Are Washed Tees Still the Coolest Thing in 2025? (Spoiler: Yes!)


Absolutely, yes. The washed t-shirt trend isn’t just surviving 2025; it’s thriving, especially the oversized, acid-wash, and garment-dyed styles. What I love about it is the nod to vintage nostalgia and the effortlessly cool streetwear vibe. It’s all about a lived-in, comfortable, and a little bit “I found this in a 1997 thrift bin” aesthetic. Designers and streetwear brands are leaning heavily into boxy, relaxed-fit silhouettes and faded colorways. The popularity of the relaxed-fit tee is perfect for us, as it naturally offers more coverage than a traditional fitted shirt.
If you’ve been on TikTok or Instagram lately, you’ve probably noticed the rise (again) of the washed tee trend. It’s that effortlessly faded, lived-in look that feels like something you thrifted from the ‘90s — soft, oversized, and perfectly imperfect.
You don’t have to compromise between coverage and cool — you just need the right pairing. And recently, I’ve been finding some seriously stylish options on Classy Outlaw — a brand that nails that edgy-meets-minimal vibe.
I’ve noticed a lot of interesting graphic variations emerging, too. Forget the boring logo tees; we’re seeing a mix of minimalist front, expressive back designs and a huge surge in bold, retro graphics. You might even find some amazing psychedelic t shirts with trippy, vibrant prints that are just begging to be toned down with some solid, structured layering.
My Washed Tee Styling Hacks
The beauty of the oversized, washed tee is that it lays the perfect foundation for a modest, stylish outfit. It takes the “stiffness” out of modesty and injects pure, casual comfort.
1. The Long-Sleeve Layering Trick

This is my go-to, particularly for standard short-sleeve tees. The key is finding the right base. I often wear a plain, opaque long-sleeve tee in a contrasting or complementary color underneath. This instantly solves the arm-coverage problem. For example, a black or cream inner top makes even the loudest washed graphic look intentional and chic. If you’re feeling daring and spot one of those sheer mesh t-shirt styles that are also trending, simply layer it over a substantial long-sleeve blouse for a textured, edgy look that remains completely modest.
2. Mastering Proportions with Bottoms

To keep the look from becoming too sloppy (since the tee is already oversized), you have to balance the bottom. I almost never wear a relaxed tee with wide-leg pants. Instead, I opt for:
- Tapered or Straight-Leg Trousers: The clean, tailored line of a good trouser provides the necessary structure to anchor the baggy top.
- A-Line or Pleated Skirts: Tucking just the front (a “half-tuck”) of a washed tee into a high-waisted midi skirt creates a feminine shape without sacrificing comfort. A solid-colored skirt ensures the tee’s wash or graphic print is the main focus.
Sometimes I throw on a weird girls club t shirt with a fun graphic over a slip dress for an elevated grunge feel—it’s about balancing that playful edge with a feminine drape.
From Washed Tee to Modest Statement

Styling the “Weird” Graphics
The weird shirts trend is fantastic for street style. It’s a chance to wear something truly unique, like one of those mothman mesh jersey designs. My advice here is to use it as a centerpiece and keep everything else simple.
- Wear a Structured Outer Layer: A long, solid-colored trench coat or a clean, oversized blazer is the ultimate way to elevate a casual tee and add formality.
- Chunky Sneakers and Accessories: The washed tee belongs in the streetwear world, so lean into it! Pair it with chunky sneakers, a functional crossbody bag, and a sleek, non-fussy hijab style (like a simple rectangular wrap).
The Hoodie Alternative
If the weather turns cold, don’t ditch the lived-in vibe. The same washed process is popping up on outerwear, too. I’m a huge fan of the super soft, over-dyed look you get from something like a physical bunny hoodie. It gives you the same cozy, faded aesthetic but with built-in coverage, which is a major win.
And for all the fashionistas planning ahead for the holiday season—just because you’re into that cozy, vintage vibe now, doesn’t mean you can’t be festive later. Who knows, maybe the washed look will even hit the classy christmas sweaters aisle soon!
Ultimately, the washed tee is the ultimate comfortable canvas for 2025. Wear it oversized, layer underneath for modesty, and let your personality shine through the graphic. Happy styling!