Since becoming a mom, I’ve learned that being comfortable is essential. When I’m not expected to look super-polished, t-shirts and leggings are my standard uniform. But let’s be honest: looking cute is just as important as feeling comfy. And for me, that means a tee with an honest message, a great style, and a fit that boosts my confidence. I love mom shirts with a positive vibe and unique messaging.
Raising two daughters, I want them to know that Mommy is confident and strong. That’s why I like to wear a t-shirt, in itself an empowering garment. Tees are comfortable enough to get us through our days with ease, you can toss them in the wash, and they’re functional for us moms who are constantly being climbed on (and used as a human napkin — or is that just me?). But our tees also say a lot about us and how we view the world. I like the words to be ones to live by — or at least ones to laugh at.
Ready to do some shopping? Check out this collection of cool mom-tees. Most of the pieces in this slideshow are designed by fellow moms, either working for themselves or a small retailer. And when you shop small, you’re supporting a family, not a big corporation. Talk about girl power!
These Cool Mom-Designed Tees Tell It Like It Really Is
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Cardio? I Have A Toddler
Free time to go to the gym? Not really a thing around here. Bonus points for running after a tiny human with seemingly endless energy? Yep, that counts!
More information at Declan and Crew
Photo: Declan and Crew -
Fight Like A Girl
Inspired by Star Wars’ Princess Leia and the amazing Carrie Fisher who played her, this tee carries an important message of strength, heroism, and hope. What mom couldn’t use that?
More information at Wire and Honey
Photo: Wire and Honey -
Mind Your Own Motherhood
This is a pretty important one in our modern-day world of mothering where information is over-shared and everyone has an opinion. Take a seat, sanctimommies, because I’m minding my own motherhood and you really should, too.
More information at NBT Threads
Photo: NBT Threads -
Mother Hustler Tee
This one is such a classic, I may or may not own it in both tee and hoodie form. (Husband, you did not just read that). The Mother Hustler is in all of us -- whether you're doing the stay-at-home-mom grind or the working-mama shuffle. You take the role seriously, but with a touch of humor. -
What the Heck Was I Doing Again Tee
I literally LOL'd at this one when I first saw it (and it's currently in the mail headed to my doorstep!). If this doesn't accurately depict Mom Life, I don't know what does. At least armed with the tee, everyone will know what to expect from you. -
Let's Just Go to Target Tee
When all else fails, pack them in the car and head to the nearest Target, no? This tee is just so cute for the dollar spot loving mama like myself! And she makes a matching one for your mini, which couldn't be cuter. -
Ice Cream is the New Wine Tee
Now that I'm expecting another little one, I sure do miss my evening glass. This cute maternity shirt says it all. Thank goodness for ice cream to carry us through nine months of wine denial until we meet our little bundles of joy and can finally switch back from the good stuff to the even better stuff.More info at Sparkle and Prim
Photo: Sparkle and Prim -
Mom Life Tee
I adore the elevated pop of pretty from this "Mom Life" design by River Babe Threads, a mom-run boutique based in Michigan. The gold ink and floral sleeves make it elegant enough to pair with a pencil skirt or skinny jeans and heels, but it also works just as well with my daily uniform of leggings. -
Domestic Goddess Tee
HA! This one is just too perfect. The domestic goddess can face the day with coffee and her smart phone in hand - and don't forget that messy bun. I'm a Pine Torch addict; each hand-drawn or painted design comes to life in these whimsical tees and tanks. -
Full Hands, Full Heart Tee
I remember someone telling me this back before I became a mom, and now that I'm living the life it couldn't be more true. There are days when all I want to do is lie down and take a nap, but no matter how overwhelming it can be, love is the biggest and best part of motherhood. -
Let's Be Mom Friends
How many times have I wanted to blurt this out to a cool mom at the park or in the carpool line? This shirt is an adorable ice breaker and also makes a great gift for a new friend. -
Mom Brain: The Struggle is Real
With a shop name like Mom Life Must Haves, you know this mom-run business has a tee or two for you. Even on good days, we're all rockin a little bit of that mom brain so let's wear the tee that warns the masses. -
Mom Hair Don't Care Tee
This fun pocket tee is made of the lightest, softest material that just floats over the body for the most flattering fit ever. And if you look closely, you'll notice that hilarious phrasing on the pocket: "Mom Hair Don't Care." Because let's face it, most days we're lucky if we steal the time to throw some dry shampoo at the problem and hit the carpool. -
Mommin' Ain't Easy Tee
There isn't a mom alive who thinks this sh*t is easy, right? Little Hooligans is run by a hilarious mama of three boys. She offer the tees in many colors and styles, and an entire line of other apparel featuring this couldn't-be-more-perfect phrase.
More info at Little Hooligans Co.
Photo: Little Hooligans Co. -
Lose Your Mind, Find Your Soul Tee
The ultimate in mom tees, if you ask me. A little bit crazy, but a lot more beautiful. You might lose your mind - and fast - but there's nothing more wonderful for the soul than becoming a mother. -
Love, Coffee, and Wine Tee
This one just about says it all, amiright? Love + coffee + wine = the mom life for me. This flowy v-neck tee from mom-shop Printed and Proper pairs perfectly with jeans or leggings in the ideal fit for casual days on the "job." -
Ain't No Shame in That Minivan Game Tee
How many of us swore we would never give up our sweet rides in favor of a minivan? Well, van mamas, your day of reckoning has come with this adorable tee from Charlotte & Ezra. Convertibles might be cute and all, but do they come with built in DVD players? Nah, I didn't think so. -
Yoga Pants, Messy Bun, Coffee
Check, check, check. I don't know about you, but these are certainly my three essentials for mom life. This cozy pullover is offered white and is just too darn sweet with the simple writing and little pink heart.
