STOP Using These Tshirt Fonts in 2025

In partnership with

Recent surveys, studies, and the keen observations of top graphic designers are revealing a definitive trend: certain fonts spell doom for t-shirt designs in 2025.

As style preferences continue evolving at a rapid pace, failing to choose fonts that resonate with current tastes can torpedo a design’s impact before it even hits the market. Shoppers who once tolerated playful or overused typefaces are now increasingly drawn to sleek, professional looks that combine clarity with a modern edge.

Today I want to direct your attention to the fonts that have fallen out of favor—those that are either too gimmicky, too dated, or simply too hard to read. Many of you will not be surprised by what’s on the list.

While font preferences are always changing, one design rule remains golden — By better understanding how legibility, visual appeal, overuse, inclusivity, context, and overall impact factor into font selection, you’ll position yourself for success in today’s print-on-demand environment.

The Repeat Offenders: Fonts You Should Dodge

1. Comic Sans

Why It’s a Problem:
Comic Sans has long been notorious for appearing unprofessional and juvenile. It’s passable only in very specific children’s-oriented contexts, but for most t-shirt designs, it detracts from your brand’s credibility.
The Result:
Even if your message is stellar, Comic Sans can undermine it by looking amateurish. You’ll risk losing the respect of potential customers at first glance.

2. Papyrus

Why It’s a Problem:
Papyrus earned its reputation for overuse in attempts to create an “ancient” or “spiritual” aura. Unfortunately, it’s become a running joke in design circles.
The Result:
While it might be fine for a parody, it usually reads poorly from a distance and signals to savvy viewers that the design might be outdated or lacking creativity.

3. Curlz

Why It’s a Problem:
Curlz features playful, swirling letters that quickly turn into an illegible blur on a t-shirt, especially when viewed from a few feet away.
The Result:
A confusing swirl of letters that your audience can’t decipher at a glance. If they have to stare to understand your text, you’ve probably lost their attention.

4. Brush Script

Why It’s a Problem:
Brush Script has an elegant air in theory, but t-shirts are often seen in passing. Its cursive flourishes make it challenging to read unless the text is large and minimal.
The Result:
You might be aiming for stylish, but you could end up with a shirt that looks more like a themed party invitation than a modern piece of apparel.

5. Souvenir

Why It’s a Problem:
Souvenir carries a retro vibe that has been heavily used since the 1970s. It rarely comes across as “cool vintage,” and instead feels stale and uninspired.
The Result:
Most of today’s customers want something that feels current. If your design screams “disco era,” you’re likely to struggle winning over a contemporary audience.

6. Copperplate Gothic

Why It’s a Problem:
Copperplate Gothic has a formal, sometimes old-fashioned tone. It was popular in legal documents and signage, which doesn’t always blend with modern apparel styles.
The Result:
Unless you have a design concept that specifically calls for that archaic atmosphere, this font will likely feel out of place on your shirts.

7. Chiller

Why It’s a Problem:
Chiller aims for a spooky look but often appears messy. Its uneven strokes and horror-inspired flair make it tough to read unless it’s in very large text.
The Result:
Instead of terrifying in a good way, it can come off as tacky or unpolished, leaving your audience more puzzled than intrigued.

8. Jokerman

Why It’s a Problem:
Jokerman’s excessive decorative elements can make each letter a challenge to decipher. It’s visually striking but far from readable.
The Result:
If the viewer can’t read it quickly, your shirt’s message is lost. Customers want clarity, and Jokerman’s over-the-top style doesn’t deliver.

Why These Fonts Struggle on T-Shirts

1. Legibility
   T-shirt text should be clear from a quick glance—especially when viewed by customers on a small mobile screen. Overly ornate or whimsical fonts can ruin the immediate readability that apparel demands.

2. Visual Appeal
   Professional doesn’t mean boring, but certain fonts have a reputation for being amateurish or outdated. If your design looks cheap, you risk losing customer trust.

3. Overuse
   Fonts that have been everywhere (and in the wrong contexts) can look lazy and out-of-touch. Customers tend to associate these choices with unoriginal work.

4. Inclusivity & Accessibility
   If a font is too slender, too flowery, or has tight spacing, it poses challenges for people with dyslexia or visual impairments. Striving for inclusivity helps everyone enjoy your design.

5. Context & Style
   Every font conveys a mood. A playful script might clash with a streetwear aesthetic, or a corporate-style typeface might look odd on a whimsical design.

6. Impact & Readability
   Extremely thin lines, extreme decorative elements, or inconsistent spacing can break your shirt’s readability. Shoppers often move on if they have to strain to read your text.

Fonts That (Usually) Work Better

Clean Sans-Serif Options
Modern sans-serif fonts like Helvetica, Futura, Montserrat, or Open Sans are clear, adaptable to various themes, and effortlessly legible.

Eye-Catching Yet Legible
If you need a bit more flair without sacrificing clarity, consider Yeseva One, Wire One, or Anton. They offer personality while staying sharp and readable.

Modern Vibes
For a fresh, on-trend feel, experiment with fonts such as Architects Daughter or Raleway. They bring a contemporary element to your merch without overwhelming the design.

Bold & Commanding
When you want your text to stand out, Impact can work well. Just be cautious with sizing and spacing to avoid a design that feels like it’s shouting at viewers.

Choose Wisely for 2025

In the fast-paced world of print-on-demand t-shirt design, it’s easy to overlook fonts while you focus on graphics and color. However, the text you place on a shirt carries your message—be it humorous, motivational, or promotional. Picking the wrong font can undercut that message, so it’s crucial to choose wisely.

Steering clear of notorious offenders like Comic Sans, Papyrus, and Curlz is an excellent start. Likewise, avoiding overly formal or overly familiar fonts such as Times New Roman or Arial can keep your creations looking fresh. By prioritizing legibility, ensuring the font aligns with your brand’s style, and maintaining a modern feel, you’ll produce t-shirts that turn heads and leave a lasting impression on your audience.

Remember, when you scroll through your font library, resist those “quirky” temptations that might derail your design. Your customers—and your bottom line—will thank you for opting for something stylish, readable, and on-point.

Want to scale up your new product launches into listings that make $100K+ yearly revenue in less than 2 months?

Use the platform Stack Influence to automate Micro-Influencer collaborations at scale (get thousands of collabs per month) and boost your Amazon launches, generate UGC, and scale up your brand awareness like never before.

Top Amazon brands like Magic Spoon, Unilever, and MaryRuth Organics have turned their new Amazon product launches into listings with monthly revenue on pace to break $100K over the year.

• Pay influencers only with products (stop negotiating fees)

• Increase external traffic Amazon sales (get to top page rankings)

• Get full rights image/video UGC (build your brand with authentic content

• 100% automated management (don’t lift a finger to get influencer collabs at scale)

Get 10% OFF Today!