Veterans, thank you for your service. As a U.S. Army veteran, I understand the true bravery and honor you’ve brought our country. So, again, thank you.
Did you know that all military branches wear t-shirts? For instance, as an Army service members we wore O.D. Green t-shirts underneath our B.D.U. field uniforms, and light gray P.T. shirts with ARMY in black lettering. Every branch has similar t-shirts for field and physical training gear.
And I believe that U.S. military veteran t-shirts are one of the best gifts you can give a veteran you love.
Even 30 years after leaving active duty, I enjoy wearing patriotic veteran t-shirts to pay homage to my time serving and continued pride in everyone who has served.
Fortunately, I have scoured the web for the best veteran t-shirts from all six branches of the U.S. military to help you find the best one for you (or your family member).
Was the T-Shirt Made for the Military?
T-shirts are one of the most popular apparel pieces worn every day across the globe. But its history is deeply rooted in the U.S. military.
Today’s t-shirt originated from an all-in-one undergarment in the 19th century called the Union Suit. To stay cooler in warmer climates, the men cut their Union Suits in half, creating two separate articles of clothing. And the top half evolved into the t-shirt we now know and love.
When 1905 rolled around, the U.S. Navy popularized the t-shirt by including it in their uniform just before WWI. Thousands of service members were required to wear it under their uniforms, a habit that continued upon returning home.
However, wearing t-shirts in public didn’t become acceptable until millions of veterans began donning them as casual outerwear after returning from WWII.
The Top Veteran T-Shirts from 6 Branches of the U.S. Military
Vietnam Veteran T-Shirts
Active U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War began in 1954, and service members fought valiantly until the final peace agreement was settled in January 1973.
Having fiercely divided the United States of America, many veterans from different branches faced negative responses upon their return. And it wasn’t until 1982 that the Vietnam Veterans Memorial was displayed in Washington, D.C.
Custom Duty Station Vietnam Veteran T-Shirt
Available in black and khaki, this custom t-shirt allows you to personalize it with your particular duty station alongside the service ribbons.
Wherever and however you served, you can customize this Vietnam War t-shirt to display your or your loved one’s bravery and honor proudly.
U.S.S. Enterprise CVAN-65 with Vietnam Service Ribbons Printed T-Shirt
This exclusive tee comes in navy blue and is printed in the U.S.A. and is available with all the Aircraft Carriers. This one is printed with the words “U.S.S. Enterprise CVAN-65” in yellow text. The service ribbons are aligned along the chest, and a percentage of each sale is given to the respective branch of service to support their M.W.R. program.
Army Veteran T-Shirts
The United States Army was officially formed on June 14, 1775, a mere year before the Declaration of Independence. Since then, the force has played a huge role in growing and developing the nation.
Two emblems are used in the U.S. Army — the official Seal of the Department of the Army, displaying the Roman cuirass and a five-pointed star. Separate logos and insignias exist for functional areas and other branches of the Army.
U.S. Army Veteran T-Shirt – Black with Logo
Offered in black, this veteran t-shirt displays the text “U.S. Army Veteran” on the front across the chest. The word “United States” and “veteran” are in white text, while the word “Army” is displayed in gold text.
United States Army Grandpa T-shirt
If you’re a family member of a Veteran, 611Armory offers some shirts for Moms, Dads, Grandpas, Brothers, Cousins, and more. This one comes in black, with white and gold text and logo and says “United States Army Grandpa.”
Navy Veteran T-Shirts
The U.S. Navy was formed by Congress in April 1798, with its earliest roots in the Continental navy established by General George Washington in 1775.
The emblem displays a land and sea background inside a blue annulet with “Department of the Navy” displayed on the top, flanked by a gold rope.
United States Navy T-Shirt
This U.S. Navy veteran t-shirt displays the words “United States Navy Veteran” in white lettering on a Navy ringspun cotton t-shirt.
U.S. Navy Proud Veteran T-shirt
This Navy veteran’s t-shirt is printed with the words “Proud Veteran U.S. Navy.” It’s printed in the U.S.A. and comes in multiple sizes, from small to 3XL.
Air Force T-Shirts for Veterans
The U.S. Department of the Air Force was established on September 18, 1947, and was headed by the Secretary of the Air Force under the National Security Act of the same year.
Grunt Style is one of our favorite sources for officially licensed military gear. This Air Force t-shirt comes in Navy color, with the U.S. Air Force logo on the front left. The Grunt Style logo is on the left sleeve. The U.S. flag is on the right sleeve. And 6 Air Force jets are printed on the back. The print is in white on navy.
United States Air Force T-Shirt
The Air Force shirt is 100% cotton and printed with the official U.S. Air Force emblem and white text.
U.S. Air Force Proud Veteran T-Shirt
This royal blue military t-shirt is screen-printed with large “Proud Veteran U.S. Air Force” green-gray text and the emblem. The sizing is unisex, and it’s one of the newer additions to Armed Forces Gear’s apparel.
Marine Veteran T-Shirts
The Second Continental Congress passed a resolution to craft two Battalions of Marines for landing forces on November 10, 1775. That date birthed the United States Marine Corps and established the Continental Marines.
U.S. Marines T-Shirt for Veterans
The front features white text reading “Marine Veteran Defender of Freedom” on the front. The design also has a U.S. Veteran dog tag hanging around the word “Veteran”. It’s an original design that looks and feels awesome. It’s a great gift for Marine Veterans.
United States of America Marines Veteran T-Shirt
Designed and screen-printed in the U.S.A., the marine t-shirt boasts red and yellow lettering with the words “United States Marines Veteran.” The design takes up most of the front, with the emblem finishing it.
Coast Guard Veteran T-Shirts
Created by Congress as a merger on August 4, 1790, at the request of Alexander Hamilton, the Coast Guard is the oldest continuously operating naval service of the United States. It officially became the modern Coast Guard in 1915.
The U.S. Coast Guard Search and Rescue is one of the Coast Guard’s best-known operations.
U.S. Coast Guard T-shirt
The blue Coast Guard veteran t-shirt displays the print in the center of the chest, with white and red printed text reading “Coast Guard Veteran”. This is a great Coast Guard veteran t-shirt for any occasion.
Space Force Veteran T-Shirts
The most recent addition to the country’s military is the U.S. Space Force, established on December 20, 2019. It’s the first new branch of the armed forces since 73 years ago.
Service members work worldwide to design, obtain, field, test, use, and defend the U.S.A.’s critical space systems, with the motto “Always Above.”
U.S. Space Force Logo T-Shirt
The gray veteran t-shirt displays the emblem in the center of the chest, with white, printed text reading “United States Space Force.” It also has a black and white American flag on the right sleeve, solidifying your more-than-deserved patriotic pride.
Thank You for Your Service!
We hope you enjoy these veteran t-shirts and Veteran t-shirt suppliers. These veteran tees are awesome as year-round gifts for your loved ones and friends.
Bryan E. Robinson is the former owner of TshirtGrowth. He has sold t-shirts since 2006 through dropshipping, screen printing, vinyl printing, DTG, Print on Demand, and more. Bryan has created his own t-shirt designs through Photoshop, Canva, and other platforms, as well as worked with freelancers to create many of his designs. Besides t-shirts, Bryan has over 18 years of experience in online marketing with eCommerce, B2B SaaS, B2C products, and more.
