It’s hard to say exactly when the graphic T-shirt was invented. After soldiers wore the US Army-issued T-shirts casually in the 1950s, music groups and even Disney jumped on the bandwagon and the graphic tee became the timeless wardrobe staple it is today. What’s iconic about it is its ability to be across gender lines.

Mark Twain famously said, “Write what you know.”

So forgive me for the very Chicago-centric graphic T-shirts and sweatshirts pictured, but that is what you get when you shop your local Salvation Army thrift store! You’ll find droves of your local professional sports and college sports teams (which are fairly important to have this time of year), but the hard part is finding vintage graphics tees, like the ones pictured here. Finding the perfectly soft, nearly translucent, vintage graphic T-shirt is like discovering a hidden treasure. You have to go literally one-by-one through the hangers and racks, and sometimes you come up empty. Other times, the clouds part and you hold your breath—is this real? Is it authentically old or one of those distressed through manufacturing T-shirts? You check the tags for old fonts. See a yellowed appearance with frayed edges? Then you know that you did indeed find an authentic vintage graphic tee. Wear it like a badge of honor. You have crossed over from amateur thrifter to professional thrifter. Whether you’re male or female, T-shirts are easily paired with black or gray jeans with your choice of shoes.

Did you know The Salvation Army’s Family & Thrift Stores help fund local community services ranging from substance abuse treatment to feeding hungry families?

All images shown were purchased at a Salvation Army thrift store.