The Color Of Your T-Shirt: A Personal Style Statement

Choosing a t-shirt colour is a fun part of designing, but it can also be tricky. The colour of a t-shirt is important because it affects how well your design or logo stands out. Light-coloured t-shirts pair best with dark ink, and dark-coloured garments pair best with light-coloured ink. When it comes to matching your t-shirt with the rest of your outfit, it's important to understand colour theory and how different colours work together. For example, complementary colours are colours that are located directly across from each other on the colour wheel, and these colours tend to look good together.

Choosing the right colour for printing and branding

Understand Colour Theory

Begin by familiarising yourself with basic colour theory. Understand how different colours work together and how they can complement or clash with each other. The colour wheel is a valuable tool to help you identify complementary colours, which are colours located directly across from each other on the wheel. These colours tend to look good together due to the contrast they create. For example, red goes well with green, and oranges pair nicely with blues.

Consider Contrast

Contrast is crucial in making your design stand out. Aim for contrasting colours between the t-shirt and the ink to ensure your design pops against the shirt colour. Light-coloured t-shirts generally pair well with dark inks, while dark-coloured garments are better suited for light-coloured inks. This contrast ensures your design is visible and legible, even from a distance.

Avoid Similar Shades

Avoid choosing similar shades for both the t-shirt and the ink. When the colours are too similar, your design may get lost and blend into the shirt, defeating the purpose of printing. For instance, a light-coloured ink on a light-coloured shirt may lack the necessary contrast to make your design stand out.

Experiment with Different Colours

Don't be afraid to experiment with different colour combinations. You can use online tools and mock-up designs to visualise how your logo or design will look on various t-shirt colours. This experimentation can help you find unique and eye-catching combinations. Additionally, you can seek inspiration from fashion or sports team colour combinations to guide your choices.

Be Aware of Colour Distortion

Keep in mind that colours may appear differently on a computer screen compared to real life. Computer screens often have filters that make colours appear more vibrant. When designing, be cautious of pastel colours, as they may be visible on the shirt but may not be easily readable from a distance. Also, certain dark colours like cardinal, maroon, or forest may distort when printed, resulting in a more brown or dull appearance.

Choose Colours that Complement Your Brand

Finally, consider choosing colours that align with your brand identity. Select colours that reflect the personality and values of your brand. For instance, if your brand represents energy and positivity, you might opt for bright and vibrant colours. Alternatively, if your brand is more relaxed and earthy, you might choose neutral or nature-inspired colours.

How to avoid colours washing you out

Wearing the right colours can make a huge difference to your overall look. The right colours can make your skin tone appear brighter and your eyes pop, while the wrong colours can wash you out, making you look dull and tired. So, how do you avoid colours washing you out?

Firstly, it's important to understand colour theory and how different colours work together. The colour wheel is a useful tool for this. Complementary colours, which are colours that sit directly opposite each other on the colour wheel, tend to look good together. For example, red and green or orange and blue. Analogous colours, which sit next to each other on the colour wheel, are also harmonious but can be tricky to pull off without looking sloppy. Monochromatic colours, which are different shades of the same colour, can also work but are easy to get wrong and should be avoided by beginners.

When it comes to choosing colours that won't wash you out, contrast is key. The most important rule is to avoid matching your clothes too closely to your skin tone. If you have a light or pale complexion, stay away from light-coloured shirts like white, beige, pastels, and yellow, as these will wash you out. Instead, opt for darker colours like brown, dark reds, and violets, which will provide a contrast that brightens your complexion. On the other hand, if you have a darker skin tone, too many dark colours will muddy your look. Brighter colours will make you stand out, so take advantage of this and experiment with bold shades. If you have olive skin, most colours should suit you, as long as you maintain some contrast between your clothes and your skin tone.

When choosing colours to complement your eyes, look for shades that sit next to your eye colour on the colour wheel. For example, if you have green eyes, light blue or yellow will work well. To make your eyes pop, choose a complementary colour and rock that contrast. For blue eyes, for instance, orange or gold will look amazing.

Finally, don't be afraid to experiment. Try on different colour combinations and stand in front of a mirror to see what works for you. You'll be surprised at how quickly you'll be able to tell what looks good and what doesn't. Ask yourself: does this shirt look great? Does it make me look great? And is it suitable for the occasion? By following these simple tips, you'll be able to avoid colours washing you out and develop a style that's unique to you.

The best colours for ink

When it comes to choosing the best ink colour, it really depends on the purpose and the impression you want to give.

For professional documents

It is best to stick to blue or black ink. These colours are widely accepted and are the safest option. In some countries, governments are very strict about these policies and will reject any correspondence submitted in the wrong colour. Black ink tends to copy better than any other colour, whereas red will show up too light or not at all. Blue ink is also useful for learning and creative purposes as it improves memory response and has positive impacts on the brain.

For creative purposes

There are many colours to choose from. A good rule of thumb is to choose a colour that will contrast with the colour of the t-shirt fabric. For example, any bright colour printed on a white t-shirt, or white ink printed on a dark shirt, will always look sharp. Blue and white is a classic pairing and works well in both combinations. Blue and yellow is another pleasing colour combination as the warmth of yellow tones meets the cooling effect of blue tones to create a lovely balance. Red, white and blue is another combination that works well in practice, even though it sounds limited to patriotic designs.

For personal correspondence

Many people use scented inks to express their appreciation for the recipient.

For archive-safe documents

Iron gall ink is a good option. It consists of iron(II) sulfate and tannic acids and when exposed to air, the iron elements of the ink oxidise, making the document resistant to light and dampness. However, chemical reactions can damage the paper of documents written with iron gall ink, so it should be used selectively. Pigmented inks are another paper-saving way to write archive-safe documents.

The history of the t-shirt

The t-shirt is an iconic staple in fashion and culture, especially in America. Its origins date back to the 19th century when it was an undergarment, worn by labourers who would cut their jumpsuits in half to stay cool during the warmer months. The first manufactured t-shirt was invented between 1898 and 1913, when it became standard issue in the US Navy as an undershirt.

The word "t-shirt" was first used in the English dictionary in 1920, appearing in F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel, "This Side of Paradise". In the novel, Fitzgerald writes:

> So early in September Amory... provided with 'six suits summer underwear, six suits winter underwear, one sweater or T-shirt, one jersey, one overcoat, winter, etc,' set out for New England, the land of schools.

Despite this, the t-shirt was still rarely worn as anything other than an undershirt. It was popular among veterans who would wear them tucked into their trousers post-World War II, but other than that, they were used almost exclusively underneath "proper" clothes.

In 1950, Marlon Brando famously wore a white t-shirt in "A Streetcar Named Desire", followed by James Dean in "Rebel Without a Cause" in 1955. Thanks to these two, the popularity of the t-shirt as a stand-alone outerwear garment skyrocketed. No longer was the t-shirt just an undergarment, it was now a sign of rebellion and masculinity.

In the 1950s, several companies in Miami, Florida, began experimenting with garment decoration. One of these companies, Tropix Togs, held the original license to print Walt Disney characters. People began to realise the profit that could be made from graphic t-shirts, and in the 1960s, innovations to the print field, including the birth of screen printing, helped turn the t-shirt industry into what it is today.

In the 1970s, the t-shirt became the powerful messaging platform that we know it as today. Rising popularity in rock band logos, along with protests against the Vietnam War, helped solidify the t-shirt as a messaging platform.

How to style a t-shirt

Styling a t-shirt can be a fun way to express yourself and showcase your personality. Here are some tips on how to style a t-shirt to create different looks:

Know Your Color Theory:

Understanding colour theory is essential when styling any outfit, including t-shirts. Complementary colours, which are colours located directly across from each other on the colour wheel, tend to look good together. For example, red goes well with green, and oranges pair nicely with blues. Analogous colours, or colours that sit next to each other on the colour wheel, can also be harmonious but be careful not to match them too closely to avoid a sloppy look. Monochromatic outfits, using the same colour for the entire look, can be stylish but may be challenging to execute.

Consider Your Skin Tone:

When choosing a t-shirt colour, it's important to consider your skin tone. If you have a light or pale complexion, avoid washed-out colours like white, beige, pastels, and yellow. Instead, opt for darker shades like brown, dark red, and violet. On the other hand, if you have a darker skin tone, embrace brighter colours that will make you stand out. If you have olive skin, most colours should flatter your skin tone as long as you maintain some contrast between your clothes and skin.

Play with Contrasts:

Contrasts are essential when styling a t-shirt. Avoid matching your t-shirt colour too closely to your skin tone or your pants. For example, if you're wearing dark blue jeans, pair them with a lighter-coloured shirt. With lighter jeans, go for a darker shirt. If your jeans are a medium wash, avoid colours that match too closely and opt for a complementary colour instead.

Experiment with Graphic Tees:

Graphic tees are a fun way to express yourself and can be styled in various ways. For a simple and comfortable look, pair your graphic tee with denim. To switch things up, try styling it with loose jeans and a draped cardigan, or go for an oversized tee with a mini skirt and western-inspired boots. For a more polished look, layer a blazer over your graphic tee and finish the outfit with ballet flats.

Accessorise:

Accessories can elevate your t-shirt look. Add a statement cardigan or jacket, especially if you're aiming for a preppy aesthetic. A midi skirt and a woven or basket bag can instantly make your t-shirt outfit more chic. For footwear, consider a pair of classic white sneakers or brown/black shoes that match the colour of your pants.

Frequently asked questions