How to Choose the ChristianTshirt That is Right for You
With so many popular Christian T-shirts to pick from, what guidelines should you follow in selecting a shirt that is exactly right for you? First, know yourself. Do you favor light colors or more somber shades? Are you outgoing and extroverted, quick to take on a challenge, a born leader, or are you a quiet person, who prefers to be less conspicuous? Do you embrace new trends easily or is your taste more traditional? Do you love the amplified energy of the holidays or are you more caught up in the beauty and wonder of nature all year round? Do you travel with an I-pod speaker in your ear, so that Christian rock tunes can rattle the walls of your skull twenty-four seven? Look at your secular clothing. What do your favorite shirts, sweaters, pants, etc., have in common besides being worn to death? If you can answer these questions, then you’re ready to choose a Christian T-shirt that you’ll wear, one that won’t languish on a hanger at the back of your closet.
The second thing to think about when choosing your Christian T is functionality. Where and at what time of day do you intend to wear the shirt? Are you going for all-purpose use or is the shirt for a special occasion? The shapes and styles of popular Christian T’s are pretty basic and predictable – come on, it’s a T-shirt. The old A-line shirt, the short-sleeved tee, the long-sleeved tee, the two-color shirt, the pillowcase shirt, and the hoodie can all carry faith-inspired words and designs with ease. However…if you want to wear your Christian T from morning to evening and you live in a variable climate, you might think about pairing your choice with another Christian T for extra coverage and warmth. If the halls in your high school are sub-zero, you know you’re going to need two shirts. Is there no air conditioning where you’ll be going to do God’s work? Bring on the short sleeves.
Third, consider appropriateness. Yes, a testimony for God is always appropriate, but be aware that we live in a conflicted world, where our clothing is not always the best, wisest or safest way to give that testimony. Even in places where religious tolerance is the norm, there are times when your Christian T-shirt should speak loudly and exuberantly; at other times, more softly. Both can be equally effective. In a great symphony of instruments, one note played alone, surrounded by silence, can leave a deafening impression upon the hearer. Just so, some of the most conservative popular Christian T’s number among the most unforgettable. Few daily-wear Christian T’s seem to come in pillowcase shirt or A-line shirt styles, but make sure you don’t wear these among people who for cultural reasons see sleeveless clothing as immodest. In other words, location matters.
Fourth, think practicality. Popular Christian T’s have fabric and care instruction labels the same as secular shirts do. Check the label to see if your shirt is 100% cotton or a cotton blend. Sometimes the label will tell you if the material has been pre-shrunk. This gives you a clue as to how much you can expect your shirt to “draw up” on first washing. Pay attention to the hem stitching around the tail and cuffs – does it look even and secure? Feel the softness of the fabric; check the label for color-fastness. Armed with this kind of information, you can decide if you want to keep your Christian T-shirt’s colors bright or ignore washing instructions and allow them to stylishly fade.
Finally and most importantly, ask yourself what you are trying to say about your faith experience. What aspect of Christian transformation and life do you want to emphasize? If you are struggling with difficult issues, choose a shirt with a message that will lift you up, a Christian T that will remind you of who you are and to Whom you belong. Regardless of the shirt you select, wearing a Christian T is a declarative action. Choosing your shirt and wearing it will tell others a lot about you; it will also tell you a lot about how you see yourself as a believer. Choosing a Christian T can be so much more than just buying a shirt. Ideally, wearing a Christian T-shirt is an act of devotion and evangelism; at the very least, it is an opportunity for further self-discovery.
Popular Christian T-shirts are available in an awesome variety of surface designs and colors. Within this melange of inspired apparel, the right Christian T-shirt (or two or three or four) waits for you to put it on and wear your faith.
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