Remember back in the day when kids’ t-shirts had inappropriate messages like, “I’m too pretty to do homework , so I have my brother do it for me.”and “Sorry ladies, I only date models .”? Shirts with all kinds of questionable messages were the norm. Thankfully, after a lot of parental backlash, major retailers have started to really rethink their apparel’s messaging. Girls are more than adorable princesses and boys are more than strong chick magnets. I’m genuinely excited by some of the back-to-school tees I’ve seen on shelves this summer, so I’ve rounded up 20 empowering t-shirts for boys and girls that bust gender stereotypes.
Want to buy your kids their own back-to-school tees with strong and positive messages? Check out this round-up of empowering tees for boys and girls.
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20 Gender Stereotype Busting Tees for Back to School
Girls' Soccer Tee
If your girl is a powerhouse on the field, let her display it off-field, too.
Image: Gap
Boys' Anti-Man Up Tee
Remind him to stand up, reach high, respect other kids, and sing loud with this tee's proclamations.
Image: Wire & Honey
Girls' Moon Tee
Your star-gazing girl knows the difference between waxing gibbous and waning crescent, so let her show off her astrological aptitude with this out-of-this world tee.
Image: Target
Boys' Moon Mission Tee
This glow-in-the-dark tee is perfect for boys who aren't afraid to wear purple.
Image: J. Crew
Girls' Be-You-Ti-Ful Tee
This shirt literally defines all that girls can be by just being themselves.
Image: Crazy8
Boys' Science Tee
If your son is more brainy than brawny, this science tee will be his go-to all year long.
Image: Target
Girls' Power Tee
Your daughter has what it takes to be the boss, so let the whole world know it.
Image: H&M
Boys' Artist Tee
If your boy loves to tap into his artistic side, this tee will probably be in heavy rotation in his wardrobe.
Image: OshKosh
Boys' Dino Facts T-Shirt
If your boy loves to tap into his artistic side, this tee will probably be in heavy rotation in his wardrobe.
Image: Oshkosh
Girls' Future Careers... Tee
Her future reaches far beyond a reflection in the mirror.
Image: Wire & Honey
Boys' Brain Power Tee
Power doesn't just come from muscles. Let your son show off his mental skills with this brainy tee.
Image: Target
Girls' Planetary Tee
If magnetosphere, dipole, and rotation stats are a part of her daily dialogue, this Jupiter tee will be the star in her wardrobe.
Image: Land's End
Boy's Band T-Shirt Tee
Let your band kid toot his own horn in this instrument-filled tee.
Image: Target
Girls' Let's Be Epic Tee
She's out to change the world, and this tee will encourage her squad to join her movement.
Image: H&M
Boys' Wicked Smart Kid Tee
This shirt uses comic book styling to tout your boy's brainy nature.
Image: OshKosh
Girls' Smart Girl Tee
She's got brains, and she knows it. This shirt lets her show it.
Image: OshKosh
Boys' Be Kind Tee
Boys aren't always taught to embrace their empathetic, thoughtful side. Let him know that kindness is crucial (and cool).
Image: Target
Girls' Skateboard Tee
If you girl would rather be a skateboarder than an ice skater, this tee will be the perfect fit.
Image: Gap
Boys' Periodic Table Tee
If electrons and neutrons get your son more excited than pitchers and quarterbacks, this ultra-genius shirt is for him.
Image: Target
Girls' Coding Tee
This tee makes sure the message is decoded, and it says that STEM stuff is for everyone.
Image: Wire & Honey
Boys' Positive Vibes Tee
Everyone looks good in pink, even little boys. And, this shirt's positive message is guaranteed to boost his mood.
Image: Old Navy