While we both believe that quality and shape rule all, when it comes to dressing your body, we can’t continue to ignore one of our favorite past times: the graphic tee.

Long have we been fans of Threadless, and now that we’ve grown past the state of witty one-liners across our breasts, we’re ready to step into the world of grown-up graphic tees.

But have you ever noticed that the same t-shirt – the same brand, the same cut, the same color – can look totally different depending on the graphic on the front?  That’s because the shape, color and depth of a t-shirt’s graphics can affect your body just as drastically as the cut, color and length of the t-shirt itself.

We decided to pay homage to the classic t-shirt by showing off some of our favorites, and categorizing them by the body types we think they’d flatter the most.  Keep in mind, though, that most of these tees can be worn by multiple body types.  Don’t shy away from your favorite just because we’ve pigeon-holed it – give it a test drive and prove us wrong.

APPLE T-SHIRTS

Marc by Marc Jacobs Houndstooth Miss Marc Tee: $88

On this t-shirt, the print travels upward from the bottom, directing the eye away from your center, toward your slim hips and thighs and up to your face. If you’re a little self-conscious about your upper-half, this is a great way to send the focus elsewhere.  (We’d also like this on a straight girl.)

Monrow Dauphine Crew Neck Tee: $106

The fact that the shoulders on this tee are significantly darker than the rest of the shirt will tone down broad shoulders, without hiding them. The attention is definitely drawn to your face in this tee, but it also attracts attention downwards, which is good for showing off killer apple legs.  (Busty hourglass?  This one’s good for you, too.)

Leopard Sash: $50

The print, which draws the eye across the body diagonally (instead of up and down) will give your body totally different proportions!  We love the simplicity of the black and white cheetah-print, as opposed to its sometimes garish, full-color counterpart.  (Not an apple?  Don’t fret: this one could work for almost any body.)

PEAR T-SHIRTS

Insight – Womens Cheetah Tee (White): $19

Ignore the way she’s yanking on the bottom of the t-shirt (if you can, that is…what is she even doing?) and concentrate on the intricate patterning at the bottom left corner of the tee.  It draws attention to a the center of your body (not your hips) while the bright white and subtle grey pull even more attention to your tiny shoulders without making them look disproportionate.  (We can see this easily working on a short-waisted apple, too.)

Edun Hearts on Fire T-shirt: $49

Unlike most large prints, which are centered, this one sits a little high, keeping the visual interest at the upper half of your body, instead of dragging you downward and removing the curve between your waist and hips.  (Hourglass babes will also like their curves in this tee – the heart-shaped graphic fits them nicely.)

291 Life Is Music Scoop Tee with Short Sleeves: $104

Jen’s a sucker for an atypical graphic location, and this one makes her swoon a little.  The flow of the graphic is subtle, but still pops.  (It’s also above the model’s breasts, instead of on one of them, so there’s no “giant blob on my boob!” syndrom.  Straights, this one’s for you, too.)

STRAIGHT T-SHIRTS

Sauce Skull T-Shirt: $62

We love illusions! If you’re feeling particularly casual’n'curvy one day, throw on this top! The bands that cross your bust and hips will make your waist look proportionately smaller, and the graphic itself makes a huge impression…that you’re a badass, that is.  (Hourglass girls can get away with this one, too; both Elle and Jen want to order it just to prove it.)

Hellz Bellz – Womens Peace and Love Tee: $38

Straight bodies are perfect for showcasing sketch-style graphics, or anything detailed.  This graphic is fun and, ahem, flirty, and hanging straight down the body would show it off best.  Check out the back!

Obey KISS ME DEADLY Tee: $13.60

Rectangular prints are easiest to pull off on a more rectangular body; curvier bodies make the artwork look slightly obscured, and can confuse the eye.  This would be perfect on a straight body or, to embrace a broad chest, an apple body!

HOURGLASS T-SHIRTS

Boatneck Tee With Oversized Paisley Print: $34

The way the paisley print curves around the sides of this top makes it perfect for highlighting an hourglass figure’s assets, without making them obvious.

Rainy Day: $39

This is one of Jen’s favorites.  The graphic centers around the chest area, but it’s dark, which balances any “Look at my boobs!” factor the shirt may have.  It’s kind of kitschy, instead of overtly sexy.

Monrow Blocked Crew Tee: $119

The color blocking (quite literally!) gives your body an interesting line on the left side. The strip of white will highlight your bangin’ curves, while the black box will keep any insecurities at bay. This is a GREAT shirt for keeping chic when you’re bloated and PMSing!

Do you have a favorite graphic tee?  Who is it by, and what do you love about it?