Fashion trends keep on changing with time. However, there are some that remain popular decade after decade. One of those trends is a ringer tee–a classic tee around us since the 1950s. This year, this t-shirt is also having a major comeback.
In this blog post, we’ll talk about a ringer t-shirt that defines style and comfort in depth.
What Is a Ringer Tee?
So, what actually is a ringer t-shirt? Put simply, it is a classic t-shirt with a twist. It features a contrasting ribbing on the neckline and sleeve hems. It adds just a pop of color to the classic ringer t-shirts. Among all styles of t-shirts, ringer t-shirts look effortlessly cool on users. Also, they are made of soft and comfortable fabrics, making them ideal for everyday wear.
In order to best understand a ringer t-shirt, you need to know its definition, key features, and stand-out characteristics.
A Simple Definition of Ringer Tees
Here is a simple definition of classic, vintage ringer t-shirts:
“Retro-style tees that typically feature light or neutral colors with contrasting-colored crew neck and sleeve bands.”
Key Features That Define a Ringer Tee
Key features of a ringer t-shirt are the following:
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Contrasting Ribbed Bands on the Collar and Sleeve Cuffs
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A Solid Body Color Often in a Light or Neutral Tone
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Short-sleeved Almost, Always
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Usually a Rounded, Crew Neck
All of the above characteristics contribute to the vintage, sporty look of a ringer t-shirt.
How Ringer Tees Differ From Regular T-Shirts
Ringer t-shirts are retro-style tees with contrasting neck and sleeve bands, which differentiate them from other tees. These are your go-to t-shirts to give your outfits a vintage touch.
The History of Ringer Tees
Let's dig deeper into the history of ringer t-shirts next.
When Were Ringer Tees First Introduced?
The history of a ringer t-shirt dates back to the 1950s when it made its way to the clothing market. However, it gained popularity in the next few decades during the 1960s and 1970s.
The Rise of Ringer Tees in the 1970s Counterculture
Ringer t-shirts were truly on the rise and a hit during the revolutionary 1960s and 1970s counterculture. At that time, musicians, artists, and activists wore them. As a result, these shirts became a symbol of not only youth culture but also counterculture movements.
However, ringer t-shirts declined in popularity in the late 1980s and the early 1990s. Why? Fashion trends at that time shifted towards loose-fitting and oversized streetwear clothing. Still, these tees remained in some cultures at that time. Skaters, indie rock, and 90 thrifts, to name those subcultures.
The 2000s Comeback of Ringer Tees
In the late 1990s and the early 2000s, ringer t-shirts made a comeback. These t-shirts made their way back to fashion then under the surge of indie sleaze style. In fact, they were staples of popular brands, like Urban Outfitters, when they made a comeback. Ringer t-shirts are popular again, today, available in various styles across pop cultures.
Why Are Ringer Tees Popular Again?
Ringer t-shirts combine retro aesthetics with contemporary fashion. It has made these tees a favorite of both vintage fashion enthusiasts and modern trendsetters. Their contrasting bands give a bold touch to any outfit, making them stand out always. Thanks to their nostalgic appeal, versatility, and distinctiveness, ringer t-shirts are popular again today!
Next, we‘ll emphasize the current popularity of ringer t-shirts, shedding light on 2020s nostalgia and social media trends. And we’ll also talk about how celebrities and influencers are reviving the classic ringer t-shirts today.
The 2020s Nostalgia for Retro Styles
Nostalgia turned hot in the 2020s during the lockdown. In fact, it emerged increasingly with the rise of retro-style fashion in modern fashion in 2021. It led people to incorporate modern fashion with popular 1970s retro-style clothing, such as ringer t-shirts.
For instance, fashion enthusiasts liked pairing a vintage ringer t-shirt with 1990s popular khaki or cargo pants in the 2020s. And we also saw them pairing other retro-style casual shirts with 1990s jeans.
Further, vintage-inspired and modern fashion enthusiasts paired popular accessories to complete their fashionable outfits of the 2020s. Zoom earrings and light blue glasses, to mention a few popular fashionable accessories of the 2020s. Thanks to 2020s nostalgia for retro styles!
Here, we also have a question for you. Are you a fashion enthusiast who looks for ways to accomplish styling looks without breaking the bank? If yes, don’t miss out on checking out our following blog post: “Fashion on a Budget - Tips for Stylish Savings.”
How Social Media Influences Ringer Tee Trends
Popular social media platforms, such as Instagram and TikTok, are new trendsetters. These are the platforms that influence what we wear today. The same holds for t-shirt trends, such as ringer tee trends. Today, we see many artists and influencers wearing ringer t-shirts to promote vintage fashion.
Apart from social media influencers and artists, we see apparel-related brands promoting personalized, vintage tees. That is to say, clothing businesses and apparel brands are leveraging social media. They are promoting customized ringer t-shirts, which are perfect for streetwear fashion besides everyday wear. So, social media has a huge influence on the ringer t-shirt trends we see today.
Celebrities and Influencers Reviving Ringer Tees
Celebrities have a huge impact on what we choose to wear. The same holds for influencers on special media with a huge fanbase. No matter whether they are promoting shirts, tank tops, or other apparel. Their choice of clothing, such as ringer t-shirts, can easily become a must-have for a fashion-forward wardrobe.
In the past, famous rock stars and athletes wore cool, rebellious ringer t-shirts. However, we see celebrities and influencers today continuing this trend. We see them wearing these tees in casual outings, at big events, or on social media platforms.
When we see our favorite celebrity or influencer wearing a ringer t-shirt, we don’t see it as an outfit choice. We see it as a style statement that we quickly pick up on. It leads us to wearing the classic ringer t-shirt admiring celebrities and influencers we love.
Moreover, it is important to note that ringer t-shirts aren’t just about our comfort as a tee. These t-shirts are about making a strong personality statement in a laid-back and distinct style. Thanks to celebrities and influencers we adore!
How to Style a Ringer Tee
When it comes to wearing ringer t-shirts in style, the possibilities have no limits. They let you define your style without compromising your comfort. You can look casual and dress up wearing these t-shirts. In fact, you have various outfit ideas to accomplish wearing them in different seasons. We are also going to talk about those outfit ideas next.
Casual Everyday Outfits With Ringer Tees
Let’s talk about some casual everyday outfits you can accomplish, pairing ringer t-shirts:
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Pairing Ringer Tees With Jeans or Shorts
You can pair a ringer t-shirt with jeans or shorts or even joggers of your choosing, flattering your figure. However, you will need to choose them in a tone that complements the bands of your tee. Then, add slip-on trainers to complete your classic, laid-back look.
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Mixing Ringer Tees With Sneakers and Accessories
You can look vintage-casual in ringer t-shirts mixing them with sneakers and minimal accessories. For example, you can wear a personalized ringer t-shirt with your name on it with well-fitted jeans. Then, add a baseball cap or a watch with a pair of sneakers to complete your vintage-casual everyday looks.
Moreover, you can opt to wear shorts instead of well-fitted jeans on hotter days. Then, mix the accessories as mentioned above to complete your classic summer looks in vintage-casual ringer t-shirts.
Dressing Up Your Ringer Tee
We said earlier that possibilities have no limits for wearing ringer t-shirts in style. We also are sticking to that. Now you know you can accomplish casual everyday outfits with these t-shirts. But do you know you can dress up your looks in these t-shirts? You can dress up your ringer t-shirts with layering and the right accessories. And you are going to find out about it next.
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Layering With Jackets and Blazers
Dress pants pair well with dress shirts but they also allow for upgrading your looks with a ringer t-shirt. For instance, you can throw on a blazer over your ringer t-shirt. Then, pair the item with dress pants, complementing your top. It will let you create a smart-casual outfit with a twist to turn heads. Moreover, you can choose to wear a denim jacket with a ringer t-shirt on cooler days to dress up your looks. Or you may opt to wear a cozy cardigan for a laid-back vibe with your classic tee.
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Combing Ringer Tees with Statement Pieces
You can also combine the classic ringer t-shirt with statement pieces to dress up your looks with it. As a woman, we suggest you pair a ringer t-shirt with straight-leg jeans with a statement belt. It is certainly one way of making a strong statement with the classic, vintage t-shirt. Or you may make an even bolder statement with statement jewelry pieces like earrings or a necklace. In addition, we suggest men wear a retro-style ringer t-shirt with casual shorts or trousers. Then, they can add a headband complementing the ribbed bands of the tee to make a strong statement. Or they can make an even bolder statement with a vintage t-shirt with a wristwatch for a personal touch.
Ringer Tees for Different Seasons
Now, let's share some ideas on how you can style a retro-style, classic ringer t-shirt for different seasons.
How to Wear Ringer Tees in Summer and Spring
Here are a few style ideas we recommend for wearing a ringer t-shirt in the summer:
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Summer-Casual
Pair the vintage tee with running shorts. Not to mention, our Men's Short Sleeve Core Cotton Ringer T-Shirt pairs well with shorts. Then, add sunglasses and a pair of running shoes to complete your summer-casual looks.
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Athleisure
Pair your ringer t-shirts with joggers. Add a pair of sneakers, and throw on a baseball cap. It will let you achieve an athleisure look in the summer with your vintage t-shirt.
Also, don’t forget to check out the following blog post of ours: What to Wear in Summer: Complete Style Guide.
Now, let’s share a few style ideas on wearing a ringer t-shirt in the spring:
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Spring-fresh
Style your t-shirt with chino pants and a light scarf. If you are a lady, we recommend you wear cropped chino pants in a pastel tone. Then, add a pair of white sneakers to complete your spring-fresh looks.
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Layer-friendly
In case the temperature drops in the spring, you can layer in style with a ringer t-shirt. For instance, you can wear a bomber jacket over your tee. Then, pair the items with jeans flattering your figure and add loafers to complete your layer-friendly look for the spring.
Cozy Styling Tips for Fall and Winter
Here are some cozy styling tips to wear a ringer t-shirt in style in the fall:
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Fall-friendly
Wear a ringer t-shirt with a flannel shirt over it either buttoned or unbuttoned based on your style. Pair the item with dark-wash jeans and add ankle boots to complete your fall-friendly look.
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Polished
Pair your favorite ringer t-shirt with olive or burgundy-colored chino pants. Throw on a lightweight denim jacket over your t-shirt. Finish your polished looks in a vintage tee with loafers.
Now, let’s share a few cozy styling tips on wearing a ringer t-shirt in the winter:
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Layered
Wear a ringer t-shirt under a sweater or a hooded sweatshirt reflecting your style. Pair the garments with cozy bottoms, such as thermal trousers. Then, add long boots to complete your layered looks in the vintage tee for the winter.
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Street-Casual
First, put on a ringer t-shirt and throw on a long wool coat or puffer jacket next. Then, pair the item with dark-wash jeans. Wear a pair of socks and lace-up boots to accomplish your street-casual looks for the winter.
Also, don’t forget to check out our blog post on Comfort & Style: The Ultimate Guide to Layering Clothes.
Modern Trends in Ringer T-Shirts
Modern ringer t-shirts have definitely made their way into modern fashion with their vintage aesthetics. However, there are also trends impacting their revival in modern-day fashion. Those trends include sustainability, personalization, and popular color combinations as discussed below:
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Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Ringer Tees
The sustainability of clothing items is always at the top of the minds of eco-conscious individuals. The same holds for individuals who prefer wearing ringer t-shirts made of sustainable and eco-friendly materials. Therefore, you see manufacturers nowadays producing ringer t-shirts made from high-quality and sustainable materials.
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Custom and Personalized Ringer Tees
Apart from eco-conscious individuals, ringer t-shirts always remain a pick of vintage and modern fashion enthusiasts. In fact, fashion aficionados personalize these tees with their names or messages to make a style statement. So, customized and personalized ringer t-shirts are hot nowadays.
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Popular Color Combinations for Today’s Ringer Tees
Contrasting ribbed bands on the collars and sleeve cuffs are one of the defining characteristics of ringer t-shirts. In fact, there are popular color combinations for the ringer t-shirts you see today. We have mentioned those color combinations below:
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Classic White with Black Ribbed Bands and Sleeve Cuffs
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Heather Gray with Red Ribbed Bands and Sleeve Cuffs
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Pink with Black or White Ribbed Bands and Sleeve Cuffs
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Burgundy or Green with Navy Ribbed Bands and Sleeve Cuffs
Similar to some other individuals you may make common mistakes when choosing the color for your apparel. Luckily, you can avoid making those mistakes. How? In this respect, you can leverage the following blog post of ours: Color Selection in Apparel - How to Avoid the Common Mistakes.
How to Choose the Perfect Ringer Tee for Your Style
Consider the following three things to choose the perfect ringer t-shirts to suit your style:
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The Fit
Make sure the t-shirt you choose fits you well. Refer to the size chart when buying the tee online to ensure you get the item in your perfect size.
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Material
Consider the material of the tee when buying the item. For instance, you may prefer 100% cotton ringer t-shirts as an eco-friendly individual. Or you may stick to a cotton-poly blend for a sporty feel.
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Color Combinations
Pick the item in color combinations that reflect your personality in style. For example, you can opt for a white tee with black ribbed bands and sleeve cuffs for a classic look. However, make sure the color combinations you choose for a tee are exactly what you are after.
Conclusion
Ringer t-shirts are classic t-shirts, which have been around us since the 1950s. The revolutionary 1960s and 1970s counterculture made them a hit though their popularity declined in the 1980s. However, they made a comeback in the early 2000s and have remained popular to date. 2020s nostalgia for retro styles and the influence of social media besides celebrities and influencers have made them a huge hit today. The possibilities are also endless to style those tees for casual everyday wear and dressed-up looks. In fact, you can wear these t-shirts in style in different seasons with the right accessories, footwear, layers, and bottoms. In addition, there are modern trends for you to watch out for ringer t-shirts. Sustainability, personalization, and popular color combinations, to restate those trends. Based on the modern ringer t-shirt trends, the future looks bright for these t-shirts. Lastly, you can choose the perfect ringer t-shirts to suit your style considering their fit, material, and color combinations.
FAQs
Q1. Are ringer tees still in style?
A1. Yes, ringer t-shirts are back in style today. Thanks to the resurgence of retro-style fashion because of vintage and modern fashion enthusiasts of today!
Q2. What materials are commonly used for ringer tees?
A2. Common materials that manufacturers use today to produce ringer t-shirts are sustainable and high-quality fabrics. 100% cotton and cotton-poly blend, to name the most prominent of those materials.
Q3. Where can you buy high-quality ringer tees?
A3. You can find and buy high-quality ringer t-shirts easily online today from a reputable apparel store, such as JustBlanks.
Q4. Why does everyone need a ringer tee in their wardrobe?
A4. Everyone needs versatile ringer t-shirts in their wardrobe because they are versatile, comfortable, and easy to style. And it is the timeless appeal of these t-shirts that make them a wardrobe must-have.
Q5. What are some good tips for washing and maintaining your ringer tees?
A5. Here are some good tips for washing and maintaining your ringer t-shirts:
Washing Tips:
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Wash in cold water and a gentle washing cycle.
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Use a mild detergent for washing your tees.
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Wash t-shirts of similar colors at the same time to avoid color bleeding.
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Turn the garments with prints inside out.
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Wash the t-shirts only when needed and treat stains promptly to prevent them from setting on the tees.
Maintenance Tips:
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Always follow the care label of the garment to follow the instructions needed to effectively maintain your ringer t-shirts.
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Avoid bleach to wash your t-shirts, as it can weaken the fibers of your tees and cause discoloration, too.
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Iron inside out on low heat when you find out that ironing is necessary on your garments.
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Lastly, store your ringer t-shirts in a cold and dry place to prevent them from building mildew and odors.
