Swiftie Style: DIY Taylor Swift-Inspired Apparel

By ShirtSpace | Nov 16, 2023 |  Updated Apr 04, 2024

Are you a Swiftie looking to add a touch of Taylor Swift's iconic style to your wardrobe? There are so many great Taylor Swift outfits to recreate! Whether inspired by her many “Eras,” her love for her pet cats, or her budding romance with Travis Kelce, this blog post will guide you through creating your own Taylor Swift-inspired clothing.

Alt Hero Image Credit: B.Cole Creations

DIY Taylor Swift Inspired Apparel

Wear your DIY Taylor Swift shirt at the world-renowned Eras tour while seeing it in movie theaters or out and about on the town so that everyone can see how big of a Taylor fan you are! From the materials and tools you'll need to the step-by-step instructions for crafting unique pieces, we've got you covered. So, let's dive into the world of DIY Taylor Swift fashion!

Finding Inspiration: Exploring Taylor Swift's Iconic Style Through the Years

Taylor Swift's style has evolved, much like her music. Her musical catalog is quite impressive. From the early country days of “Fearless” to the retro pop vibes of “1989” and the vintage aesthetics of “Folklore” and “Evermore,” there's a Taylor Swift Era for everyone. Why not create custom apparel for each era to celebrate her musical journey?

Print the back of a sweatshirt with “I remember it all too well” while wearing a red scarf, or embroider a patch on a cozy cardigan for the “Folklore” era. These are just a few ideas, but there are more to come in this article. With so many “Easter Eggs,” foreshadowing messages and themes only Swifties pick up on, there is endless inspiration to be taken and turned into a Taylor Swift t-shirt. Before you know it, you will have Taylor Swift DIY outfits for every significant Taylor period. 

Speak Now and Eras Tour Patches
Image courtesy of: Carissa by the Sea

Selecting Your DIY Project

Before you embark on your DIY journey, you'll need to choose your project. Depending on your crafting skills and preferences, you can opt for t-shirt designs, custom hoodies, or accessories like embroidered patches and friendship bracelets. Let your creativity run wild as you decide which Taylor Swift era or song lyrics inspire your creation.


Heat transfer vinyl decorated white crewneck sweatshirt.
Images courtesy of: Amy Makes That

Gathering Materials and Tools

Now that you've picked your creative direction, it's time to gather the necessary materials and tools. The choice of decorating method is crucial, and there are several to choose from:

• Fabric Cutting: Cut the neckline or distress a t-shirt to match iconic Taylor styles.

• Direct-to-Garment Printing: DTG printing is Ideal for full-color and detailed prints directly onto your apparel.

  • Direct-to-Film Transfers: DTF is a versatile option for high-quality, vibrant prints on various fabrics. It is the same as DTG printing, but instead of printing directly on the garment, you print on a film and then transfer the design to your garment via heat pressing. 

• Embellishment: We all know that Swifties love your sequins and sparkles! Use fabric glue or sew some trim or ribbon on the edges of your garments for extra flair! You can even expand this as far as attaching rhinestones for some bling. 

• Embroidery: Add a touch of elegance to your apparel with embroidered patches or embroidered details.

• Fabric Painting: Use stencils to paint or free-hand your design.

• Heat Transfer Vinyl: Heat transfers are perfect for creating intricate designs with a vinyl cutter and heat press machine. This is an excellent choice for those who are new to the art of t-shirt printing. 

• Screen Printing: This method of printing involves pushing ink through a screen. It’s fantastic for producing bold, durable designs, especially for larger quantities.

• Sublimation Printing: A unique process where the solid ink is transformed into gas without passing through the liquid form. Sublimation printing allows for all-over, full-color printing on polyester fabrics.

• Tie-Dye: Create a groovy, retro look with various techniques of tying your garment and then dyeing it. A top choice for fabric for this project is 100% cotton since the dyes adhere well to this material. 

For some extra pizzazz, you can combine one or more of these methods to create an unforgettable Taylor Swift outfit. 

Holographic and glitter heat transfer vinyl (HTV) on a black tank top.
Image credit: Helene Foster Design
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Creating Taylor Swift-Inspired Apparel

Let's get down to the nitty-gritty of creating easy Taylor Swift outfits. We'll provide step-by-step instructions, but remember to adapt them based on your chosen method. Here's a general outline for printing methods:

• Design Your Apparel: Create or choose a design representing your favorite Taylor Swift Era or song.

• Prepare Your Fabric: Make sure your fabric is clean and prepped for decoration.

• Cut or Print Your Design: Transfer the design onto the fabric using your chosen method.

• Apply the Design: Follow the specific instructions for your chosen decorating method.

• Finish and Care: Allow the design to set, and follow care instructions to keep your creation looking its best.
   

Personal Touches and Customization

The beauty of DIY projects is the ability to add personal touches and customize your clothing or accessories to match your unique style. Add lyrics, album artwork, or even your favorite Taylor Swift quotes or phrases to make your creation unique.

Iconic Taylor Swift Looks to Recreate

There are so many cute Taylor Swift outfits to recreate, but here are some of our favorites you can put together using blank apparel from ShirtSpace. 

Taylor Swift DIY Outfits Inspired by Albums

IDEA: Print “Speak Now” on this MV Sport ombré hooded pullover. It's not quite a shirt or a t-shirt, but it’s the perfect mix and conveys the album cover aesthetic.


Album cover image credit: Wikipedia
Shirt pictured: MV Sport W20185 Women's French Terry Ombré Hooded Sweatshirt in “Dragonfruit/Navy.”

Tips:

• Print this design using heat transfer vinyl (HTV), DTG/DTF, or screen printing methods.

• Use a little bleach to leave speckled bleach spots to give a “glittering” effect, like the album cover for Speak Now

IDEA: Sublimation print a white crewneck sweatshirt body with a blue sky and seagulls print to recreate Taylor’s look in the “1989” album cover. Add some red lipstick and bring a Polaroid camera to document it all.  

Album cover image credit: Wikipedia
Sweatshirt pictured in mockup: Gildan G120 in “white.”

Tips:

• Sublimation blanks need enough polyester in the material makeup for the print to show up. The more polyester, the more vibrant the print. 

• The Gildan G120 sweatshirt in “white” is a great choice to recreate this look. 

• Be sure to size up one size from your usual size, for a slightly oversized look. You can push up the slouchy sleeves, just like Taylor.

IDEA: Wear a wide neck drop-shoulder tee off-the-shoulder, and cut a small hole in the shoulder. Then lace a delicate (pun intended!) silver chain through the whole, replicating Taylor’s “Reputation” album cover look. Pair it with a slicked-back hairstyle, deep-colored lipstick, and a silver chain choker necklace, and you will nail Taylor’s edgy “Reputation” vibe! 

Album cover image credit: Yahoo 
Shirt used for DIY version: Alternative 5064BP 

Tips:

• Select a wide neck, scoop neck, or off-the-shoulder style, so you have enough room to expose one shoulder.

  • We recommend the Alternative 5064BP Ladies' Backstage T-Shirt in “vintage coal.”

• You will need a good pair of fabric scissors, a needle and thread, pliers, and a small, dainty chain. 

  • Cut a slit in the shoulder area.

  • Lace chain back and forth through the edges of the whole that was created by the slit

  • Use black thread and a needle to embroider a messy-looking spot a few inches below the slit with the laced chains.

• The beauty of this look is that it doesn’t have to look perfect.

• For an extra touch, pair your new custom top with a news-printed pair of shorts, pants, or skirt to tie in the rest of the album cover. 
   

IDEA: Tie-dye a t-shirt or sweatshirt to match the “Lover” album cover.

Album cover image credit: Wikipedia
Shirt Pictured: Tie-Dye CD100 Adult 5.4 oz., 100% Cotton T-Shirt in “Sherbet”

Tips:

• Remember that blue and yellow mixed make green, so avoid mixing these colors to create a “cotton candy skies” look.

• Use 100% cotton for best results.

• Always soak your garment in soda ash before dyeing, or invest in a PFD (prepared for dye) garment if you plan on skipping this step.

• Do you want to skip the dyeing part and simply print the word “Lover” on an already tie-dyed tee? The Tie-Dye CD100 in “Sherbet” matches closely (see image above).
   

IDEA: Flaunt a flannel and French braid like Taylor does on her “Evermore” album cover.

Album cover image credit: Wikipedia

Shirts pictured: Pictured left is the Burnside B8212 in "Crimson/Ecru", pictured top right is the Men's Burnside B8210 in "Crimson", pictured middle right is the ladies' Burnside B5210 in "Dark Khaki", pictured bottom right is the Berne SH69 in "Plaid Slate".

Tips:

• Taylor wears a heavier “shacket” style on this album cover, but any plaid flannel will do.

• Brush up on your braiding skills to bring this look home. 

• Consider customizing this outfit with an embroidered patch or matching tote bag.

Swiftie DIY Outfits

IDEA: Est. 1989 print. Taylor was born on December 13th, 1989, explaining the date listed. This print is perfect for those who want to send the message that they are fans for life! 

Image credit: B.Cole Creations

Tips:

• When it comes to design placement, you can print this across the chest, on the back, or down long-sleeves or pant legs.

• When selecting your font, great choices include wholesome, large college-style letters, as pictured above. Or conversely, even the gothic font used for “Reputation.”

• Use HTV, DTG/DTF, screen printing or sublimation. 
   

IDEA: T-Swift Christmas Tree Farm Sweatshirt


Image courtesy of: Hannah Collective, products available at www.hannahcollective.com
Shirt pictured: Comfort Colors C6014 Adult Heavyweight RS Long-Sleeve T-Shirt in “blue spruce”

Tips:

• True Swifties know that Taylor grew up on a Christmas tree farm. When it comes to holiday Taylor Swift party outfits, this one will surely help you have a merry Swiftmas and keep you cozy! 

• Print your design using HTV, DTG, DTF, screen printing or sublimation.

• You can also embroider your design, like in the example above.

• Many SVGs are available on Etsy or other transfer websites. 
   

IDEA: For sports fanatics who love Taylor Swift, a “Loving Him Was Red”/Kansas City Chiefs Mash-Up in homage to “Swelce,” AKA “Tayvis” is a perfect choice! Fans have mashed up the lyrics from Taylor's “Red” (a song of the same name as the album it appears on), cleverly using the lyrics on apparel in the recognizable Kansas City Chiefs team colors.

This subtle nod to Taylor and Travis Kelce’s budding romance that blew up during the beginning of the 2023 NFL season makes this design idea a fan tee and a hilarious nod at one of the most famous celebrity couplings that will surely go down in history. 

Image courtesy of: Corinne Blackstone Crafts

Tips:

• Choose any bright red t-shirt, sweatshirt or tank top.

• Make sure to use the other Kansas City colors like gold, white and black for the print to stand out against the red garment.

• Use methods like HTV, DTG/DTF, screen printing or sublimation, depending on your design and piece of clothing.
   

IDEA: Cat-tastic designs! Taylor Swift is not just a singer, but also a proud cat mom! Her feline friends, Meredith Grey, Olivia Benson, and Benjamin Button, have even appeared in her music videos. To honor her beloved pets, you can include squishy-faced cat-themed details in your Taylor Swift DIY projects.

Carissa of the Sea Trendy Patches: Pink Karma is a Cat Patch on the left, Pink Olivia Cat Patch on the right. Bottom left image: Three Cats is a Cat Lady Collection, including the Meredith Grey Cat Patch, Olivia Benson Cat Patch and Benjamin Button Cat Patch. Bottom right image: Blue Karma is a Cat Patch.
Images courtesy of: Carissa of the Sea

Tips:

• Put these patches on blank sweatshirts, jean jackets, bags, hats and more! 

• Be sure to read the instructions about garment compatibility and how to adhere.

  • Remember that some patches are iron-on, and some require you to glue or sew the patch on
     

IDEA: Swiftie Moms! Whether you are a first-generation Swxiftie raising a second-generation Swiftie or just a Swiftie supporter, these t-shirt ideas are for you!


Left image credit: Traci Summerville of trayseamakesthings
Right image credit: Shawn Gaglio

Tips:

• Taylor Swift fans love their glitter, sequins and metallics! We recommend using any one of these HTVs to create these effects:

  • Glitter Flake HTV

  • Hologram HTV

  • Chroma-Twill HTV

  • Metallic HTV

  • Reflective Glitter HTV

  • Transfer Foil
     

Styling and Wearing Your DIY Creation

Once your Taylor Swift-inspired apparel is complete, it's time to show it off to the world. Style your new pieces with your everyday wardrobe or save them for Taylor Swift's next concert – the perfect opportunity to rep your Swiftie spirit! Top your look off with some Taylor Swift friendship bracelets with song lyrics and Swiftie sayings. You can also create Taylor Swift bags and hats for a complete ensemble. Are you looking for more than Taylor Swift outfits to recreate or Eras Tour concert gear? Consider printing her album covers on plain t-shirts and making the most epic Taylor Swift t-shirt quilt as a bed comforter. Sublimation would be an excellent choice for this project since the designs are not detectable by touch. 

Image credit: Georgia Tech

So, Swifties, it's time to get creative and let your Taylor Swift spirit shine through DIY apparel. The possibilities are endless, from her self-titled debut, “Taylor Swift,” to “Midnights” and everything in between. Craft your way through the Taylor Swift “Eras” and proudly wear your favorite songs and albums. Tay-Tay would have nothing but great things to say! Tell us what your favorite Taylor Swift Era was in the comments below! Also, don’t be shy! Be sure to share your custom-made Taylor Swift sweatshirt, t-shirt, or accessories with us by sending a DM on Facebook or Instagram or use the hashtag #ShirtSpace. 

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