Threadless: Limited Edition Designer Tees

Looking to pick up some designer duds, but don't have the big bucks for major label price tags? Threadless offers a tasteful array of original designs for $20 or less. This clothing retailer is a company run out of Chicago, but does most of its business online. What's so special about them? All of their designs come from independent artists, and are voted to life by the community.

Graphic designers are not drafted, given any guidelines, or forced into creating a mainstream masterpiece. Instead Threadless tries to mold outside the box thinking, into t-shirt form. You don't have to be Van Gogh or even an art major to get your work printed either. Any average Joe that has access to a computer, and home grown artistic skill can upload a design into the voting fray.

I love voting for designs, and then being able to buy them later when they're printed. I've done this on several pieces so far! After you vote with your account you're sent an e-mail if a design you like is purchased from the artist, and printed. Artists can claim subsequent checks if their design is a big seller, and is reprinted as well.

My closet is getting pretty full, and people always stop me on the street to ask about the fascinating t-shirt designs. Everyone wants to know where I've bought something so original. Many of the ideas involved in the tees may not appeal to everyone. It takes a different way of thinking to comprehend some artist's work.

Many of the pieces are just plain mesmerizing in clothing form. People find all sorts of interesting ways to make vibrant colors capture your attention, and new ideas come to life. The designs range from insanely intricate to unbelievably simple. One of my favorite things about their line though is that there's no design discrimination between sexes. Often times on other sites I find designs I just love, but I have to purchase ill fitting men's sizes since they do not print that particular art for women. Threadless makes all their designs for both men, and women so I'm never left out when I shop on their site. Lots of designs are also made for kids, and babies too.

If you're a collector on a budget that's even slimmer than $20 you can still get in on it. Threadless almost always has great sales on t-shirts. I cleaned up a few months ago when they held a $5 sale, and free shipping! They regularly have designs available in the $9, $12, and $15 ranges as well. If you want to have a look at a few of my favorites search for Solitary Dreams Pt.2, Rainforests, and Electric Sky.