flannels, ripped tights, leather jackets, combat boots, and of course, rock and roll t-shirts. 

To nail the grunge look, you can start with a tee and jeans — the more distressed, the better. For women, ripped tights can be paired with a skirt or even worn underneath denim shorts with a concert t-shirt. Then layer a plaid flannel either over the t-shirt or tied around your waist. 

For outerwear, you really can’t go wrong with a leather coat. On the other hand, denim jackets and oversized coats are also an excellent addition to this ensemble. For shoes, lace-up leather boots will complete the look, but a pair of tennis shoes or trainers are a great choice, too.

The Oversized Band Tee Outfit

Loose-fitting apparel is back at the forefront of fashion, but it’s not quite like it was in the 90s and early aughts. The oversized shirts of today are less baggy and wrinkled and more boxy and crisp for a deliberate look.

With that said, the key to ensuring an oversized band shirt outfit isn’t sloppy is wearing the right pair of pants. As we mentioned above, loose-fitting and slouchy pants usually aren’t recommended with an oversized t-shirt. Skinny jeans or slim-cut chinos are a better option, as they’ll balance out the wide, relaxed fit of the top. For ladies, solid-colored leggings can also look good with an oversized concert t-shirt. 

Even though you’re working with more fabric, oversized shirts are usually left untucked. In many cases, women can opt for a men’s t-shirt in a large or extra-large size, which will lend to the “boyfriend” look. For guys, getting the largest size available might not cut it. Without a specifically wide boxy cut, the outfit might end up looking more unkempt than intended. However, many graphic shirts come in oversized cuts, in which case you can just get your normal size.

Another route you can take with this look is to rock an oversized button-down shirt over a regular-sized band tee. Wear it buttoned up all the way or unbuttoned to showcase the graphic t-shirt. You can also roll up the sleeves for a more chill, ready-to-roll vibe. 

As for your kicks, you’ve got options. A pair of flat-soled trainers, Chelsea boots, oxfords, wing-tip lace-up boots, or boat shoes are all excellent picks. To round off the outfit, layer a coat on top. Almost any style of outerwear will do, including a denim or leather jacket, raincoat, trench, blazer, or bomber.

The Dapper Band T-Shirt Outfit

When you sport vintage tees, your vibe instantly becomes edgy. But that doesn’t mean you can’t also look dapper — and this goes for both men and women. One of our favorite band tee outfits is a spruced up ensemble that embraces a daring demeanor as well as an air of sophistication.

Start with a pair of well-fitting trousers or chinos. With structured pants, your entire ensemble will immediately look more put-together. For women, a pressed pencil skirt or slacks both work. Your concert t-shirt can be either tucked in partially, all the way or left untucked — just make sure it’s free of wrinkles.

The right shoes are critical for this look. Instead of sneakers, opt for boat shoes, oxfords, wing-tips, loafers, or another pair of leather or canvas shoes. Women can wear any of these styles or go for something more feminine such as heels or ballet flats.

As for outerwear, go for a blazer or sports coat. Longwool jackets, pea coats, and trench coats can also work, especially when the weather’s cold. Depending on where you work or what your plans are, this band t-shirt outfit can be worn to the office, on a date, out with friends, or to a rock concert.

How to Wear Band Tees with Athleisure Wear

If you want a band tee shirt outfit that goes in the opposite direction of a dapper look, consider athleisure wear. If you follow celebrity streetwear trends, you’ll notice that pairing band tees with sweatpants isn’t uncommon. But it doesn’t stop there. Concert tees can be worn under tracksuits, as well as with joggers and technical apparel, like running tights and yoga pants. 

Similar to the oversized t-shirt trend, wearing band shirts with athleisure isn’t necessarily a sloppy look. It’s both athletic and leisurely while maintaining an intentional, stylized appeal. On that note, tapered slim-fitting joggers and workout leggings are great choices to pair with an oversized band tee. For shoes, a pair of fresh sneakers are ideal — the cleaner, the better.

Assemble Band T-Shirt Outfits with Styles from Affliction Clothing

When you put on a concert tee, you’re not only expressing your appreciation for the band but also making a bold statement. Band shirts are suitable for all occasions. They can be dressed up or down and worn to virtually any event. Now that you have a better idea of how to wear band tees, you can start curating your look.

Affliction Clothing designs alternative fashion for rockers, rebels, and rule-breakers. Are you ready to put together band tee outfits that represent your uniquely daring persona? When you browse our inventory of boundary-breaking apparel, you’ll find tons of innovative styles for men and cool women's clothing that challenges the status quo. We carry vintage-inspired short-sleeve and cool long-sleeve t-shirts, as well as cool button up shirts, denim, tanks, outerwear, and accessories.

Shop our collections today!