Resources Graphics & Art Design Fashion Comics & Graphic Novels Graffiti & Street Art Photography Film Web Design Zeitgeist Articles Sitemap

Women's T-Shirts

Suit Her to a Tee

Quantum Dave finds out what women want when it comes to T-shirts.

Split the Atom believes in equality (and not just in the sleeve lengths of their tees.) That's why they dispatched me to discover if the tee purchasing motives of women are any different from mine and that of my sorry gender.

So I phoned up my friend Amy to chat to her about tees. Her favourite tee is our How to Split the Atom t-shirt - an obvious indicator of her good taste. (And she's wearing it now, she tells me.)

Dave: So, Amy, why do you wear tee-shirts?

Amy: You're asking the wrong question, surely.

D: How so?

A: Well, I wear t-shirts because they're a specific item of clothing with a print or motif that I'm fond of. In short: I like it. It's hardly groundbreaking stuff.

D: Ummmm

A: What you should be asking is why I choose to wear particular tees. What makes me like one more than the other?

D: Are you sure?

A: Yes.

D: Okay.

A: Okay what?

D: Okay, why is it that you wear particular tees? And what makes you like one graphic print more than another?

A: I'm glad you asked. That's a very good question. I guess it's because some designs just grab me. I look at them and they give me a certain emotional response - like watching a good film.

D: Which film?

A: No specific film. I was just trying to describe how some tees make me feel.

D: But what if a t-shirt was a film? What about the top you're wearing now.

A: You gave me this top.

D: Okay, but you would have bought it yourself if we hadn't.

A: True.

D: So?

A: Well, it's a very good design. It could become iconographic.

D: And if it was a film?

A: You're insistent on this aren't you?

D: And if it was a film?

A: Spiderman.

D: ……

A: You want to know why, don't you?

D: Yes.

A: Because there was lots of hype about Spiderman but lots of people took the risk and found it a rewarding enough experience to go and see Spiderman 2 as well.

D: You made that up.

A: Well, yeah, but if I hadn't said something you never would have shut up about it.

D: But we aren't paying you for this. You can be honest about it.

A: You did give me a tee.

D: Would you like another?

A: I'm not proud, I'll take free things.

D: So, looking at Split the Atom's range, and other t-shirts you own too, if we were to give you another free one, how would you pick it?

A: Like I said, it would have to appeal to me in a certain way.

D: But there must be other factors too, no?

A: I guess. Being original helps, I don't want to walk down the street and find I'm wearing the same clothes as everybody else. I don't want to feel like a football fan. It's okay if you see maybe a couple of other people in the top you're wearing. But you want to maintain some individuality.

D: Ah, but couldn't you just walk down the street in a clown outfit?

A: That would be silly.

D: But it would make you stand out.

A: You're misunderstanding me. I don't want to stand out. I just want to look good in what I'm wearing and not be a sheep.

D: So limited edition things are generally good.

A: Definitely. If it's stylish AND limited edition, then it's definitely more appealing.

D: What about colours? Do you have a preference? And what about a mix of colours? Do you prefer monotone or duotone?

A: Wow! That's a lot of questions. I'd better be getting another free tee for this.

D: It's already in the post.

A: Okay, first things first. It doesn't matter what colour because I'll often wear the t-shirt with jeans. Likewise the pattern, or combination of colours, if I like it, I'll buy it, there's no set plan. What might sway me to buy one thing over another is the designer.

D: Like if the there's a new Split the Atom top by a designer you've bought before, then you're more likely to buy it?

A: Exactly. I think girls like collecting as much as boys. We just do it in a different way. Whereas men may collect some geeky thing that I've absolutely no interest in, I'll collect a tee designer.

D: Is that seen as cool.

A: If the designs are good yes.

D: How do you know if they're good?

A: Because people voted for them.

D: You're selling Split the Atom again.

A: You said I've got a new teeshirt in the post.

D: You can have two if you keep this up.

A: My point is, if you see a couple of designs by someone you like and they look good on when you buy them, then if that designer pops up again, whether you really like the design or not, you might be inclined to buy it.

D: Even if you hate it?

A: Not if you hate it, no. But if you only half like it, you buy it because it might look good on you once it's here, based on previous experience.

D: Are you going to design any yourself?

A: Probably, it's fairly simple. But I don't think I'd ever wear my own designs.

D: Why not?

A: I just wouldn't feel comfortable. A woman's tshirt is an important thing, like any item of clothing. Maybe some people would feel okay in their own gear, but I always think someone else could do the job better.

D: You're putting yourself down.

A: Am I?

D: You've got very pretty eyes.

A: How would you know? We're on the phone, silly.

D: I've seen them before. Would you like another free tee?

A: Okay.

D: Honestly, I do think you have pretty eyes.

A: Less talking, more T-shirts.

D: You're quite mercenary really aren't you?

A: If I can get away with it I will be.

D: Is it easier to get away with it when you look good?

A: Yes.