Inspirational apparel has become increasingly popular over the last few years. In particular, inspirational quote tees that feature uplifting messages and mantras have become a fashion must-have. There’s something truly special about having words of wisdom, optimism or motivation right on your shirt that you can see and be reminded of throughout the day.
Whether you prefer inspiring quotes from great thinkers and leaders or positive affirmations that help you keep a growth mindset, wearing an inspirational quote tee allows you to literally wear your inspiration. But with so many options on the market, how do you choose the perfect inspirational quote tee to match your personal style and values?
This comprehensive guide will walk you through all the factors to consider when selecting an inspirational quote tee that feels just right for you. We’ll cover choosing a meaningful quote, finding the perfect fit and style, selecting soft and durable materials, proper care to make your tee last, and even provide examples of the top inspirational quote tees available right now.
By the end of this guide, you’ll be ready to find your new favorite tee that motivates and uplifts you every single time you wear it. Let’s get started finding the perfect inspirational quote tee for you!
Choosing an Inspiring Quote That Speaks to You
The inspirational quote itself is obviously the most important part of the tee. You want to select a short quote or phrase that truly resonates with your beliefs, goals and personal mantras. Many people love the simplicity of one powerful word on a tee, like “Create”, “Grateful”, “Strength”, “Dream” or “Shine.” Others prefer inspirational teas with short phrases like “She Believed She Could So She Did”, “You Got This” or “Make Today Amazing.”
When browsing the myriad of inspirational sayings available, consider which quotes and words spark something in you. Think about phrases that uplift and motivate you personally rather than just generally inspirational quotes. For example, if being creative is important to you, an inspirational tee saying “Create Your Own Sunshine” might be more meaningful than the generic quote “Believe You Can And You’re Halfway There.”
Here are some other popular inspirational quotes and mantras to consider for tee shirts:
- “She Designed a Life She Loved”
- “Stay Strong. Stay Humble. Stay Beautiful.”
- “Trust the Magic of New Beginnings”
- “Be Fearless in the Pursuit of What Sets Your Soul on Fire”
- “You Are Enough”
- “She Leaves a Little Sparkle Wherever She Goes”
While those are some great options, think about words and short phrases that are specific to your own values, dreams and outlook. If you’re into fitness, a tee saying “Strong Is the New Skinny” might motivate you more than general quotes. If being kind is important to you, “Be Kind Always” would be more meaningful.
The goal is to choose a quote for your tee that makes you feel good and reminds you of what matters most when you read it. That could be inspired creativity, pursuing dreams, staying strong, believing in yourself – whatever inspires you. Finding a quote that you really connect with will make your inspirational tee that much more special.
Matching the Quote to Your Personal Style
Once you’ve selected your inspirational quote or mantra, the next step is to find a tee design that matches your personal style. From bohemian to minimalist, you’ll want to choose a font, color scheme and graphic elements that create the overall look you love.
Font Styles
The font is key is setting the tone for your inspirational tee. Certain fonts lend to a specific aesthetic which complements the inspiration quote.
- Script and cursive fonts have a relaxed, carefree vibe perfect for boho or vintage tees. The flowing cursive fonts complement inspirational quotes about wandering, creativity or self-love.
- Bold, thick fonts have a grounded, sturdy appearance. They pair well with empowering quotes about resilience, strength and determination.
- Thin and delicate fonts have an ethereal, dreamy look and complement inspirational quotes about hope, magic and dreams.
- Sans serif fonts like Helvetica lend a clean, modern minimalist look. These fonts nicely complement short empowering words like “Shine” or “Dream”.
- Graphic fonts like balloon or bubble letters create a playful, youthful tee. These are great for inspirational quotes with a whimsical, light-hearted tone.
Consider what emotions you want your quote tee to evoke, and choose a font style that enhances that vibe. A flowing cursive font with the quote “She Leaves a Little Sparkle Wherever She Goes” enhances the whimsical feeling. A bold, strong font fits better with the message “Make Today Amazing.”
Color Palette
The hues used in your inspirational tee design also contribute to the overall look and mood. Soft, dusty pastels or muted earth tones lend to a relaxed, casual tee. Vibrant jewel tones like emerald and ruby have an elegant, luxe appearance. Black and white tees have a classic, timeless look.
You can also choose inspirational quote tees with contrasting colors to make the design pop even more. A white tee with bold black or red text makes the inspirational quote stand out. A black tee with white cursive fonts adds crispness.
Select a color scheme that fits with the inspirational quote’s theme and makes the fonts pop. A dreamy quote pops in soft blues and purples, while an empowering quote looks striking in bold reds and oranges. Go with your personal preferences and colors that feel inspiring.
Graphic Details
Additional graphics like floral designs, geometric shapes or line art illustrations add extra flair to inspirational tees. These complementary design elements enhance the font and colors. For example, adding delicate floral designs balances out bold block lettering. Geometric shapes give a fun retro vibe to cursive scripts.
Subtle graphic details that reflect the inspirational quote also look great. Lightbulb or sun graphics with quotes about shining bright, trees or feathers with quotes about nature for boho styles, crowns or sparks to symbolize magic and dreams, etc.
Have fun considering how different graphic elements and flourishes can accentuate your favorite inspirational quote. The options are endless for putting your own creative spin on an inspirational tee through fonts, colors and graphics that match your personal style.
Pick the Perfect Placement for Your Quote
Where you want the inspirational quote placed on your tee is another important consideration for the overall look. Popular placements range from large designs on the front, smaller prints on the back between the shoulders, down the sleeves, or under the collar.
Front and Back Placement
Having your inspirational quote across the front of the tee makes it the bold focal point. This placement is perfect when you want the inspiration front and center. It’s also great if you love larger text prints. Back printed designs between the shoulder blades are subtler while still allowing you to display your mantra.
If you can’t decide between front or back, some inspirational tees have the same design both on the front and back. That gives you two chances to get inspired each time you wear it!
Sleeve Placement
Inspirational quotes running vertically down the sleeve are another popular tee shirt placement. This allows you to read your encouraging words of wisdom every time you lift your arm up.
Sleeve designs are great if you prefer inspiring quotes in smaller, more delicate fonts. They are also ideal placements for pairing with graphic elements like floral vines, geometric shapes or feathers running down the sleeve.
Collar Placement
For a hidden pop of inspiration, opt for an inspirational quote printed subtly under the back collar. You’ll get a private message every time you put your tee on, even if no one else sees it.
Collar quote designs are fantastic for tees you plan to layer often. You can still benefit from the inspirational reminder while covered by a cardigan or jacket. Subtle collar quotes are also great for professional settings.
Evaluate when and how often you want to see your motivational quote to decide whether front, back, sleeve or collar placement is best. Also consider the visibility depending on whether you’ll be layering the inspirational tee with cardigans or jackets.
Choosing the Right Size and Fit for All Day Comfort
Since you’ll likely be wearing your favorite inspirational quote tee frequently, the right size and fit is crucial for all day comfort. The tee should be roomy enough to move freely and feel breezy, but tailored enough to properly showcase your inspirational print.
Here are some fit factors to consider when selecting an inspirational quote tee:
Fitted vs Boxy
The trending oversized tee look has its merits, but a more fitted tee often works better for clearly displaying inspirational quotes without looking sloppy. Go for a slimmer cut that falls at the hips or just below the waistline.
Crewneck vs V-neck
Crewneck tees have a classic look, keeping your quote design fully visible. V-necks have a laidback vibe and show a peek of skin for a charming tucked-in look with high waisted jeans or skirts. Choose based on your wardrobe pairings and quote placement.
Long vs Cropped
Cropped tees showcase your inspirational message without interfering with leg coverage. Longer tee lengths work well for sleeve and back prints. Go with personal preference here.
Material Softness
Aim for lightweight, breathable cotton, modal or polyester blend materials. The tee should feel ultra soft, especially if placing inspirational quotes under the collar or areas that directly touch your skin. Softness prevents irritation for all-day wear.
Be sure to select your normal tee shirt size for proper coverage. Keep in mind that inspirational quote tees run small occasionally since graphics may impact fabric stretch. Refer to individual size charts and read product details to ensure the best fit.
The right inspirational tee size and fit means you’ll feel comfy, confident and inspired to take on anything every time you wear it!
Select Quality Materials Built to Last
Since you’ll be wearing your favorite inspirational tee on repeat, it’s important to choose quality materials that will hold up with frequent wear. Seek out soft, lightweight fabrics that won’t lose their shape and will resist pilling or fading over time.
Types of Tee Shirt Fabrics
The most popular tee shirt fabrics include:
- Cotton – This natural fiber is soft, breathable and great for absorbing sweat. 100% cotton tees tend to shrink slightly after washing.
- Polyester – A synthetic fiber that resists wrinkles and retains shape. Can feel hotter than cotton.
- Modal – A semi-synthetic made from beechwood pulp that’s silky soft and smooth.
- Cotton/polyester blends – A popular blend that combines cotton’s softness with polyester’s durability. Aim for at least 50% cotton content.
- Tri-blends – Typically a combination of cotton, polyester and rayon or modal. Excellent softness and reduced shrinkage.
For inspirational quote tees, look for tri-blends, cotton/poly blends or lightweight 100% cotton in the 4.2 oz to 5.5 oz range. These fabrics balance softness, breathability and durability. Sheer, see-through fabrics should be avoided, as you want your tee quote to remain subtly visible – not transparent.
Fabric Weight
The weight or knit gauge of the fabric impacts the tee’s drape and structure. Lightweight fabrics have a relaxed drape and flow, while heavier fabrics hold structure better. When selecting an inspirational quote tee, aim for mid-range fabric weights between a 4oz feather-light knit up to a 7oz chunky knit. This gives you a balanced tee with subtle drape that flatters most body types.
Care Instructions
Since most high quality tee shirt fabrics contain cotton, following proper care instructions is key to maintaining softness and preventing shrinkage. Here are some care tips:
- Wash tees inside out in cold water on a gentle cycle. Avoid hot water.
- Use a mild, bleach-free detergent and skip the fabric softener, as it can cause buildup.
- Reshape and lay flat to dry instead of putting tees in the dryer. Air drying prevents shrinking.
- Wash similar colors together and remove prints promptly after drying to prevent fading.
- Use a fabric shaver to gently remove pills on cotton/poly blend tees.
Choosing soft, comfortable fabrics and handling them with care means your inspirational quote tee will stay looking great for countless wears.
Caring for Your Tee Properly for Years of Inspiration
Okay, you did the work to find the perfect inspirational quote tee with the right fit, fabric and care instructions. Now it’s time to make that tee last! Follow these simple tips to keep your favorite inspirational tee in top condition:
Prevent Damage When Washing
- Turn shirts inside out to protect graphics when machine washing and drying. This prevents fading and cracking.
- Wash tees in cold water on a gentle cycle with mild detergent, then lay flat or line dry. Avoid hot water, hot dryers or dryer sheets to prevent damage, shrinking, or fading.
- Spot clean stains by dabbing gently with mild detergent and warm water. Don’t aggressively scrub printed areas.
Fold Properly
Skip hanging tee shirts, as this can permanently stretch out the neckline over time. Instead, lay shirts flat or gently roll them for drawer storage.
Store in Breathable Conditions
Let tees breathe! Avoid leaving them balled up in the laundry basket if they’re clean. Store in breathable, dry drawers – not sealed plastic bins which can trap moisture.
Inspect Before Wearing
Gently stretch out tee seams and inspect the fabric each time you wear it to catch tears or holes before they worsen. Listen for any unusual ripping noises so you can repair small holes ASAP.
Spot Treat Stains
Don’t let oil, makeup and food stains set in. Gently dab them with a mild detergent and warm water or spot cleaning spray as soon as possible, then launder as normal.
With a little tender loving care, your inspirational quote tee will maintain its softness and vibrant color for many years of motivating you!
Top Inspirational Quote Tees to Uplift Your Day
Now that you know how to select the perfect inspirational tee for your style and needs, here are some of the best inspirational quote tee options currently available:
1. LEVOIT Inspirational Quote Tee
This popular tee features the quote “She Designed a Life She Loved” in cursive white fonts on lightweight black fabric. The flowy script font with floral details has a romantic, whimsical vibe perfect for boho styles. It’s made of a super soft viscose/spandex blend with a flattering slim fit and flows nicely tucked or untucked.
Price – $9.99 on Amazon
2. BEARTRY Manifest My Dreams Tee
With the inspiring quote “Manifest My Dreams” across the front in a bold, strong font, this tee motivates you to pursue your dreams. The bright red font pops against the heather grey fabric made of a soft cotton/polyester blend. It comes in multiple color options in addition to grey. The semi-fitted cut flatters most figures.
Price – $16.99 on Amazon
3. Francoise Inspirational Graphic Tee
This tee features the flowing cursive quote “She Leaves a Little Sparkle Wherever She Goes” on the front with delicate gold foil sparkles. The soft material blend, relaxed feminine cut and whimsical style with pink and cream colors make a perfect gift for teens. Matching coffee mugs and tote bags also available.
Price – $19.99 on Francoise.com
4. True Classic Premium Motivational Tee
With “Keep Going” printed subtly under the collar, this premium tee is perfect for the office or subtle motivation. The ultra soft tri-blend fabric retains its color and resists shrinking. With a classic crewneck cut, it comes in a variety of versatile solid color choices from XS to 3XL.
Price – $32.99 on TrueClassic.com
5. Cotton Emporium “Shine Bright” Tee
This inspiring graphic tee features bold brushstroke fonts with the words “Shine Bright” and a sun graphic. The laidback distressed vintage look of the mustard yellow fonts on soft white 100% cotton makes this a perfect tee to pair with cutoffs. For the eco-conscious, Cotton Emporium uses recycled plastic bottles to produce their fabric.
Price – $24.99 at CottonEmporium.com
Hopefully this curated list gives you some top inspirational tee ideas from a variety of styles and price points. The options are truly endless when it comes to finding your dream inspirational quote tee to motivate you daily. Trust your instincts to pick the one that feels just right.
Frequently Asked Questions About Inspirational Quote Tees
We’ve covered a lot so far! To wrap up, here are answers to some frequently asked questions about inspirational quote tees:
What is the best fabric for inspirational quote tees?
Lightweight, soft cotton, cotton/polyester blends and modal or rayon fabrics work best. Aim for knit gauges between 4oz to 7oz for drape without transparency.
How often can you wash an inspirational quote tee?
Wait 2-3 full wears before washing to preserve graphics and limit shrinking. Wash gently inside out in cold water.
Should you hang or fold inspirational tees?
Fold them gently or roll them instead of hanging to avoid permanently stretching out the necklines.
How can you make an inspirational tee last longer?
Wash in cold water inside out, air dry instead of machine drying, store in breathable conditions, and spot treat stains promptly.
Where is the best place to buy inspirational quote tees?
Online retailers like Amazon, Etsy, Redbubble, and standalone sites like Francoise give you the widest selection of styles and quotes.
What is the best way to style an inspirational tee?
Pair with jeans, shorts or leggings. Layer under cardigans or flannels. Tuck into skirts or tie at waist. Inspirational tees are so versatile!
How can you make a basic tee more inspirational?
Use iron-on vinyl or printable transfers to add your own custom quote! Craft stores sell pre-made inspirational iron-ons too.
Choose Your Quote and Rock Your Inspiration
Finding that perfect inspirational quote tee to motivate you takes some consideration – but the effort is so worth it. Wearing inspiring words and mantras that resonate with you each day literally allows you to wear your positivity.
Hopefully this guide gave you lots of tips for choosing everything from meaningful quotes to stylish designs that match your personal flair. Most importantly, have fun with it and let your inspirational tee reflect your unique spirit!
What are your favorite inspirational quotes or tees? Share in the comments below to keep spreading the inspiration. Go forth and uplift others while expressing your amazing self!