Luckily for us, there are still so many great indie T-shirts available, and you don’t need to actually travel to the store in question to buy them — you can find them on their websites, and on online merchandising sites like Bonfire! Here we’ve rounded up 15 of our favorite indie bookstore T-shirt designs that you can buy from the comfort of your own home, featuring fun bookish designs, clever book puns, and even some amazing art from local talent. Don’t let a lack of in-person travel stop you from supporting some amazing indies and adding some bookish flair to your wardrobe! Bookshelf T-Shirt from Schuler Books ($28): I love this cozy bookshelf scene! Stay Home and Read Romance from The Ripped Bodice ($25): What I love about this series of designs is that you can pick from a variety of couples—M/F, M/M, and F/F! (And yes, I may own the F/F one…) Mission Statement from The Bookshelf Thomasville ($25): This bright marigold shirt has the store’s mission statement in bold font, and it’s one I would be proud to wear! Babysitter’s Back, Alright! T-shirt from Bookshelf Thomasville ($30): And speaking of Bookshelf Thomasville…no one does literary humor like indies! If you love the ’90s and you love BSC, you need this shirt! Stay Home and Read T-shirt from McLean and Eakin ($25): This might have been a pandemic-times shirt, but I feel like the message transcends a global pandemic. Oblong Books Logo T-Shirt ($23): I’ve never been to Oblong Books (it’s on my bookstore bucket list!) but I really dig their logo! Books Are Magic Pink and White T-Shirt ($26): Books Are Magic has multiple great T-shirt designs, but this is just one of my favorites! New Worlds T-Shirt from A Room of One’s One ($30): Featuring artwork by Terrence Adeyanju, this T-shirt supports a queer-owned bookstore (and has a fun surprise on the back!). Anniversary T-Shirt from Trident Booksellers ($25): Celebrate 40 years of Trident Booksellers with this cute T-shirt, which was designed by a local artist. Shop Local, Build Community T-Shirt from Twice Told Tales ($25): I am obsessed with this illustration! McNally Jackson Flagship Store T-Shirt ($29): The beloved McNally Jackson flagship store, on a T-shirt! Check out their shop for even more fun designs! Typewriter T-Shirt from Literati Bookstore ($18): Known for their public typewriter, Literati’s T-shirt features a typewriter, of course. Just One More Page T-Shirt from Copper Dog Books ($25): This T-shirt is a total vibe. Malaprop’s Cafe from Malaprop’s Bookstore ($25): To celebrate the reopening of their in-store cafe, Malaprop’s offered this vintage design, which was originally printed on employee T-shirts in the 1980s! Need more indie bookstore goodness? Here are some great indie bookstores you can shop at online!
