Message t-shirts are trending at every fashion level - from the runways of Milan to the casual settings of the yoga studio and local streets. But have you ever wondered, can wearing a t-shirt really have an impact on the world around you? 

The truth is that yes, it can. While it may not seem like much, buying and wearing a t-shirt to support a cause has an array of benefits. You could even say it has a ripple effect of positive impacts. 

Keep reading to learn more about the ways that t-shirts designed for social change can indeed invoke social change. 

Self-Expression 

Clothing has always been a form of self-expression. During the woman's suffrage period of the early 1900s, women wore white to show their support for the movement. During the 60s and 70s, people wore screenprints, hats, bags, and pins to protest against the war in Vietnam and support the civil rights movement. 

Beyond political expression, clothing can be used to express one's identity. For example, wearing band t-shirts shows one's musical taste. Black clothing and jewelry have long been used within punk and outcast culture. Wearing a suit and tie expresses business work, formality, and a degree of success. 

There are just some examples of how clothing has been used to express one's beliefs, political stance, status, and values. If it can be used successfully for these things, then clothing to support a charitable cause can have a similar effect. 

Wearing a t-shirt that supports a charitable cause and positive change expresses to others that the wearer cares about the cause. It can show one's personality and provide an avenue to express one's opinions without ever having to say a word. That makes t-shirts perfect for more quiet or reserved folks (but of course, they are and should be worn by any personality who supports the cause). 

Raise Awareness

Wearing a t-shirt that supports a cause can help raise awareness for the cause. It is an easy form of marketing. 

People instinctively read shirts - we can't help it as humans. We are curious beings. 

So, wearing a t-shirt really can have an impact. Whether your shirt displays a widely recognized statement such as "Nasty Woman" - a statement that was used to protest against Donald Trump's remarks about women during the xxx debate -- an organizational logo, or a message such as "save the bees", people you come into contact with will notice.

If they do not know the significance, they will likely ask. This is a great opportunity to talk about the cause and raise awareness.

People may also simply like the design or the message. Many environmental and conservation-focused t-shirts are trending as they fit within the current hipster lifestyle and values. Thus, your shirt could catch the public eye for its look and design, and then lead to conversations about the cause. 

The best part is that many may not be aware of the cause. Thus, wearing a t-shirt can spread the message quickly, easily, and with style!

Conversation Starters

As mentioned, wearing a t-shirt can be a conversation starter. Just think of all the times someone has complimented your clothing or asked you about something you're wearing. It's a common, everyday conversation. 

So, it shouldn't be any different with a t-shirt supporting a cause. Moreover, it's likely to start conversations with people beyond your friends and family. 

This is a great opportunity to spread the word and raise awareness. But also, to provide more information. Some people may have heard of the cause but do not know exactly how they can get involved or purchase/donate for themselves. The t-shirt is a great starter to share the website details and give more details about the organization or business. 

Monetary Support

A lot of times we as humans feel helpless - like we can't make a difference when the world's problems feel so big. The great thing is, that we don't have to donate millions of dollars or start a charity or discover a cure for cancer. We can make a difference by simply buying a t-shirt from a company or organization that donates the proceeds to a cause. 

You may be surprised just how successful t-shirt campaigns can be in raising monetary support for causes. A great example is Gap's Inspi(red) t-shirt campaign that was started more than 15 years ago to raise awareness and money for AIDS prevention and research. In ten years, Gap raised $10 million for the cause with its t-shirts. 

Bonding Between Like-Minded People

An important part of creating positive change is solidarity - bringing people together who share the same values to create a team of support. We've all heard the saying "strength in numbers." A group of people has more influence than one person.

Wearing t-shirts for social change first shows others that you identify with a cause and/or group (without even speaking). People who also identify similarly are more likely to approach you. Often times we have witnessed people giving high-fives or fist bumps to others who are wearing a t-shirt they agree with or presenting a cause they support. 

Empower Others

Seeing your t-shirt could empower others to act. You may be wondering just how so. For one, it can empower others to either buy a t-shirt for themselves or to get more involved in the cause. Especially if your t-shirt leads to conversations about the campaign and/or organization. 

This is because many humans are natural followers rather than leaders. It often takes someone else to make the first step, which motivates us to move forward, too. So, whether you're a natural follower or leader, message t-shirts can impact and empower others.

Empower Yourself

Research shows that choosing your clothing impacts the way we feel and act. There are psychological reasons for wearing clothing, even if we are not aware of them consciously. 

For example, studies find that wearing business clothes can lead to better productivity and performance in the workplace. On the other hand, wearing comfortable clothing can help one relax and reduce stress. 

So, why wouldn't wearing t-shirts for social change have a similar impact? 

Putting on your message t-shirt reminds you of the cause you are supporting, and you immediately feel proud of your role in helping the cause and stand taller. You may feel excited to wear your t-shirt out so that you can spread the message and raise awareness - further contributing to the purpose. 

All of these positive feelings are empowering. They make one feel good, strong, and important. These feelings can motivate one to do even more.

Plus, moods are contagious. Your empowerment can easily spread to those around you. When we empower others, we further empower ourselves.

Environmental Impacts

Many t-shirts designed to support environmental and/or conservation movements are made with environmentally-friendly and sustainable practices. This means that the environmental impact of a t-shirt made in support of environmental causes can be numerous. 

To start, it raises funds for environmental campaigns such as conservation, biodiversity, climate change mitigation, and water quality, among many others. Secondly, it mitigates the environmental consequences that happen when clothing is not made with sustainable practices or labor. This reduces waste, energy consumption, and environmental destruction. 

You will find that many t-shirts designed for positive change, beyond those for environmental causes, use eco-friendly practices. This is because environmental concerns tend to be important for persons who support other causes such as human rights, equality, positive political change, and research. So, it is likely that no matter the cause you are buying for, the environmental impacts are less negative.

Are You Ready to Be Wearing a T-shirt to Change the World?

As you can see, wearing a t-shirt can really make a difference. Through self-expression, monetary donations, raising awareness, empowerment, and more, message t-shirts are a simple and affordable way to support a cause, and can eventually change the world for the better. 

If you're ready to be wearing a t-shirt for the betterment of the world, look no further than Himeros. Our mission is to raise awareness for every positive cause.

Our products vary based on the cause or non-profit we are supporting at the moment. So, if you're not sure which cause to donate to, or you want to support a variety of causes, Himeros is the place for you. 

Check out our current collection The Horns, which supports sexual rights. With each purchase, we donate $1 to Amnesty International, a global movement to end abuses of human rights.