This shirt, acquired from the British post-punk group’s online merch store, occasionally elicits a sneering look or remark from passersby on the sidewalk. In light of the band’s abrasive live shows and uncompromising interviews, it is highly possible I am being paid a compliment. I’ll take it. Credit: Blake Mawson
West Coast punk rockers Hunx and His Punx’s double-sided, spun polyester Girls All Over Me tee is covered in illustrated faces of famous female singers — from Françoise Hardy to Sade to Debbie Harry — and easily inspired more envious reactions than any other band shirt I bought this year. Credit: Blake Mawson
The all-lesbian cock-rock band’s shirt scores points for the badass symmetry of the Vag logo as well as comfort (it’s American Apparel’s “track shirt”). I wore this tee to recent screenings of Dead Ringers and Blue Is the Warmest Colour — by sheer coincidence. If Basic Instinct gets re-released, I’m on my way to a three-peat. Credit: Blake Mawson
From bus drivers to bikers, random older men never fail to say something borderline inappropriate when I’m wearing this curvaceous Mrs Carter Show tour creation. Confession: I wore this shirt for an entire week without noticing an unfortunately located chocolate ice-cream stain. From T-shirt to T-shart. Credit: Blake Mawson
The artiest band shirt I bought this year was designed by fashion darling Jeremy Laing and artist Niall McClelland for local label Arts & Crafts’ 10th anniversary. As Canadian Art put it, I’m “investigating the indeterminate zone between natural and man-made detritus” each time I wear it. Credit: Blake Mawson
Fashion tip: band shirts are good conversation starters. For a mere $15 to $40, you can bond spontaneously with strangers in coffee shops and on public transit over your shared love of a pop or rock star. The next time you want to turn heads on the TTC, forget that pricey Comme des Garçons leather bunny-ear hat. Pick up a sexy Beyoncé T-shirt instead.
Scroll through the images above for photographic evidence of said Ts.
All photos by Blake Mawson.
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