I Hate to Say It, But These 6 T-Shirt Styles Are Officially Dated
See the alternatives everyone is wearing in 2026 and shop the best versions of each.
Think about it—is there anything we wear more than T-shirts? They're one of the most versatile, universal clothing items we have to choose from, and while some T-shirt styles will never fluctuate, such as a plain white or black crewneck, other styles tend to cycle in and out. Unfortunately, there are a handful of T-shirt trends that feel a bit dated right now, but the good news is that there are an equal number of trends that feel forward and cool in 2026.
If your favorite T-shirt is on the "dated" list, by all means, ignore me and wear what you love. But it's my duty to point out what fashion people are and aren't wearing in 2026, and the T-shirts below are some of my findings. If you agree with the mantra that one can never have too many T-shirts, you're in luck because I carefully selected the coolest options for each trending style. Scroll on to read all about the in and out T-shirt trends and shop the former.
Dated: Tie-Dye T-Shirts // Wearing Instead: Retro Striped T-Shirts
Tie-dye really peaked five years ago. I'm sure it'll come back around, but now, the print trend to wear is retro stripes. I'm zeroing in on colorful iterations that look like something my brother might've worn as a kid.
Shop Retro Striped T-Shirts
Dated: Pre-Rolled-Sleeve T-Shirts // Wearing Instead: Long-Sleeve White T-Shirts
I don't remember the last time I saw someone wearing one of those short-sleeve T-shirts with the sewn rolled cuffs, but a style I have seen over and over this year (including on Hailey Bieber and Dua Lipa) is long-sleeve white tees. They can be baggy or fitted and should have a crewneck if you want to look the most 2026.
Shop Long-Sleeve White T-Shirts
Dated: Knotted-Waist T-Shirts // Wearing Instead: Baseball Tees
I would be perfectly fine with never knotting a T-shirt at the waist again. As far as I'm concerned, knotted tees have had their swan song. A throwback trend I'm fully endorsing, though, is baseball tees. These contrast-sleeve T-shirts, which can work with long sleeves, three-quarter sleeves, or short sleeves, are great to have on hand if you want to look on-trend and casual yet polished.
Shop Baseball Tees
Dated: Unsubtle-Logo T-Shirts // Wearing Instead: Tourist T-Shirts
Ever since the fashion crowd laid eyes on the I Heart NY tees from the pre-fall 2026 collection shown during Chanel's Métiers d'Art show, they've been smitten with tourist tees emblazoned with some of the most visit-worthy places in the world.
Shop Tourist T-Shirts
Dated: Embellished T-Shirts // Wearing Instead: Sporty T-Shirts
This summer has been all about the World Cup, the NBA Finals, and Wimbledon, so it makes perfect sense that people would have sports on the brain. Their T-shirt choices reflect that.
Shop Sporty T-Shirts
Dated: Pocket T-Shirts // Wearing Instead: Ringer Baby Tees
Baby tees have been a thing for a bit now, but if you want to add the version that's the most right now to your wardrobe, it's a ringer baby tee. It makes any outfit cooler thanks to the subtle retro vibe that it adds.
Shop Ringer Baby Tees
