Casual Cool: Five Local T-Shirt Designers

At times, fashion can get a bad rap. Images of runways and super models inundate our minds, causing reason to believe that it takes stiletto heels and pricey bling to remain a top player in the game.

Truth is, Southern California’s laid-back vibrations cause an exception to the rule and allow sandals and tee-shirts to qualify as a fashion statement. In a city like ours that embraces sunshine 10 months out of the year, staying beach-chic at all times is not only okay, it’s encouraged. Local fashion designers embracing this notion seem to be popping up all over the county now, in local boutiques and online stores. For the best in locally-made, casual-cool apparel, discover our list of five designers to keep on your shopping list.

Tminx

Launched in 2009, Treacherous Minx gives San Diego and the surrounding Southern California an art-driven way to wear t-shirts all year round. Each series that designer Yvonne Podlewski creates is centered around a particular theme, inspired as her website says by thrift stores, vintage record covers, art house films, and dusty bookstores. From the bare basics to glammed up statement pieces, the Tminx collection is suited for the every-women looking for comfort and style. The Southern California brand has ventured into San Diego for Thread Shows, but is also available online. Get more details here.

SeeTee Art

This San Diego-based designer created the company with screen printed designs from intricate, original drawings. The SeeTee Art t-shirt collection uses brands such as Alternative Apparel and American Apparel to print on with environmentally friendly ink, leaving a soft-to-the-touch finish. With vivid and colorful designs in both men’s and women’s sizes, the shirts feature soft images of birds and cranes, and also some more electrically-charged and in-your-face drawings. This type of “apparel art” is affordably priced, locally-made, and casual-cool in aesthetic. Get more details here.

Carnaby Street Clothing

The premium tee company based in Southern California focuses on creating a witty and simple aesthetic in effortless t-shirts for both men and women. The company prides itself on styles made from premium, ring-spun cotton which provides that worn-in touch of all your favorite shirts from the past. Timeless style and quality fabrics are the main objectives here, as well as holding on to strong values of all items ethically made in the United States. With basic designs that encompass Southern California lifestyle, the shirts and tanks are great fits for chilled-out beach days. Get more details here.

Fortune 421 & DiscoverSD Collaboration

When the creative minds of DiscoverSD.com and Fortune 421 came together, a fashion collaboration showcasing the best city in the world was born. The partnership produced limited edition tank tops and shirts for men and women showcasing an “America’s Finest” logo surrounding an image of a DJ playing to an enthusiastic crowd. The designers wanted to convey a piece of San Diego lifestyle in a casual style, aiming to portray the electronic music culture surging through our city. Purchase the limited edition shirts with discount code DSD for 20% off until January 31st. Get more details here.

Urban Octopus

Designed and printed by hand artist Jere Dean, Urban Octopus is a t-shirt and wall art company that creates one-of-a-kind, distinctive creations for men, women, children, as well as unisex products. Whether you’re on the hunt for a hoodie, an organically-made long sleeve shirt, or a baby’s onesie with witty and quirky graphics on it, Urban Octopus has a wide enough selection to suit all casual-comfort needs. Urban Octopus also boasts a large selection of poster prints, recycled wood prints, and screen prints. Located in Normal Heights, most products can also be purchased online. Get more details here.

Do-It-Yourself: Want to be in charge of creating your own t-shirt? Let it Ride Design, a full service screen printing, design, and production company in San Diego is helping locals bring their visions to life. While they print on just about anything, from posters to business cards, their screen-printed T-shirt services are most popular for individuals, companies, and organizations. Let it Ride carries a variety of high-quality products to print on from American Apparel, Tultex, Gildan Apparel, and Hanes. Contact Let it Ride Design at 866.605.6402. Get more details here.

Discover more local San Diego shopping in our Best New Fashion Boutique Guide