T-shirts are supposed to be the simplest, most comfortable, and least expensive article of clothing you can wear. But throw a cool vintage design on one and they can be a great tool for self expression... and much more valuable.
These 11 vintage graphic tees might look simple, but there's a lot more to them than meets the eye. Things are worth what people will pay for them, and collectors are willing to drop bank on these bad boys.
Here are 11 shirts you might have owned at one time that are now very valuable.
1
Woodstock
There was no official Woodstock merch in 1969, meaning that any shirts for sale were made by independent creators. Original shirts from the festival have fetched over $1,000 at auctions.
2
Run-D.M.C. Adidas
This rare original shirt from the Run-D.M.C tour was worth up to $13,000, before Adidas decided to start making more.
3
Grateful Dead Panther
This Grateful Dead t-shirt from 1994 is worth over $2,000.
4
UNICEF 1996 Olympics
UNICEF often auctions off t-shirts for charity, and this 1996 olympics shirt is one of its most valuable of all time. Although certainly price-boosted for the cause, it sold at auction for $42,000.
5
Harley-Davidson Bad to the Bone
This ultra-rare 1988 design goes for up to $1,500 on eBay.
6
1979 Led Zeppelin Backstage Pass
Back in 1979, Led Zeppelin decided that instead of printing backstage passes, they should make a t-shirt to act as one. Those who were lucky enough to grab one can sell them for $10,000 today.
7
The Runaways Tour
The Runaways were one of the first prominent all female rock bands in the 1970s. The group went on tour in 1977, including a European leg called “School Days.” T-shirts from the “School Days” leg are now worth up to $7,500.
8
Home
Originally designed for the New York restaurant Home, this t-shirt’s value skyrocketed when John Lennon was seen wearing one. His actual shirt was auctioned off for $16,400.
9
War Is Over, If You Want It
Another John Lennon classic, this shirt was made to promote the single Happy Xmas (War Is Over) by John Lennon and the Plastic Ono Band in 1971. Original versions have sold for multiple thousands of dollars.
10
Metallica Metal Up Your A-
“Metal Up Your A-” was the second shirt Metallica’s ever made, and they are very rare. Versions have sold for $2,000 in the past.
11
Rolling Stones Goats Head Soup Tour Crew Shirt
In 1973, the Rolling Stones made a special shirt just for members of their crew. As a result, only 50 were ever made, and that hyper-rarity means some of them have sold for over $4,000.
