In 2015, I made the transition from a vegetarian to a vegan lifestyle — something incredibly challenging but highly rewarding. So I thought it time to seek out pop culture-inspired T-shirts for vegans and vegetarians to have fun in as I share my politics with the world.
Depending on how far you wish to travel on the herbivore scale, you might be making changes to your wardrobe, your beauty products, your homewares, and more. But if you're big on fashion, don't worry. You don't need to give up your style just yet. There are an array of vegan designers creating beautiful garments out there, of course, including Pamela Anderson's vegan bag and shoe line. But starting with something simple — like the humble T-shirt — might be a great place to begin your journey and dip your toe into the vegan fashion pool.
There are many reasons why people go vegetarian or vegan. From my experiences, the three most common are the animals, the environment, and the health benefits. Vegan fashion echoes these. So for herbivores who want to make a comedic statement while being sensitive towards people's life choices, these pop culture reference tees may be just the ticket.
1. The Vegan Barbie T-Shirt
'Vegan Barbie' USA Made 100 Percent Cotton T-Shirt, $30, District Vegan
This T-shirt is wonderful for a Barbie-loving vegan gal. You could even wear it ironically if you fancy yourself a bit of a hipster.
2. The Beyoncé Inspired Tee
I Went Vegan Before Beyonce Crop, $47, Vaute Couture
Remember when Jay Z and Beyoncé went vegan back in 2013? They embarked on a 22-day vegan challenge, which Jay Z wrote about on his blog, and then Queen Bey teamed up with exercise physiologist Marco Borges to launch the vegan delivery meal company 22 Days Nutrition. These days, Beyoncé isn't vegan anymore. You, on the other hand, may have been going strong on the plant-based diet since pre-winter 2013. If that's the case, you'll need this comedic shirt in your life.
3. The Turtle Power Tee
Vegan Power Women's T-Shirt, $15, Etsy
Fans of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles are sure to love this humorous shirt that makes a nod towards the old school '90s TMNT movie track "Turtle Power!" It's also available in a range of colors and sizes from S to XXL.
4. The Dino Kale Top
Dino Kale Unisex Tee, $24, Vegan Apparel
Although this tee doesn't strictly reference Jurassic Park, I think the velociraptor/T-Rex graphic is close enough for vegan fangirls of the franchise to find this shirt totally roarsome. The best part is that it's made from reclaimed cotton and recycled plastic bottles, plus it's available in sizes S to XXL.
5. The Sega Style
Vegan T-Shirt, $16, Etsy
Gamer gals will adore this witty tee that plays with the Sega logo. If you used to play awesome '90s video games on your Sega Megadrive, you're likely to hear a chorus of people singing "Vegan" to the tune of Sega whenever you pass by a mirror and read this slogan.
6. The Studio Ghibli Inspired Shirt
Studio Ghibli Illustration: Calcifer #2 Women's Fitted Scoop T-Shirt, $26, Redbubble
This one's for all the Studio Ghibli girls, or rather Howl's Moving Castle fans, as it features Calcifer the fire demon and his hysterical faux-curse, "May all your bacon burn."
7. The Jerry Maguire Movie Reference
You Had Me At Vegan T-Shirt, $25, The Dharma Store
Whether you liked Jerry Maguire or not, this vintage-inspired tee is super cute and sends an awesome analog message.
8. The Almonds Are A Girl's Best Friend Tee
'Girl's Best Friend' Tank, $25, District Vegan
Move over, Marilyn. It's 2015 and it would seem that almonds are a girl's best friend now.
9. The Friends Inspired T-Shirt
Vegan Friends Women's Relaxed Fit T-Shirt, $26, Red Bubble
Did you think it impossible to combine your love of Friends and veganism? This Friends logo inspired tee proves that anything is possible.
10. The Sandra Dee Tee
Wolly Draws (PETA), $44, Black Score
Lovers of Grease will instantly recognize this lyric from the comedic tune "Look At Me, I'm Sandra Dee," sung by a teasing Rizzo. PETA and Black Score collaborated to create this funny tee with a serious message, which vegans and veggies are bound to appreciate.
11. The Free Tilly Tee
Free Tilly Unisex T-Shirt, $19, PETA Catalog
This clever tee is animal activism apparel at its best. It pokes fun at the movie series Free Willy, yet holds a somber message about freeing Tilikum the killer whale from captivity in SeaWorld. Tilikum appears in the documentary Blackfish, which highlights the lives of the orcas residing in the park.
So if your veganism is a huge part of your life, why not share it with the world through a comedic or clever pop culture reference tee?
Images: Courtesy Brands
