40+ Clothing Items We Needed to Take a Closer Look At

This article appeared in Thefashionball and has been published here with permission.

Clothing We Needed a Second Look At

Have you ever had to get a second look at a piece of clothing to realize that it’s completely inappropriate or nonsensical because of some strategically placed text or graphics? These days, choosing clothes can be tricky and you really need to choose carefully to avoid making a spectacle of yourself. Whether it’s a design fail or the result of using a cheap print shop, there are times when you wonder why people would spend their hard-earned money on certain clothes. Let’s take a look at 45 items of clothing that are sure to turn a few heads because of their design.

Erm, Perhaps a Different Color Next Time?

T-shirts that say “I love…” and the city name are a popular way for tourists to show off their vacation destination. They’re also great for locals to show their love for their city. But this t-shirt failed in so many ways.

Erm, Perhaps a Different Color Next Time?

Choosing a red background was a bad idea, and the shirt now simply says, “I… Miami.” Perhaps the printers should use a different colored shirt next time.

Not a Very Believable Knock-Off

Whoever bought these shoes really should’ve taken a closer look when buying knock-offs, or they should’ve purchased a more expensive and well-known brand. While the shoe itself looks like it’s of good quality, the brand name is a complete mess-up.

Not a Very Believable Knock-Off

We don’t know about you, but we wouldn’t be caught dead wearing these knock-offs that say “aids” on the side of the shoe.

My, What Crispy-Looking Leg(gings) You Have There

Leggings are a favorite clothing item for moms and teens alike. Paired with a t-shirt, they’re comfortable and versatile. Well, at least that’s what we’d like to think. These leggings, however, look more like burnt skin than anything else.

My, What Crispy-Looking Leg(gings) You Have There

What do you pair these with? And just what was the designer thinking when they came up with these monstrosities that might have people wondering if you’re a burn victim?

Excuse Me?

Wearing a graphic tee with a fun print or text can add some fun to your outfit. This shirt does nothing more than give anyone who reads the text a headache.

Excuse Me?

We’ve read this a few times and still can’t make out what it’s supposed to say. Any ideas?

When the Wardrobe Person Should Be Fired

Newsreaders, TV presenters, and anyone else who appears on camera should really take more note of what they wear. This newsreader made a rather bad choice when she chose this shirt.

When the Wardrobe Person Should Be Fired

Pockets, zippers, and other details might add some class to an otherwise plain shirt, but in this case, it only drew attention to her, um, chest.

Peek-a-Boo, I See You!

Sloths are some of the cutest little critters around, and we wouldn’t mind a pair of leggings with these little faces on them. But, the designer of these leggings definitely didn’t think this one through as they placed a sloth in the crotch of the leggings.

Peek-a-Boo, I See You!

This is just another example of why cutting your pattern is so important, and a bit of quality control can go a long way in preventing this mishap.

When the Printers Get it Wrong

We’re pretty sure that this shirt was supposed to have a logo on it, instead of the file name of the image. Was it a printer error? Maybe it was someone’s first day on the job?

When the Printers Get it Wrong

Whatever the situation, someone somewhere is in trouble, and this store is going to have to fight to sell these shirts.

What’re You Hiding Under That Sweater?

This poor guy couldn’t understand why he was getting strange looks from his co-workers all day until he got a look at himself in the mirror.

What’re You Hiding Under That Sweater?

Either he got dressed in the dark, or he thought his sweater would cover the picture on his shirt. Nonetheless, it makes for a good laugh and a reminder to check your outfit before you head out the door in the morning.

This Designer Needs to Open a Geography Textbook

T-shirts are often mass-produced and sold at markets to make quick, easy money. But this t-shirt belongs in the trash as it has completely the wrong continent name under a graphic of Africa.

This Designer Needs to Open a Geography Textbook

This is a definite fail and would be more useful as a rag to wash your car with… Especially if you don’t want to seem ignorant.

Wrong Label or Wrong Shirt?

A v-neck t-shirt is one of the most flattering cuts and can be worn by just about anyone. This t-shirt, however, has a rounded neck which leads us to wonder why it’s labeled as a v-neck.

Wrong Label or Wrong Shirt?

With no idea how this mistake came about, it does beg the question as to why more clothing manufacturers don’t have higher quality control measures in place.

Seeing Double?

The photographer’s wife thought that these vests were pretty cute, as they have a positive message on them. But is it really “unique” when you buy both your daughters the same vest?

Seeing Double?

Dressing your kids in matching outfits can be super cute but, in this case, it kind of defeats the purpose of the message.

When You Have a Dirty Mind

Have you ever read some text on a vest and had to re-read it to understand it correctly? This vest is meant to have a sea theme on it, which is clear when you see that certain letters have been replaced with sea-related items.

When You Have a Dirty Mind

Perhaps the designer could’ve chosen a different letter to replace with a starfish because all we can see is a cuss word.

Graphic Prints Gone Wrong

Dress designers really need to focus on the cut of the fabric when putting their garments together. What was supposed to be a beautiful dress with a graphic print turned into something slightly inappropriate, thanks to the join of the fabric.

Graphic Prints Gone Wrong

This poor lady probably doesn’t even realize that her backside looks more like a target than anything else.

That’s Not a Hawaiian Print, Grandma

This guy’s grandmother innocently gifted her grandson what she thought was a tropical print shirt. But as you can see, that’s definitely not a tropical leaf.

That’s Not a Hawaiian Print, Grandma

This just goes to show that the older generations lived more sheltered lives, and granny really didn’t see anything wrong with the print on this shirt.

What Message Is This Sweater Trying to Convey?

Designers really need to pay attention to word placement on their apparel. With the need to create something unique, many designers put too much thought into their designs and end up with disasters like this.

What Message Is This Sweater Trying to Convey?

What was meant to be a positive message has now become the total opposite, with the sweater telling the reader to give up on themselves. Oops.

Skip the Florals

Floral designs add a touch of femininity to any outfit, but it needs to be subtle. This loud floral print is located slap bang in the middle of this woman’s rear end and, sadly, makes it look larger than it really is.

Skip the Florals

While we can’t help but laugh at this mishap, we do hope that she retires this dress to the back of her closet.

Another Floral Failure

This would be the perfect outfit if it weren’t for the badly placed flower design on the skirt. While flowers are great for that feminine feel, they should be small, dainty, and scattered all over the skirt.

Another Floral Failure

This just looks like the wearer spilled a fruity drink on her lunch break and rushed back to the office to carry on with her day. Definitely a fashion fail!

Cold Shoulder to the Extreme

A cold-shoulder design is popular and can be a great option for those hot summer days. But this is taking the concept of the cold-shoulder design to the extreme.

Cold Shoulder to the Extreme

We’re not quite sure what the designer was thinking by using zippers on the shoulder of the t-shirt, and what’s more, we can’t imagine anyone actually spending money on this creation.

We’re Not Too Dotty About This Design

Polka dots add that playful look to just about any clothing item but should be used tastefully. We have no words for the placement of this rather large dot on what’s otherwise a beautiful dress.

We’re Not Too Dotty About This Design

Would you wear this dress? Or is it better left on the store hanger, where it belongs? It certainly misses the mark for us… pun intended.

The Super What-Now?

We’re guessing the Super Hitters were less than impressed with the shirts they received with their name on them.

The Super What-Now?

Was this their own creation, or did the printing store they hired to do the job have a bit of a laugh at their expense? We doubt the team wore these shirts for very long, and we don’t blame them!

Why Hello There, Little Gnome!

Printed leggings are great when you want to add some fun to your everyday look. The trouble, however, comes when you don’t check your clothes properly and end up with a gnome in a rather awkward place.

Why Hello There, Little Gnome!

Another design fail! We would banish these leggings to the back of the closet, never to be seen again.

Emoji Fail

Emojis were a popular design choice not too long ago. Fans of the design could purchase bags, pillows, clothes, and much more bearing their favorite emoji.

Emoji Fail

The biggest problem with fads like emojis on clothes is when they’re mass-produced, and little is done to ensure that mishaps like this pair of pants don’t occur. Manufacturers rush to push out orders, sometimes without considering the finished product. Quality control is essential!

Another Reason Why Lululemons Aren’t the Best Choice

Lululemon leggings are popular for their comfortable fit and interesting designs. We’re stumped, though, as to why anyone would actually buy these flamingo print leggings when there’s an obvious design flaw that draws attention to the wearer’s privates.

Another Reason Why Lululemons Aren’t the Best Choice

We hope that whoever buys these wears a long t-shirt with it, or it could make for a very uncomfortable conversation with anyone who’s caught staring.

When Spell-Check Is Crucial

With rather questionable spelling, the text on this blingy design takes on a different meaning than was originally intended.

When Spell-Check Is Crucial

It could be remarketed to math geeks, though, as this is the only way to save this misspelled creation from going in the trash.

Shopping in Slender Man’s Wardrobe?

Slenderman is a mythical “monster” that’s popular with horror fans, but it seems he’s also a clothing designer on the sly. That’s the only possible explanation we can come up with for this interesting creation.

Shopping in Slender Man’s Wardrobe?

There’s nothing worse than buying an ill-fitting dress shirt! We do wonder who the shirt was made for, if not Slenderman.

Poor Pocket Placement

Dresses with pockets are great, and women are quick to point out when their new dress has a pocket or two. This dress, however, didn’t understand the assignment, and the wearer was left with a useless pocket.

Poor Pocket Placement

What on earth was the designer thinking when they put a pocket on the back of the dress? This is yet another poorly designed creation.

Sweetie, Put on Your Pants/Hoodie

Are these shorts that are supposed to look like you tied a sweater around your waist? Or is it a home upcycling project gone horribly wrong?

Sweetie, Put on Your Pants/Hoodie

We’re guessing these were found at a thrift or charity store because we wouldn’t pay anything more than $1 for them!

When Your Shirt Is a Conversation Starter

At first glance, this dress shirt looks to have a graphic print of some sort. But when you zoom in, you too will see what we see!

When Your Shirt Is a Conversation Starter

Who designs clothes to have Kama Sutra-like prints on them? On a more serious note, who would actually spend good money on them?

When Metal Lovers Love Celine Dion

Having a varied taste in music is great. But for metal lovers, admitting to liking anything other than metal music doesn’t sit well with their fellow metal lovers.

When Metal Lovers Love Celine Dion

Whoever designed this interesting creation was clearly trying to fit in with his metalhead friends by adding a rather graphic design to his Celine Dion shirt

Excuse Me, I Think You Need a Sanitary… Oh, Nevermind

This unfortunate design must lead to many awkward conversations, as the flowers resemble blood more than a floral bloom. We’re guessing that this woman didn’t quite think this dress through when she bought it.

Excuse Me, I Think You Need a Sanitary… Oh, Nevermind

We wouldn’t be caught dead in this dress, which leads us to wonder why it was even designed in the first place.

When Walmart Tries to Design Baby Clothes

Baby gear can be expensive. Therefore, when you need to save a couple of bucks here and there when buying clothes for your growing baby, you look for bargains where you can.

When Walmart Tries to Design Baby Clothes

This unfortunate onesie can be found at none other than Walmart and was probably made by someone who has never seen either a rhino or a hippo.

When Your Shirt Has a Negative Message

Most graphic tees have a positive message or fun saying on the front. This tee, however, has a rather different message. It really seems more like it wants you to fail than succeed in life.

When Your Shirt Has a Negative Message

It does make us wish that designers would keep their sayings legible. Otherwise, what’s the point of having a message at all?

Enough With the Florals, Please!

Yet another poor placement of a floral print on what is, otherwise, a beautiful pair of shorts. Monochromatic clothes are so popular.

Enough With the Florals, Please!

But these shorts were all but ruined by adding colorful flowers that resemble “that time of the month” more than anything else. Would you take the risk of buying these?

Printers Mistake or Poor Design?

Custom printing t-shirts can make for a great gift, but be careful who you use to do your printing. A cheap job comes with the printers taking shortcuts, as is clearly evident in this t-shirt that was printed with the image name.

Printers Mistake or Poor Design?

Printing can be expensive but it’s worth the extra cost to make sure you’re getting a quality product back.

The Perfect T-Shirt for Your Travels

Planning a trip to New York or “Carifornia” anytime soon? Boy, do we have the t-shirt for you! Why buy two tees when you can save yourself some cash and buy only one?

The Perfect T-Shirt for Your Travels

Sure, there’s a bit of a spelling error, but you won’t even notice it, thanks to the sparkles. Trust us on this one.

Food Fight or Football Match?

We’re wondering who approved this design for the Spanish football team. While some teams wear the names or logos of their sponsors on their kit, this team decided to show its love for condiments on their shirts.

Food Fight or Football Match?

At least if they get hungry during the match, a snack is on hand. Oh, wait… you can’t eat your shirt. Sorry, boys, you’re stuck with these shirts!

Why Choosing Clothes Carefully Matters

We’re going to take a wild guess and say that this newsreader definitely didn’t plan on her outfit choice resembling men’s privates. While she does look smart, her choice for the shirt collar is questionable.

Why Choosing Clothes Carefully Matters

We bet no one will be focusing on the news tonight. After all, there’s so much more to look at!

Why Chinese Restaurants Are So Popular

The owner of this Chinese restaurant used the establishment’s name to their advantage when they designed the uniforms for employees to wear, creating a hilarious pun.

Why Chinese Restaurants Are So Popular

We’re sure that customers will remember the name the next time they’re looking for somewhere to eat. Would you be brave enough to work here? We can’t say that you’d find us here. But hey, that’s just us.

When Your Shirt Resembles a Wedgie

Clearly, this guy didn’t think things through when he bought this two-toned shirt. To make matters worse, he’s tucked it into his pants.

When Your Shirt Resembles a Wedgie

This makes it look like his underwear is much larger than it actually is. Perhaps wearing it over his pants would’ve been better after all.

Distorted Kittens, Anyone?

While not everyone loves cats, you have to admit that these socks are pretty cute… Until you put them on, that is!

Distorted Kittens, Anyone?

What was once a cute image of a kitten adorning these socks now looks more like an alien/cat hybrid when worn. Who are we kidding, though? We’d still wear them because we love cats.

Yoga Pants or No-Go Pants?

Imagine going to your yoga class, you’re in the middle of the downward dog position and happen to look up, and see this! Do you laugh or try to keep your composure?

Yoga Pants or No-Go Pants?

These pants have a rather unfortunate design and we bet that the wearer didn’t take note of this spectacle when they purchased these.

Summer Dress With a Hidden Picture

This person’s mom wore this summer dress for two years before someone took a closer look and noticed something up with the print.

Summer Dress With a Hidden Picture

Look closely, and you’ll see that there’s more than meets the eye. It’s not just hibiscus flowers and tropical leaves, there’s a silhouette of a nude woman in between the print. We wonder if Mom will still be wearing her favorite summer dress.

When Your Unicorn Sweater Is a Bit Too Anatomically Correct

We really hope that this sweater was made for an ugly sweater party and that it wasn’t something someone actually chose to wear on purpose.

When Your Unicorn Sweater Is a Bit Too Anatomically Correct

We can’t imagine anything than some contest or party being the reason behind this creation. If not for a joke, we can’t imagine anyone actually spending money on it.