An iconic DnD shirts guide is what I used to shop for a few Christmas gifts last year. Along the way, I found plenty of shirts to bookmark for myself, and I liked each of them for different reasons.
I’ve been playing D&D for over 15 years and am always looking for cool DnD merch. T-shirts never go out of style and are a great way to share your love with others, connecting silently.
My Top DnD Shirt Picks Up Front
- The Classic – Amazon
- The Eye of the Beholder – Amazon
- Pastel & DnD Shirt – Hot Topic
- Shenanigans – Hot Topic
- DM Thinker – Hot Topic
- Anatomy of a D20 – Tee Public
- Roll to Hit – Heroes & Villains
- Druid Power of Nature – Etsy
- We’re All Trash – Tee Public
- IGS D&D – Target
- Roll for Initiative – Amazon
- Class Shirts – Amazon
- Fireball – Etsy
- Dungeons & Doggos – Etsy
- Every Class Hit Die – Tee Public
- Vax & Vex – Tee Public
- It’s Too Late – Tee Public
- Trinket Wonder Bear – Hot Topic
- Knights of Avalir – Critical Role
- Legend of Vox Machina – Critical Role
- Boulder, Parchment, Shears – Critical Role
- Scanlan Is Back – Critical Role
- The Mighty Nein – Critical Role
- Watercolor Love – Critical Role
While I would wear almost any D&D shirt and fall in love with most of them, I picked a couple that I rank above the rest. My top choice is the Pastel option from Hot Topic due to its simplicity.
My second option is the Class shirt from Amazon. You can get any of the base classes in a color scheme suitable to the class, and it will surely please anyone who isn’t a die-hard class hopper.
DnD Shirt Criteria
When I choose D&D shirts, there aren’t many things I consider. I ask myself if I like it and if I can afford it. If the answer is yes, then that’s all I need to know. However, when I think about it, this is my personal criteria.
Classiness
Classiness is important to me. While classiness is subjective, I think there is a larger umbrella of classiness that all perspectives fall under. Not all shirts must be classy, but it is my favorite tee style.
Memeability
I love meme shirts. So if a shirt can look cool and reference a meme, I love it even more. While everyone has a different sense of humor, I believe most people like a humorous shirt that suits them.
Quality
The quality of the shirt is crucial for the long term. I highly prefer female cuts and the thin heather fabric. A nice tri-blend will ensure that I keep the shirt around for years to come.
Accuracy
When I say accuracy, I mean accurate to the D&D world. If the D20 is actually a spin-down counter, it will bug me the entire time I wear it. So I fact-check the shirt. Of course, inaccuracies don’t bother everyone.
Trustworthiness
The store, not the shirt. I don’t buy from stores that aren’t popular online unless I can pay via PayPal, and I can check the URL before logging in. It’s important to keep an eye out for sus sites.
Most Iconic DnD Shirts
It wasn’t easy to narrow it down, but I got it down to 25 different shirts. Seventeen of them are classic D&D shirts that I’m sure most players will relate to and possible even fall in love with.
The Classic
This red classic D&D shirt is the most popular in existence. The design has been around since the 1980s, and it will never go out of style. If I’m not mistaken, it was the first original D&D shirt design.
Pros
- Readily Available
- Classic
- Licensed by Bioworld
Cons
- Common
- Only one basic style
- One color
- May fade
The Eye of the Beholder
I would guess that the Beholder is the most iconic monster in D&D. There are quite a few Beholder shirts to choose from, but this one is my favorite because it’s unique and looks well-made.
Pros
- Classic
- Many colors
- Men’s or Women’s styles
- Many sizes
- Licensed by D&D
Cons
- Common (Beholder)
Pastel & DnD Shirt
I personally love this pick from Hot Topic. It’s light, sweet, and classy. If I only had one D&D shirt, it would probably be this one because it is neutral enough that I would always want to wear it.
Pros
- Heather
- Can buy with Hot Cash
- Balanced aesthetics
- Soft, yet durable
- Plenty of reviews
Cons
- Not always available
- Can be simple
- Not easily recognized as D&D
- Only one option
Shenanigans
D&D players are usually familiar with the term “shenanigans” and how it applies to the campaign. I’ve heard the term plenty of times in gaming and TCGs, but it seems to hit differently when it comes to tabletops.
Pros
- Unique
- Can buy with Hot Cash
- Plenty of sizes
- Heather
- Soft, yet durable
Cons
- May look seasonal
- One style
- Not for everyone
DM Thinker
I don’t believe that the DM from the old D&D cartoon ever had a name other than Dungeon Master. Dungeon Master is the original DM and is who every other DM looks up to. This is the perfect shirt for your DM.
Pros
- Classy
- References old cartoon
- Can purchase with Hot Cash
- Simple and sophisticated
Cons
- New fans may not like it
Anatomy of a D20
This is one of the most original DnD shirts I’ve ever seen. Every single line and art detail on the shirt was planned perfectly. The die has organs that each have a specific D&D function.
Pros
- Unique
- Can catch on sale easily
- Plenty of colors and styles (like a lot)
Cons
- Organs may be offputting
- Designer may stop selling
Roll to Hit
Something about this shirt is so classy. I’ve never been a necromancer and don’t plan to be one soon. In fact, I often stray from the darker tones of D&D in fashion, but this shirt does it right.
Pros
- Classy
- Neutral color
- Licensed by D&D
Cons
- Only one style and color
- Not readily available
Druid Power of Nature
I’ve only been a Druid once, but I absolutely respect them. This design is gorgeous and original. I’ve never wanted to be a Druid more than I did after seeing this shirt. “Add to cart.”
Pros
- Unique
- A few color options
- Five-star seller
Cons
- Not for non-Druid lovers
- Only one style
We’re All Trash
The rolling a “1” meme may be used a lot, but it will never be overused. This shirt captures the essence well and gives a great spin. If you’re not familiar with the trash panda, you might want to get familiar with it.
Pros
- Unique
- Lots of options
- Memey
- Can easily catch on sale
Cons
- Not everyone will get it
IGS D&D
Who doesn’t want to be a member of the International Gaming Society? It makes gaming seem sophisticated. If someone isn’t comfortable wearing dorky or nerdy gear on the outside, this should be a good compromise.
Pros
- Simple
- Perfect for those uncomfortable with their inner nerd
- Stylish
Cons
- Doesn’t scream “proud D&D player”
- Only one color and style
Roll for Initiative
No, this isn’t Call of Cthulhu, but yes, that does look like a Cthulhu monster. However, it is, in fact, a Mindflayer. The Mind Flayer is a prevalent Lawful Evil, Elitist entity in Dungeons & Dragons.
Pros
- Involves Stranger Things fans
- Has kid sizes
- Simple D&D reference
- Balanced aesthetics
- Licensed by D&D
Cons
- Color choices aren’t diverse
Class Shirts
If I bought my DnD party presents, I would get them each a class shirt. Rogue would be my personal choice, and I love this licensed Dungeons & Dragons (Wizards of the Coast) design.
Pros
- Any class choice
- Simple yet pleasing
- Appropriate for almost anywhere
Cons
- Not for fan you don’t know well
Fireball
Any Wizards in chat? There’s an ongoing joke about Wizards casting Fireball regardless of who they may hurt. This shirt captures that well and does so with a style that I – someone who has never been a Wizard – would wear.
Pros
- Funny
- Great seller
Cons
- May offend Wizard
- Not many choices
Dungeons & Doggos
I love this cute doggo/D&D marriage. Doggo shirts have been trending for years and haven’t stopped trending. This one is perfect if you prefer cute shirts rather than standard D&D shirts.
Pros
- Color options
- Great seller
- Unique
- Adorable
Cons
- Looks like Lord of the Rings (good thing in my opinion, but not the goal here)
- Not many style options
Every Class Hit Die
This shirt is perfect for those who want to honor every class. In case you didn’t notice, each class is their hit die on the shirt, which is why the tankier the class, the higher the die.
Pros
- Plenty of colors
- Accurate to class hit die
- Lots of styles
- Color diversity in art
- May stop selling
Cons
- Can be loud on wrong color
- May not always be available
It’s Too Late
This is a classic meme, and it’s true as far as I have seen. However, it may not be in your experiences. But in mine, if the DM is smiling, it’s because he has nefarious plans that have rolled out perfectly.
Pros
- Funny
- Plenty of colors
- Lots of styles
- Color diversity in art
- May stop selling
Cons
- May offend non-devious DM
- May be too simple
- Not a lot of D&D art
Critical Role Shirts
Because I found so many Critical Role shirts that I liked, I had to make a special section for them. Eight of the 25 shirts I chose are Critical Role shirts. However, they look cool even if you’ve never watched the series.
Vax & Vex
If you don’t watch Critical Role, you probably should because it is both entertaining and inspiring. These siblings are two of D&D’s most relatable and recognizable characters.
Pros
- It’s Vex and Vax
- Cheap
- Looks iconic
Cons
- Only white available
- One style
Trinket Wonder Bear
Trinket is a bear – an animal companion – patterned with the Ranger Vex in Critical Role. Laura Bailey does an amazing job of playing Vex, and the character has quickly become an icon.
Pros
- Adorable
- It’s Trinket
- Sells out fast
- Cheap
Cons
- Only one style
- Only one color
- That is all
Knights of Avalir
If you find a licensed Critical Role shirt that you like, buy it because they sell like hot cakes. I remember the first shirts they had for sale sold out overnight, or rather literally while they were streaming.
Pros
- Classic
- Could wear it every day
Cons
- Simple
- Pricey
- Not everyone watched this campaign
Legend of Vox Machina
Some people started playing D&D and watching Critical Role after they started watching the Legend of Vox Machina. I think this is amazing. I’m all for new fans and respect them just as much as I do old ones.
Pros
- Classic
- It’s Vox Machina
Cons
- Not visibly D&D to non-CR fans
- Pricey
Boulder, Parchment, Shears
This is the nerdiest way possible to play rock, scissors, paper, and I’m here for it. In fact, I’m going to start playing rock, scissors, paper just like this from now on. All I have to do is get my friends on board.
Pros
- Nerdy even if you don’t play D&D
- Classy
- Perfect for any occasions
Cons
- Only in yellow
Scanlan Is Back
Scanlan Shorthalt may be the most iconic Critical Role character ever. While Vex and the others are well-known, Scanlan is pegged as the comedic relief; but we all know that he’s much more than that.
Pros
- Plenty of sizes
- Acid wash (perfectly done)
- Metal
Cons
- Inappropriate to those who know…
The Mighty Nein
The Mighty Nein is Critical Role’s second campaign’s party. While not as popular as Vox Machina, it’s the one that I’ve watched the most of, so I can’t help but be in love with this shirt.
Pros
- Super classy
- Mix of vibes
- It’s the Mighty Nein
Cons
- Pricey
- Only one color
Watercolor Love
This is the simplest Critical Role shirt that isn’t a plain neutral. If you know that someone loves Critical Role but you’re not sure what they like about it, this is a good neutral choice to honor the show with.
Amazon D&D Shirt Subscription
https://www.amazon.com/Dungeons-Dragons-T-Shirt-Club-Subscription/dp/B0933CLYYV?ref_=ast_sto_dp&th=1&psc=1
It’s going to be difficult for me to resist this subscription. All you have to do is choose a size and get a monthly D&D shirt for around $18 each, each chosen by Dungeons & Dragons company.
Now, I wouldn’t go this route if you want the newest shirts or are waiting for a specific shirt. But if you want a large collection for a reasonable price, then there isn’t a better choice.
Where to Buy DnD Shirts
There are hundreds of stores that sell D&D shirts. But I’ve only bought them – or similar shirts – at a few different stores with success. These are my top stores to buy iconic DnD shirts.
Etsy
Etsy is one of my favorite places to shop online. Most of their shirts are print-on-demand. I would check out reviews for the shop so you can see more than just the automated print in the picture.
RedBubble
All of RedBubbles shirts are print-on-demand. The quality of the shirts depends on the type that you choose rather than the seller, but you will get what you pay for in most cases.
TeePublic
Another print-on-demand store I love because it’s so easy to set up an artist account and support artists who make their living via outlets like this. There are many others like TeePublic, but I’ve used it multiple times.
Amazon
Amazon is always on my list because of how easy shopping is and because the free shipping is a perk when you have Prime. They have both print-on-demand and already printed shirts.
Hot Topic
Hot Topic is my favorite store. I prefer to shop in-store because the deals are better, but I’ve shopped exclusively online for the last few years. I don’t go more than a few months without looking for something at Hot Topic.
Box Lunch
Box Lunch is owned by the same company that owns Hot Topic. The company is newer than Hot Topic, but it does have a different inventory than Hot Topic, so I always shop them both.
Department Stores
Many department stores – like Kohls and Target – occasionally have D&D shirts. I prefer to pick these up when I see them in-store, and they are usually a unique find, which always excites me.
FAQs
Question: What is the Classic D&D Shirt?
Answer: The classic DnD shirt is the red shirt that mimics the Dungeons & Dragons 1st edition Player’s Manual. The red dragon is iconic, and the shirt was the first D&D shirt that was popularized.
Question: What’s the Best Place to Buy DnD Shirts?
Answer: My favorite place to shop is Hot Topic. I love the balance of classy and unique that they offer. But my second favorite place is Etsy because there are so many interesting options.
Question: How Much Should a DnD Shirt Cost?
Answer: Most D&D shirts will cost around $25 if they’re not on sale. I prefer to wait for a sale and get one for under $15. Yes, I do remember when tees that were $15 were expensive.
The Right D&D Shirt For You
Every D&D player I know would choose a different Dungeons and Dragons shirt. So there isn’t a one-size fits all pick. The classic red tee is a good choice because most D&D fans will recognize it.
But it’s just one to add to the collection. I prefer something that is uniquely me rather than something that everyone else has. Balancing that with class isn’t always easy, but it’s the route I choose to take.
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