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Impress with Distressed

Kat Hubbs Posted By Kat Hubbs —


Distressed t-shirt artwork

Distressed or vintage-looking tees never really go out of style. Along with the old vintage sign or logo, think distressed text, eroded edges, faded prints, blown out photocopy-style photos, and distressed elements layered together or over stripes. The look makes a brand new shirt feel like you’ve been wearing it for years.

Want to start from a finished design? Browse Custom Ink’s distressed t-shirt designs and make one your own in the Design Lab.

How to Design Distressed Shirts

A distressed design looks best on a soft tee, a classic cotton tee, or a hoodie. The 3 picks below cover all three.

Allmade Tri-Blend T-shirt

Allmade Tri-Blend T-shirt

  • Soft tri-blend tee for a worn-in feel
  • Heathered colors add to the vintage look
Bayside USA-Made Jersey T-shirt

Bayside USA-Made Jersey T-shirt

  • Made-in-the-USA cotton tee for a classic look
  • Distressed design on the front
Bayside USA-Made Heavyweight Pullover Hoodie

Bayside USA-Made Heavyweight Pullover Hoodie

  • Heavyweight hoodie for cooler days
  • Vintage-style design across the front

Collect sizes with Custom Ink’s Group Order Form. Everyone picks a size from a shared link, and the organizer pays once.

Design Your Own Distressed T-shirts

Distressed Designs FAQ

What is a distressed design?

It’s artwork made to look worn, with faded areas, rough edges, and texture.

Which shirts suit a distressed design?

Soft and heathered tees add to the worn-in look.

When should we order our shirts?

Order a few weeks before you need them. That leaves time to approve the design, collect sizes, and have the shirts arrive in time.

Can I get help with the design?

Yes. Start in the Design Lab, and Custom Ink’s Inkers can help with fonts, colors, and placement.


Start Designing