That being said the phenomenon known as the douchebag shirt is at its apex as a trend, which ironically is the very bottom of the fashion parabolic curve. That means at one point the core characteristics of what makes a douchebag shirt was actually an innovative thing. The all-over screen print using sublimation technology enabled graphics to reach every corner of the classic tee. The fitted silhouette and natural fibers meant the tee could now be dressy.
Then something happened. The mainstream got a hold of it and as with all fashion trends, sucked it in, chewed it up and spat it back out - reinterpreted for the masses to consume. The innovative tees from Europe suddenly became monstrosities of everything an average man thinks is cool. Celebrities got a hold of them and the archetype douchebag was born. While the rest of the world had moved away from the trend - middle America was just getting her feet wet.
I wanted to examine what exactly makes up a douchebag tee. For a long time, the term was something I couldn't define. "I know it when I see it" was the best way to articulate it. I don't hate on anyone that enjoys the trend. Again, if it makes you happy by all means wear it. Lets take a deeper look, shall we?
1. Random graphics haphazardly chosen. Anything that looks gothic, tough or reminiscent of tattoo art is highly valued. Anything with feathers, crests, crowns and royal symbols are bonuses. Angel wings make you the king of all douchebags.
2. FAIL at graphic design 101. Layer as much shit as possible. The more complex it looks, the better the design. No need to pay attention to negative and positive space or the relationship between elements. Just make it symmetric and everything will look great.
3. A fitted cut makes it "hawt" looking. A very deep v-neck is even better. Keep the cut of the sleeves round to fake the impression of broad shoulders. Give it a box silhouette because even tho it's a tight shirt, men who probably shouldn't wear them will be the first customers in line.
4. Keep the sleeves shorter than usual to show off the "guns" and the "hawt" 90's tribal armband tattoo. Got some free space? Quote a line from a good hard rock song or a really important dead poet and put it in script font. It's not only stylish but intellectualizes the look.
5. BIG ASS BOLD TYPE IN THE UGLIEST FREE GOTHIC FONT center and upfront. Men aren't used to clothes with more than 3 colors and 2 prints. You need the gothic font to butch that shit up. It speaks volumes about your seriousness. Choose words that tell it like it is. Placing it on the back reminds people of your hardcoreness. Remember, the bigger the font - the bigger your dick.
6. For that final touch of class, glitz and sparkle ; throw in a couple sequins or better yet bedazzle it. Men don't like to wear too much crap at once so if one shirt can do it all then you're golden. Gold stars are awarded to any shirt with sequined gothic crosses because you're not only stylish but you believe in God.
Disclaimer: No the model is not a douchebag. He was paid to look like one.
You pointed it out right, especially the gothic font!
This is genius! Great job identifying a new genre.
In regards to the big copy "truth" and "revolution", you might add that these are words that sound great to the douchebag but in fact are the very things the he destroys everyday as he goes about his douched life.
I thought #4 was referring to the white vertical line where the "all over" print didnt quite get all over.
that and the dark line where it double prints both drive me bonkers.
quality control in both the design and the construction is what made the designer ones work so well.
they all have the typical "douchefont" type...!
Nice! You are not alone on this one.
http://www.youjustmademylist.com/?p=1263
YOU HAVE MADE MY LIFE! THE SHIRT PICTURED IS THE PERFECT PIECE EXEMPLIFING THE IGNORANCE OF THE AMERICAN CONSUMER AND PATHETIC LAZY DESIGNS EVERYONE IN THE INDUSTRY REPLICATES.
not displayed here: Skulls, holy shit will people stop wearing skulls. that shit is so played.
Hey I know that guy. He drives a big truck w/ a N.O.T.W. ( Not of this world ) sticker in the back window. His girlfriend wears Ugg's, a fur lined hoodie and short ass shorts in the summer.
Oh wait! I confussed him with every guy in Huntington Beach, Ca.
i think we all missed something here .....how bout the douchbag sleeve tatoos that are as equally horrible as the shirt??...at least he can take the shirt off...those douchbag sleeve tatoos are "FO LIFE"