How a Simple Comment Changed My Closet: Why I'm Rethinking Graphic Tees

I recently attended a conference where Jon Acuff was a keynote speaker, and something he said hit me right in the middle of my "can't adult today" t-shirt. He mentioned how these types of shirts, while funny, can unintentionally encourage a mindset of laziness or avoidance. It was such a lightbulb moment for me—I had never thought about the messages I was wearing on my chest every day.

When I got home, I went straight to my closet. I found all kinds of graphic tees that weren't exactly sending the most positive messages. Shirts that joked about needing endless amounts of coffee to survive the day, or indulging in food and drinks. And, yes, I had a "can't adult today" shirt. I never thought twice about it until Jon pointed out how these messages can shape the way we think about ourselves and our lives. So, I bagged them up and got rid of them.

Now, I'm much more mindful of the clothes I wear and the message they send to others. I've started seeking out shirts that reflect my faith, my values, and the kind of energy I want to bring into the world. There are so many amazing online shops that sell faith-based apparel, and I love being able to wear something that sparks joy and even starts conversations.

One item I wear all the time is my cross hat—I've got it in two colors: black with a white cross and white with a black cross. People stop me all the time to tell me they love my hat, and each time, it puts the biggest smile on my face. It’s almost like a little reminder that I’m not alone in my faith, and that’s exciting. It makes me feel like there’s hope in the world, that we’re all connected in some way. It’s such a small thing, but it’s amazing how much impact a simple piece of clothing can have.

Similarly, I’ve had more meaningful conversations with strangers when wearing my "Made for More" t-shirt than I ever did when I used to wear my "Salsa, Chips, Repeat" shirt. There's just something so powerful about wearing something that speaks to who you are and what you believe. It's about spreading positivity and living out your faith in simple, everyday ways.

If you’re looking to refresh your own wardrobe with shirts that inspire and uplift, here are a few of my favorite online shops for faith-based apparel:

1. He Would Love First – The very first Christian brand that I purchased from! My daughter and I both love this brand!

2. Dwell Apparel* – Great shirts, totes, and drinkware!

3. Beacon Threads – Comfortable, stylish, and full of hope-filled messages! They also have great coffee mugs!

The next time you're reaching for a graphic tee, think about the message you're sending—not just to others but to yourself. What we wear can be a reflection of who we are, so why not choose something that speaks life, love, and truth?

P.S. If you ever get the chance to hear Jon talk- DO IT! His book Soundtracks is one of my favorites!

*Some links in this post are affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase through them. Thank you for supporting this blog!