Heart on Your Sleeve: The Best Filipino Statement T-Shirts to Wear Right Now

For all sorts of emotions and situations.

By Sam Beltran | May 21, 2019

IMAGE INSTAGRAM/ @teammanila @staffcowear

It makes sense that Filipino statement T-shirts are a big part of the local streetwear scene. With the country’s tropical climate and the city’s underground culture, graphic T-shirts are the perfect vehicles for expressing angst or whatever else you are feeling.

Local streetwear outfits, from labels reminiscent of the global behemoth Supreme to brands that experiment with different art styles, are influencing the evolution of the look of Filipino statement T-shirts. They've gone beyond slapping prints on tees, with some brands even straddling the line between street and designer sensibilities.

Here, we round up the coolest statement T-shirts that can express what you're feeling right now.

For the Monday Grind: This Alarm Clock T-shirt

Filipino pride runs deep in the designs of Team Manila, which has grown only better over time. Check out its hilarious tribute to start-of-the-week blues. Team Manila

For High-Energy Weekends: This Electric T-shirt

THE has earned a loyal following because of its minimalist designs and high-profile partnerships. Its collaboration tee with the House of Vans is perfect for chilling on the beach with a cold one in hand. THE

For Catching Waves: This '70s-Inspired T-shirt

Nothing sums up nerd, skate, and surf culture more than a '70s-inspired T-shirt—bold, loud, fun, vibrant. Gnarly

For Angst-Filled Days: This 'Overthrow Dark Systems’ T-shirt

Daily Grind is the same team behind Team Manila, but while the latter's designs are rooted in patriotism, Grind has more urban influences. Wear this one whenever you feel like sticking it to the establishment. Daily Grind

For Friday Night Gigs: This Psychedelic-Retro T-shirt

This Peek tee by WSH (short for Witness Surreal Hypnosis) fuses pop art and classic skate aesthetic—an out-of-this-world concept. (Think streetwear done with psychedelic imagination.) WSH

For a Summer Road Trip: This ‘Cool Breeze’ T-shirt

This T-shirt's bold and cartoonish design, featuring the label's Nick Automatic character, is tinged with retro flavor, and is perfect for summer. Nick Automatic

For the Absolute Snack Fan: This 'Potato Corner' T-shirt

Similar to global streetwear labels, SYF makes bank through the use of logos. It adds a playful twist to the trend, however, by riffing on popular brands. Fries, anyone? SYF

For Exploring a New City: This Nippon T-shirt

Keep tabs on this mustard-colored Archer shirt, which is just one of the strong designs from Royalty's Nippon collection. Royalty

For the Elder Millennial: This ‘Remain Unsent’ T-shirt

Nobody's take on pop culture is spot on: This neon green “Remain Unsent” tee featuring a Nokia 3310 is giving us intense flashbacks to simpler times. Nobody

For Throwback Thursdays: This Taz ‘Big Hitter’ T-shirt

Progress has become known for its '90s throwback tees with bright typography and Supreme-like logos. When was the last time you wore a Looney Tunes character T-shirt? Progress

For the Cubao X Regular: This ‘Cubao Loves Everybody’ T-Shirt

It's only fitting that The Twelfth House, a mainstay of Cubao Expo, pays tribute to the artistic collective with a tee that speaks the truth. Grab this for yourself and get one for that friend who frequents Fred’s Revolucion. The Twelfth House

For the Island Vacay: This Tie-Dye T-shirt

DBTK takes on fashion’s latest trend—tie-dye!—and puts its own spin on it. Wear this while riding your skateboard or just before catching a wave. DBTK

For The Health Buff: This 'Eat Healthy' T-shirt

Statement T-shirts aren’t all about angst. We Drool Supply Co just wants to remind you to take care of yourself—and also look good while doing it. We Drool Supply Co.

For The Tito Rocker: This 'Stay True' T-shirt

Cebu-based Deadways presents an uncomplicated message, but uses a tattoo-inspired design that’s just plain cool. Deadways

For The Happy Workaholic: This Trademark T-shirt

We can't fault a trademark seal on a minimalist T-shirt. Whether this is meant to provoke insight about commercialism or is just here for the aesthetic, it looks pretty solid. Staff Co.