There is a kind of Christian t-shirt everyone has seen. It is printed for a youth retreat or a church fundraiser, it has a verse in a stock font, and after the event it becomes a sleep shirt. There is nothing wrong with that shirt. It just was not made to be loved.

When I started designing faith-based tops at SingleTree Lane, I wanted the opposite: Christian imagery treated with the seriousness of fine art and the joy of everyday clothing. Shirts you would wear on a Tuesday because they are beautiful, and that happen to say something about what you believe.

Sacred art has always been bold

Look at a stained glass window, a Byzantine icon or a Renaissance altarpiece. None of it is beige. Sacred art has always used the richest colors and the most careful detail people could create, because the subject deserved it.

That history is my starting point. Our Faith-Based Collection includes Christ, Mary, angels, cherubs and Archangel Michael, along with the Black Madonna, an image of Mary venerated for centuries in churches across Europe and beyond. Each one is drawn as artwork first, in deep jewel tones and gold, so the shirt carries the reverence of the image rather than reducing it to a logo.

I shared more about how this collection came together, and why representation in religious art matters to me, in Celebrating Faith and Diversity Through Artful Tops. Angels have a special place in my work, too: the Ophanim pop art angel collection reimagines one of the most mysterious angelic beings in bold color, and our cherubs first took flight in Straight to the Heart: Cherubs & Angels.

Choosing a faith-based tee that feels like yours

Faith is personal, and so is how loudly you want to wear it. Some people love a direct verse across the chest. Others want a single symbol, an angel's wing or a dove, that only those who know will recognize. Both are an honest expression of belief.

A few things to look for:

• Imagery that moves you. If an image of Mary or an archangel stops you in your tracks, that is the one. You will wear it more than a design you chose because it seemed appropriate.
• Color that matches your spirit. Deep blues and golds feel contemplative. Bright, celebratory palettes feel like Easter morning.
• A cut you will actually live in. Our unisex tees are relaxed. Size up for an easy, oversized drape over leggings or wide leg pants. If you want more structure, choose a heavyweight tee, and for cooler days many of our faith designs also come as unisex sweatshirts.
  
  
  
  
  

Sunday, Tuesday, and everywhere in between

For a service or Bible study, pair the tee with tailored trousers or a midi skirt and a light cardigan. It is respectful and comfortable without feeling stiff.

For volunteering or a church picnic, comfortable joggers, sneakers and a sweatshirt tied at the waist. You will be on your feet all day and still look put together in photos.

For retreats and mission trips, pack two tees, a quarter zip and a pair of easy pants. I wrote about building a small, flexible travel wardrobe in my airport outfits guide, and the same rules apply here. For why color makes a trip feel brighter, see Have Color, Will Travel.

For everyday wear, let the shirt be the only printed piece and keep the rest simple: denim, white sneakers, done.

A gift that means something

Baptisms, confirmations, first communions, Easter and Christmas are natural moments for a faith-based gift. So are the harder seasons, when someone you love needs a reminder that they are held. A beautiful Christian t-shirt is a small thing they can put on when they need it, and it will not end up in a drawer. Giving matters to us beyond gifts as well; I wrote about it in Fashion With Purpose.

Faith in many forms

Our faith-based work sits alongside other spiritual collections, because I believe every tradition deserves to be honored with beautiful art. If you are drawn to Eastern spiritual imagery as well, take a look at the Sacred Eastern Deities collection. For designs with an uplifting message rather than religious imagery, our Inspirational Tees are a good next stop, along with my guide to wearing positive message tees. Those drawn to the sacred feminine may also love our Divine Feminine collection.

A few common questions

Are these shirts appropriate to wear to church? In most congregations that welcome casual dress, yes. A layer and a nicer pant or skirt make them feel a little more dressed up.

Are the designs only for Christians? They are made with Christian imagery and with love for the people who hold it dear. Many people who simply love sacred art wear them too.

How should I care for them? Wash cold, inside out, and skip the high heat in the dryer to keep the colors rich. Our machine-washable fashion guide covers the rest.

Faith is not a weekend activity, and the clothing that expresses it should not be either. Wear what you believe, beautifully.