Admit it, you own at least one tie-dyed piece of clothing. No shame, everyone does!

Tie-dyed fabric is one of those looks that seems timeless. While those of us in the United States often associate it with the vibrant colors of the 1960s, it has a history that goes back hundreds of years and across many continents. It’s a relatively simple method for dyeing clothes with many variations, so it’s not too surprising that several cultures developed some version of this technique independently from one another.

What is surprising is how tie-dye is a trend that stands the test of time. Year after year, as the sun comes out and spring turns into summer, tie-dye re-emerges once again. Even those who normally avoid bright colors and bold prints are influenced by it. As Vogue’s Fashion Director Virginia Smith says: “Tie-dye is the print for the non-print person.”

Maybe it’s the one-of-a-kind nature of tie-dye that calls to us. It’s a process that means no two shirts dyed this way will look the same, allowing our unique taste and individual style to shine forth.

There’s also a do-it-yourself element to tie-dyeing, which became even more popular during the pandemic lockdowns of 2020. With a few rubber bands and some bottles of your favorite colors of dye, you’re all set to DIY a whole new wardrobe for yourself!

However, we don’t all have time for that, so you can get that tie-dye look without making it yourself. Whether it’s the Crystal Tie-Dye Tee in colors ranging from Sky Blue to Purple to Black Teal, or the wild and vibrant Tiger Stripe Tie-Dye Tee, there’s a little something for everyone to express their style. The bright colors and unexpected patterns of tie-dye are especially fun for kids, so we’ve included plenty of youth-sized tie-dyed tees and sweatshirts too, all dyed by hand for that unique tie-dyed effect.

The sun is out. The skies are clear. Whether you’re young or just young at heart, it’s time to break out that tie-dye and enjoy the season. Shop SanMar’s full tie-dye collection here.

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