The Varsity Tee Trend Is Here: 5 Reasons We Are Obsessed With Maku

The varsity tee is the style story of 2026. Bold retro lettering, a 90s-inspired silhouette, and that effortless throw-on-and-go energy: it has taken over street style globally, and one Melbourne label is doing it better than anyone. Maku creates graphic tees from original hand-painted artwork, with the kind of considered detail that fast fashion simply cannot replicate. We stock their Rodeo and France V-neck tees at Hey Little, and here are five reasons we think they belong in your wardrobe.

In this article

• 1. Why the varsity tee is the biggest trend of 2026
• 2. What makes Maku different from other graphic tee brands
• 3. How the fit actually works
• 4. How to style a graphic tee without looking underdressed
• 5. Is $109 worth it for a graphic tee?
• Rodeo vs France: which should you buy?
• FAQ

1. Why Is the Varsity Tee the Biggest Trend of 2026?

Fashion runs in cycles, and the sports-inspired tee has had a quiet build-up over the past couple of seasons. In 2026, it landed properly. Who What Wear named it one of the top sporty trends of the year, with oversized lettering, jersey-style details, and a vintage aesthetic driving the shift. The timing makes sense: after years of very minimal, very quiet fashion, there is real appetite for something with personality.

For Australian shoppers, the timing lines up particularly well with winter dressing. A graphic tee with presence works beautifully under a coat or with heavier layers in a way that a plain white tee simply does not. You get warmth and outfit, not just warmth.

The varsity tee sits at the sweet spot between comfort and intention. It reads casual but looks considered. And unlike many trends, it is wearable across different ages, body types, and occasions. A well-chosen graphic tee in 2026 is not a statement piece you will hide at the back of your wardrobe in two years. It is a wardrobe workhorse with a bit more soul.

2. What Makes Maku Different From Every Other Graphic Tee Brand?

Most graphic tees start with a printer and a stock image. Maku starts with a paintbrush.

The Melbourne-based label is built around original hand-painted artwork, which is then translated into prints for each piece. The result is something that looks and feels genuinely artistic, not like a mass-produced souvenir tee. Every design carries visible brushwork and colour choices you would not find at a chain store.

Beyond the aesthetics, Maku is a slow-fashion label. Pieces are made using eco-friendly printing methods, sourced from factories with ethical accreditations, and shipped in plant-based compostable mailers. For a lot of shoppers, knowing exactly how and where something was made is part of what makes it worth buying.

3. Will It Actually Fit Well?

This is the question that puts a lot of people off buying tees online. Maku's V-neck tees are cut with a relaxed, slightly oversized silhouette inspired by the easy proportions of 90s fashion. It is not boxy or shapeless. The drop of the shoulders and the length of the hem are deliberate, creating a shape that flatters a wide range of bodies without being clingy.

The cotton is 190 GSM, which means it holds its shape after washing and does not go see-through or pill after a few wears. It feels more like a wardrobe investment than a promotional item.

Between sizes? Size down for a more fitted look, or stay true to size for the full relaxed effect. We stock XS to L in both the Rodeo and France V-neck tees.

4. How Do You Style a Graphic Tee Without Looking Underdressed?

The short answer: it is all about what you pair it with. These three formulas work every time.

• Casual daytime: Tuck the front loosely into wide-leg denim and add a loafer or a slide. The contrast between the relaxed tee and the smarter shoe is what makes it look considered rather than thrown together.
• Evening: Pull it over a midi skirt in a printed or textured fabric and let the skirt do the talking. The tee reads almost like a blouse from a distance, especially on the Maku V-neck cut.
• Winter layering (right now in Australia): Wear it under an oversized coat or with a slim long-sleeve underneath. The varsity lettering still shows through the open front of a coat, and you get the warmth without losing the outfit.

5. Is $109 Worth It for a Graphic Tee?

A fair question. When you can buy a graphic tee for $20 at most fast fashion retailers, the Maku price point needs justification.

The honest answer: the difference is in how long it lasts and how it wears. A $20 tee is often printed on lightweight, low-GSM cotton that starts to fade and thin after 10 washes. Maku uses 190 GSM cotton with a print method designed to last. The design itself is not tied to a single trend season, meaning you will still want to wear it in three years.

The cost-per-wear calculation tips quickly in Maku's favour for anyone who plans to reach for the tee regularly. And for shoppers who care about where their clothes come from and how they were made, that consideration is built into the price.

Rodeo vs France: Which Maku Tee Should You Buy?

Both tees share the same relaxed 90s silhouette and 190 GSM cotton. The difference is the design personality. Here is how they compare.

	Rodeo V-neck Tee	France V-neck Tee
Colour	Charcoal with brown contrast trim	Cream with red contrast trim
Design vibe	Western, moody, hand-painted scene artwork	Sporty, retro, bold varsity lettering
Best styled with	Dark denim, boots, a leather bag	Light wash jeans, loafers, a midi skirt
Season	Autumn and winter	Year-round, especially spring and summer
Price	$109.95 AUD	$109.95 AUD
Shop	Buy the Rodeo →	Buy the France →

Can't decide? The Rodeo is the better winter pick right now. The France is the one to grab if you want something you will reach for all year.

Frequently Asked Questions

How should I wash my Maku tee?

Cold machine wash, inside out, on a gentle cycle. Avoid the dryer where possible. Hang or lay flat to dry to preserve the print and the shape of the cotton.

What size should I order from Maku?

Maku's tees are designed with a relaxed, slightly oversized fit. Size down if you prefer a more fitted look, or stay true to size for the full 90s drop-shoulder effect. Hey Little stocks the Rodeo and France V-neck tees in XS through L.

Are Maku tees a sustainable choice?

Yes. Maku is a slow-fashion label. Pieces are made using eco-friendly printing methods, sourced from ethically accredited factories, and shipped in plant-based compostable packaging. Making to order also avoids the overproduction typical of fast fashion.

How does a graphic tee work in Australian winter?

Well, actually. The France and Rodeo V-neck tees layer naturally under an oversized coat or blazer, or over a fitted long-sleeve base layer. The lettering stays visible and the silhouette holds its shape with extra layers on top.

Can I try Maku tees in store?

Yes. Hey Little is based in Fremantle, Western Australia. Visit us at Shop 95A South Terrace to see the Maku range in person, or shop online with shipping Australia-wide.