Designer tees are not just a piece of clothing but are also a fashion statement. The prints on designer tees are in some way unique, hence they tend to cost more to buy than those mass produced tees available in your local department store. The prints on designer tees are usually directed to a very specific market, often aimed at one or more subcultures with a common focus - e.g. music, surfing, fashion, events, humour, politics etc.

Designer tees can be purchased from boutique stores and online. There is an infinite number of print styles and designs available, from the sublime to the ridiculous - and pretty much everything in between. Some online stores even let you design your own.

When buying designer tees, some things to look for include:

Originality - you don't want to find your three best friends wearing the same design at the same function (unless of course you're in a synchorinised swimming team and you all actually want to look the same).
Style - the prints on designer tees reflect the current culture - whether choosing designer tees to wear to parties or to your place of work, designer tees can reflect your view of the world. Some designer tees have a style that is simple and restrained, others wild and complex.
Creativity - whether you want to make a statement about the environment or just show you have a sense of humour, designer tees can start a conversation.
Quality - designer tees should be made of good quality fabric, typically 100% cotton or a cotton elastaine mix, with high standards of manufacture.
Durability - designer tees should be printed with durable inks, suited to the fabric type, so that their printed designs don't fade after the first wash. Note: To help save the planet and your designer tees, wash them in cold water and line dry.
Print - if the designer tees are hand printed, they are likely to cost more, but they are usually printed in a very limited number so you have the advantage of owning a rare item.
Relevance - this may or may not be important to you...often the most irrelevant designer tees are also the most irreverent!
Price - price will be determined by all of the above.