How to Wear Band Shirts

Co-authored by Elle Monus

Last Updated: October 22, 2021 References

Wearing band shirts is a great way to represent an artist that you really like while also making a fashion statement. You can dress band shirts up with a skirt and blazer, or you can go for a casual look by pairing them with shorts and sneakers. You can even customize your band shirt, adding fringe, lace, or other embellishments, if desired. Remember to wear your band shirt during the appropriate occasions, and be prepared to talk about the shirt if someone asks.

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Creating Casual Looks

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Pair your band tee with skinny jeans for a simple outfit.^{[1]
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Elle Monus
Image Consultant
Expert Interview. 21 October 2021.} Black skinny jeans look especially great with band tees, but you can opt for other colors if desired. Tuck the shirt into your jeans and add a belt, or leave the shirt untucked.^{[2]
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- Wear heels or flats with band tees that are tucked in, or go for a more grunge look by wearing boots or sneakers.
- For band shirts that are oversized, tuck in the very front of the shirt and leave the rest untucked to show off your waist a bit — you can also tie it up to the side around the smallest part of your natural waist.^{[3]
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  Elle Monus
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  Expert Interview. 21 October 2021.}
- Another simple outfit option is to pair your band t-shirt with leather leggings.^{[4]
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  Expert Source
  
  Elle Monus
  Image Consultant
  Expert Interview. 21 October 2021.}
2
Put on ripped denim shorts with your tee during warm weather. The denim shorts can be colored, plain, high-waisted, or embellished with things like lace or studs. Tuck your band shirt into high-waisted shorts, or leave your shirt untucked as long as your shorts are still visible.
- Wear belted high-waisted denim shorts with your band shirt, and finish off the look with a pair of sandals.
- Put on red or green denim shorts with a band tee, pairing them with sneakers.
- You can also opt to wear patterned or striped denim shorts with your shirt.
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3
Pick out soft cotton shorts for a laid-back vibe. Cotton shorts come in tons of different colors and lengths, and they’re incredibly comfortable for spring, summer, and fall days. Pick out shorts in muted tones such as gray, black, or cream, or bolder colors like blue, red, or purple.^{[5]
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- Wear a black band shirt with gray cotton shorts and sneakers.
- Pick out a red, blue, or white band shirt to go with black shorts.
4
Add a flannel over your band shirt for a casual look. Flannels are great for the cooler months, keeping you warm and comfortable in your tee. Pick out a flannel that contains a color present in the shirt; for example, if you’re wearing a band shirt with red lettering, wear a red, white, and black flannel overtop.
- Pair your flannel with skinny jeans or shorts.
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Wear sneakers or sandals to complete your laid-back outfit. You can wear pretty much any type of sneaker with a band shirt and shorts or jeans, from super sporty ones to more stylish options. During warmer weather, opt for simple sandals that are comfortable.
- For example, you can wear a pair of Converse with your band shirt and flannel, or wear strappy sandals with cotton shorts and your band tee.

Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Using Band Shirts in a Bold Look

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Go bold and wear statement pants with your shirt. Pants made of a metallic or shiny material can be a good option to wear with band shirts, as are pants made of interesting prints or fabrics, such a velvet or leather. Get creative and look for unique styles to go with your tee.
- Wear leopard print pants with your band shirt.
- Put on gold metallic pants or bedazzled skinny jeans with your band tee.
2
Pair your band shirt with a leather jacket for an edgy outfit. A black leather jacket is a classic option, but you can also opt for a gray or bright-colored one. Pair your band shirt with a leather jacket and skinny jeans for a complete outfit.
- Wear a black leather jacket with studs over a black, red, or purple band shirt.
- Put on a red or gray leather jacket over a black band tee and black skinny jeans.
3
Put a bold jacket on over the shirt for a unique look. If you want to wear a neutral-colored band shirt with neutral-colored pants or skirts, put on a sparkly or embellished jacket to add a little flair. The jacket can be multi-colored or patterned, or be made of a unique texture like fur, sequins, or velvet.^{[6]
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- Wear a black fur coat over a black band tee and gray pants.
- Pair a multi-colored sequin jacket with a white band shirt and black a-line skirt.
4
Wear heels or boots to complete your bold outfit. Pair your outfit with black heels for a more dressed up option, or put on some combat boots with a pair of bold pants for a stylish yet comfortable look.

Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Styling Band Shirts Semi-Professionally

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Dress your outfit up by pairing a band shirt with a fitted skirt. More tight-fitting skirts, such as pencil skirts, are a great way to add a feminine touch to band shirt outfits. Wear your band shirt tucked into the fitted skirt, and pair the outfit with heels or wedges.
- Wear a black band shirt with a bold-colored pencil skirt and some gold jewelry.
- Put on a colored band shirt with a black skirt and heels.
2
Wear a flowy skirt with your band shirt for a more feminine look. A-line skirts look great when paired with band shirts, but maxi skirts are also a good option.^{[7]
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Expert Source

Elle Monus
Image Consultant
Expert Interview. 21 October 2021.} Tuck your band shirt into the skirt, and add a belt to accessorize the look, if desired.
- Wear a floral a-line skirt with your band shirt, along with flats and a necklace.
- Pair a black maxi skirt with a colored band shirt.
3
Put a blazer over your band shirt for a put-together outfit.^{[8]
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Elle Monus
Image Consultant
Expert Interview. 21 October 2021.} Structured jackets or blazers instantly give you a more professional look, even if you’re wearing a band shirt underneath. Wear a neutral-colored blazer over your shirt, pairing it with skinny jeans or a skirt.^{[9]
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- Wear a navy blue blazer over a band shirt, along with white skinny jeans and flats.
- Put on a black blazer and a-line skirt to go with your band shirt, finishing off the look with a necklace and wedges.
4
Pair a more professional outfit with nice heels or wedges. Skirts and blazers look great when paired with a low, professional-looking heel or wedge. Keep the shoes more conservative to offset the band shirt, making your outfit look more put-together.
- For example, wear white wedges with a band tee and flowy skirt.

Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Making the Look Your Own

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Cut or rip the shirt to add personality to it. You can customize your band tee by making your band shirt sleeveless, adding fringe, or creating small rips in it using scissors.^{[10]
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- Use sharp scissors that can easily cut through fabric.
2
Add sequins, studs, or other accessories to the shirt for additional flair. Sequins add a nice sparkle to your band shirt, while studs make it look more grungy. You can also add embroidery or patches to add your own personality to your outfit.^{[11]
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Make the band shirt into a crop top. If your band shirt is super long or you just want to give it your own style, use sharp scissors to cut the bottom section off to make a crop top. This looks especially good with high-waisted shorts or jeans.^{[12]
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- Try drawing a line with a pencil or washable marker using a ruler to make sure the cut is even.
4
Choose oversized band shirts for a cool, casual look. Oversized band shirts look good when the front is tucked into shorts or pants and the rest of the shirt is left untucked. This gives definition to your waist and keeps the shirt from looking too baggy.^{[13]
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5
Bleach the shirt to make it look weathered. This works well for darker-colored band tees. You can splatter the bleach on the shirt, or you can use a bleach pen to make strategic marks. This makes your shirt look worn and more individualized.^{[14]
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- Use gloves to protect your hands from the bleach.

Warnings

You may be asked about your band shirt by a fan, so be prepared to talk about the band even if you don't love their music.

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