I’m sure we all can agree that one of the most important clothing items in metal culture is the t-shirt. Metal bands and their fans have taken this garment to new heights. What’s interesting about this garment is how it has been used as a signifier on so many levels. I guess you could say that tees almost create a sense of tribalism for certain people. They also mean a lot to metal fans because they mark certain times in history and memories for the fan, myself included. Then there is the art factor – so many young illustrators have gotten their foot in the door by drawing merch for bands. And for the bands that are not on major labels, the tees that they sell while on the road are what keep them going from city to city. Then you have the collector factor, which I totally can relate to, where your life does not feel complete without certain tees in your collection. On a personal level, I could spend hours looking at heavy metal or punk graphic tees. So on that note, today CVLT Nation would like to celebrate the short sleeve metal tee with a huge gallery of garbs! Head banging shout out to T-shirt Slayer for having a cool site!

Mark
January 24, 2012 at 2:10 pm
Those are some dope f’ing shirts. I wish I had a couple of those. Maybe sell them on ebay? LOL So what they’re used, you can’t buy them new anymore…
Timfastic
January 11, 2012 at 12:14 am
I know a professor who has been starting a project on the heavy metal tshirt…I’m going to forward this to him…