Vetements Shirt

How to Find and Style the Perfect Vetements Shirt for Your Wardrobe

Finding the perfect Vetements shirt can feel like an impossible task. As one of the hottest and most exclusive luxury streetwear brands, Vetements has garnered a cult-like following among fashionistas and hypebeasts alike. But with limited distribution, unusual sizing, and sky-high price tags, buying a Vetements shirt requires some research and know-how.

As a longtime Vetements fan and collector, I’ve bought my fair share of designs from this avant-garde label. In this buying guide, I’ll share everything you need to know to find and style the perfect Vetements shirt for your wardrobe and personal taste. We’ll cover how Vetements shirts fit, what styles are available, pricing and resale value, and most importantly, where to actually buy legit Vetements shirts online and in stores.

So whether you’re looking to splurge on your grail Vetements shirt or just want to learn more about this fascinating brand, read on for the ultimate inside scoop.

What Exactly is Vetements?

Before we dive into the nitty gritty details, let’s start with a quick primer on the brand itself. Vetements was founded in 2014 by Georgian designer Demna Gvasalia and his brother Guram. Based in Zurich, Switzerland, Vetements instantly made waves for its unconventional approach to luxury fashion.

The brand is known for deconstructing and repurposing everyday streetwear silhouettes with an avant-garde, über-cool edge. By taking mundane pieces like hoodies, jeans, and t-shirts to the next level, Vetements has completely redefined high fashion for the social media generation.

Vetements collections are always highly anticipated during Paris Fashion Week for their ability to shock and surprise audiences. The brand has a cult following among celebrities like Kanye West and Kim Kardashian, as well as influential stylists and editors.

So in a nutshell, Vetements offers urban streetwear with a high fashion twist. It manages to be simultaneously wearable and outrageous. The anti-establishment ethos, tongue-in-cheek designs, and impossibly long waitlists have all contributed to the hype.

Owning a Vetements piece signifies your insider status and taste for progressive fashion. But achieving this style cred doesn’t come easy. So let’s break down exactly how and where to buy the perfect Vetements shirt.

What to Consider When Buying a Vetements Shirt

Unique Sizing

One of the biggest challenges when shopping Vetements is navigating their intentionally oversized silhouette and unfamiliar sizing. Vetements doesn’t follow standard small, medium, large sizing whatsoever.

Instead they have an obscure numerical system that corresponds to body measurements in centimeters. Depending on the garment, you may see sizes ranging from XS (50) up to XXXL (62). Unfortunately the sizing is not consistent across different items.

For example, a Vetements hoodie in size 52 could fit like a men’s medium, while a Vetements shirt in size 52 fits more like an extra large. Trying to determine your ideal Vetements size without being able to try pieces on can be incredibly confusing.

I recommend thoroughly studying the size chart of any Vetements shirt you’re eyeing up. Compare the measurements to a well-fitting shirt in your closet. And when in doubt, size down if you don’t want an overly baggy fit.

The oversized, flowing shapes of Vetements designs are intentional. But going too big can look sloppy. Petite fashionistas should pay particular attention to the measurements so the shirt doesn’t swallow them whole!

Limited Distribution

Since its inception, Vetements has been an underground label in many ways, producing small quantities and shunning widespread commercial distribution.

The brand relies heavily on drops, limited-edition “capsule collections, and temporary installations or pop-ups. Hype beasts have been known to camp out just for a chance to shop a new Vetements delivery.

But this intentionally scarce approach means buying a Vetements shirt is far from straightforward. You won’t find entire collections sitting neatly on shelves like you would at J.Crew or Banana Republic.

Unless you live in a major fashion capital like Paris, London or NYC, trying to locate Vetements items in person is a challenge. Your best bet is to visit the handful of luxury boutiques and department stores that carry the label. We’ll cover the top retailers later in this buying guide.

For the widest selection, the best prices, and newest releases, shopping for Vetements online is a must. Just make sure the retailer or reseller is authorized and legitimate when buying from the internet.

Steep Pricing

There’s no getting around the fact that Vetements shirts (and everything else from the label) is prohibitively expensive.

Prices typically start around $500 for a basic cotton t-shirt, reaching $3,000 or more for certain designs. The rocketing resale value only compounds the financial barrier to buying Vetements.

This is high fashion in the truest sense. Most consumers will require some budgeting and financial planning around a Vetements purchase.

Personally, I like to stalk Vetements listings on sale sites like Grailed in hopes of scoring a coveted piece for under retail. Or some shoppers wait and save up for that one special grail shirt.

Regardless of your budget, expect to make a serious investment when buying a Vetements shirt. Approach it like the luxury purchase that it is and choose the very best piece for your money.

Think Beyond the T-Shirt

While t-shirts are likely the first style that springs to mind when you hear Vetements, the brand offers a diverse range of shirt styles and silhouettes to suit any aesthetic.

Of course you can’t go wrong with one of their signature oversized cotton or Champion collab tees. But don’t sleep on dressier woven button-ups, preppy polos, and unique cuts like a shoulder-exposing design.

Other options include plaid flannels, striped crews, and racing inspired tops with snap closures. Vetements even makes some shirts from sleek leather or silks.

Exploring less common Vetements shirts can help you stand apart from the hypebeasts all wearing the same graphic tee. Think about what attributes and details will complement your personal style.

Pick Your Theme

Vetements shirts encompass a wide spectrum of aesthetics, themes, and vibes. Before purchasing, decide which style sensibility speaks to you.

Some of the most popular motifs include:

• Gothic and punk: darkened color palettes, inverted crosses, heavy metal fonts
• Humorous pop culture: bright cartoons, ironic phrases, cheeky appropriation
• Corporate and professional: business attire details like ties and pin stripes
• Edgy and raw: distressed effects, uneven hems, deconstructed details
• Sinister and unsettling: unsmiling faces, unnatural proportions, creepy clowns
• Retro throwback: ‘80s and ‘90s nostalgia through graphics, retro branding

Once you select a vibe that fits your fashion perspective, you can better pinpoint that one unforgettable Vetements shirt to lust after.

Study the Fabric and Materials

Vetements uses a range of high quality and unexpected fabrics to create their signature look. But not all materials will suit every buyer.

Lightweight cottons and pullover jersey are ideal for casual wearers who want comfort. Avoid thinner fabrics if you dislike visible nipples or sheerness!

Stiff denim, leathers, and wovens work well for more structured professional looks. But the non-stretch fabrics may fit less forgivingly.

Knits and textured wools up the cozy factor for lounging or layering.

I suggest deciding when and where you’ll realistically wear the shirt most. Then choose a fabric that suits those needs. A party-ready sheer mesh top likely won’t get mileage for daytime business meetings!

Where To Buy Vetements Shirts

Once you know your ideal Vetements shirt style, it’s time for the real hunting to begin! Let’s go through the top options to buy authentic Vetements shirts:

Vetements Online Flagship Store

The most obvious place to begin your search is directly through Vetements’ own webstore at VetementsWebsite.com. This should theoretically give you access to the widest array of current and upcoming pieces.

However, a peek at their online shop reveals that most anything desirable is already sold out or not yet released. The slim pickings highlight how limited Vetements production truly is. But it can still be worth bookmarking their webstore for occasional restocks.

The benefit of buying directly from Vetements (when inventory allows) is the confidence that you’re getting a legitimate piece at full retail pricing. Use the live chat customer service to inquire about upcoming drops or waitlists if you have your heart set on something specific.

Luxury Retailers and Department Stores

Your next step should be checking the high-end boutiques and department stores that are authorized Vetements sellers. These retailers will receive limited stock and often get first dibs on new collections.

Some top luxury stores to shop Vetements include:

• SSENSE: Great selection of tees, hoodies, shirts, and accessories. Often restocks sold out pieces.
• Browns Fashion: Upscale UK boutique carrying the edgier Vetements styles.
• Harrods: Drops limited quantities of the most coveted pieces like hoodies and logo tees.
• Neiman Marcus: Carries a curated assortment of the more avant-garde designs.
• Selfridges: UK department store with one of the largest Vetements stock lists thanks to its early support.
• Nordstrom: Occasionally gets small designer capsule collections of the more wearable pieces.
• Lane Crawford: Premier luxury retailer in Hong Kong and China with exclusives.
• MyTheresa: Ships to over 100 countries from its ecommerce outpost with quick delivery.
• Luisaviaroma: Italian boutique with express global shipping and a loyal Vetements fanbase.

The downside is you may have to move quickly since these stores have limited inventory that sells out fast. Sign up for in-stock notifications and shop new arrivals daily for the best shot at scoring something.

Established luxury sellers also ensure the authenticity of anything branded Vetements. Be wary of random clothing sites claiming to sell the brand – stick to reputable high fashion retailers.

Vetements Pop-Up Shops and Events

If you’re able to visit any upcoming Vetements pop-ups or events, this can be the ultimate way to shop the collection.

Recently the brand has hosted temporary “Supermarkets” in Paris, Seoul, and Hong Kong stocked with hundreds of coveted pieces for fans to directly purchase.

Follow the Vetements Instagram account and website to stay updated on any popup shops or installations that may be launching in a city near you. These limited-time-only experiences draw major crowds, so arrive early!

In the past, Vetements has also done cool in-person events like their 5 day t-shirt market in Paris back in 2016. Limited edition collabs with brands like Juicy Couture have launched at concerts and festivals.

Basically, any opportunity to shop Vetements IRL should not be missed by diehard fans. But you’ll need speed, dedication, and some good old-fashioned luck here.

Online Consignment and Resale Sites

One of the most accessible ways to buy sold out and in-demand Vetements shirts is via the robust resale market. Sites like Grailed, Vestiaire Collective, TheRealReal, and Farfetch all have huge Vetements selections.

The benefits of shopping resale include:

• Wider availability: Find Vetements pieces from past seasons that are no longer sold in stores.
• Deep discounts: Many shirts are marked down well below retail. Expect 30-50% off, with rare steals up to 70% off.
• Verified authenticity: Reputable resellers authenticate pieces and work only with trusted consigners.
• Easy returns: Many sites now offer free return shipping in US/UK.

The catch is that there’s no price regulation in resale. So a ratty, trashed shirt could still list for $800. Stick to sellers with solid ratings, detailed photos, and fair pricing.

I like to save searches on various resale sites for my most wanted items. That way I get notified right away when one pops up for sale. Strike quickly on anything at a good price and condition before it’s gone!

Facebook Groups and Forums

Diehard Vetements devotees often convene in private Facebook groups or forums to buy, sell and discuss the brand.

These hardcore communities are great resources for insider tips on upcoming releases, restocks, and leaks. You may even pick up rare sold out grail pieces from other members’ collections.

Just be wary of potential scammers here as well. ONLY deal with reputable sellers who can provide extensive provenance details and tagged photos of their Vetements items. And avoid “too good to be true” deals on shirts that may be knockoffs.

Some popular groups to explore include:

• Vetements Fans Club (Facebook)
• Vetements Talk Worldwide (Facebook)
• Vetements and Balenciaga Legit Check (Facebook)
• Vetements thread on KanyeToThe (Forum)

Best Vetements Shirt Styles, Designs and Details

Now for the fun part – an overview of the best and most iconic Vetements shirt styles you need on your radar!

Oversized T-Shirts

Let’s start with the staple Vetements t-shirt.

Known for their slouchy, flowing silhouette, these tees run at least 2-3 sizes larger than traditional sizing. Shoulder seams drape down the arms for an artfully oversized effect.

Signature graphics include slogans like “Justin4Ever” or “You Fuck’n Asshole”, their highly-coveted Gothic logo, and plenty of tongue-in-cheek pop culture motifs.

Distressing effects like uneven raw hems, holes, and bleaching add a perfectly undone vibe. These effortless cotton tees epitomize the Vetements aesthetic.

Button-Ups and Polos

Next we have the collar game!

Vetements often subverts classic preppy pieces like polos and button-ups with ironic twists. Mis-matched sleeves, distressed cotton, oddly-placed cut-outs and inverted detailing put a cool grungy spin on country club wear.

Their iconic shirt painted with neck ties takes business attire into surreal territory. While deconstructed oxfords with one shoulder bared bring grungy edge to academia.

For fans of smart casual looks, Vetements long-sleeve polos and poplin button-ups offer plenty of conservative pieces that still feel subversive.

Distressed and Deconstructed Shirts

No brand drapes and distorts cotton quite like Vetements. Misshapen seams, tattered slit sleeves, and uneven cropped hems are some signatures.

These items walk the line between high fashion and thrift store cast-offs. Intentionally distressed shirts demand a careful styling balance to avoid looking like you literally found them on the street!

But for fans of deconstruction and avant-garde shapes, Vetements ragged t-shirts and blouses are the pinnacle. Just take care to avoid anything too threadbare or holey unless that’s the vibe you want.

Graphic Tees

Vetements graphic tees are the type of loud, eye-catching designs that stop traffic. Lots of ”70s and ‘80s heavy metal, punk, and gothic inspired motifs here.

Some of the most iconic graphics include:

• Their spiky “Vetements” logo in gothic lettering
• Giant inverted crosses in red or black
• Sleeve prints of hand gestures – both polite and rude!
• Pop culture icons like Bart Simpson as well as cops and security guards
• Quirky product packaging spoofs like “FedEx” and “DHL”

For the full shock value, go for one of their satanic or sinister designs. These dark tees make anti-establishment statements that won’t fly under the radar.

Collaborations and Artist Editions

Some of the most coveted Vetements shirts come from their limited collabs and artist capsule collections.

Recent hot releases include tees designed by legends like Robert Crumb of “Fritz the Cat” fame.

Editions from underground street artists are true one-of-a-kinds. There are also ongoing mashups with iconic brands including Champion, Carhartt, Juicy Couture, Canada Goose, Alpha Industries and more.

Collab shirts tend to sell out instantly and resell for astronomical prices, so devotees haunt Instagram and forums eagerly awaiting the next Vetements team up.

How to Style and Wear Vetements Shirts

Regardless of where or which Vetements shirt you end up buying, the styling is key to perfectly pulling off the luxe streetwear look. Here are some pro tips:

Size Down for a Cropped Fit

Instead of drowning in the oversized shape, try sizing down 1-2 sizes. This creates a cool cropped effect where the shirt hits just at your waistband.

Oversized sleeves still drape for that signature Vetements look. But the shrunken fit prevents you from getting lost in the large proportions.

Layer Under Opaque Tees

Lean into the slouchy baggy shapes by layering over top of fitted base layers. Start with a sleek tank or bodysuit to define your figure.

Then throw on an oversized band tee or striped woven shirt on top. This creates visual interest and texture.

Tuck into Trousers or Jeans

For a more polished vibe, tuck your Vetements tee or polo into jeans, leather pants, or pleated trousers.

Tucking maintains the volume on top but balances it with a slim bottom half. Try a front tuck that leaves the back tails hanging out.

Add Tailoring and Blazers

Vetements overshirts look fantastic styled with traditional blazers, suit jackets, and trench coats.

The formal outer layer instantly pulls together and “styles up” a distressed graphic tee. Contrasting proportions feel modern and directional.

Cuff or Knot for Cropped Length

The ultra long shirt lengths can overwhelm a petite frame (or even taller folks). Try cuffing or knotting the shirt at the waist for a DIY cropped effect.

Twisting and tucking the fabric transforms an oversized shirt into a whole new silhouette.

Lean Into the Theme

Don’t be afraid to have some fun and lean fully into the vibe of your Vetements shirt.

Style a grungy printed tee with ripped denim and a beanie for a punk look. Or pair a collared polo with pleated trousers and loafers to twist business casual.

Let your Vetements piece speak for itself as the statement item anchoring your outfit.

Vetements Shirts: Worth the Hype?

So at the end of the day, are Vetements shirts really worth the legendary hype and prohibitively high pricing?

In my opinion, the answer depends entirely on your personal style and values as a fashion consumer.

For true clothing connoisseurs who appreciate design deconstruction and progressive silhouettes, Vetements’ unique perspective is undeniably alluring. The cult appeal and barriers to access enhance the feeling of exclusivity.

But casual buyers may balk at spending thousands on an everyday t-shirt – no matter how on-trend. And devotees of a more elegant, polished aesthetic won’t find much use for these gritty streetwise pieces.

My advice is don’t get sucked into buying Vetements just for the flex or status symbol. Choose mindfully based on your genuine love for what their garments represent.

Focus on that one unicorn shirt that perfectly encapsulates your style, then style it in a way that feels authentic to you. Avoid blowing your budget or wearing pieces you don’t connect with just to impress others.

At the end of the day, it’s just clothing, albeit very intriguing and cool clothing with an innovative approach!

So are you sold on buying a Vetements shirt? Have any insider tips I missed? Let me know in the comments! And check back as I continue providing lux fashion guides for the hottest labels.