Desert Dreams

The boho tee has always been a curious creature in the world of casual. One minute, it’s the golden ticket to “Oh this old thing? Got it in Byron” – next, it’s lurking in the back of your wardrobe, folded up with a mysterious stain from a festival and a whiff of patchouli. But. This is where that retro slacker pattern tee, also known as the Desert Dreams Patchwork Print Batwing Sleeve T-Shirt, comes in.

Those gloriously loose sleeves are what balmy dreams are made of - full, billowy and breezy - you can spot them across the room before you’ve even clocked the rest of the top. Cleverly cut raglan-style with an almost dolman width and an asymmetric patchwork/print design on each sleeve, they add instant whimsy to any outfit. The print mix is creative and abundant - no two sleeves look quite alike - so there’s more than a little artistic flair. Block prints? Yes! Florals? Yes! Leaves and botanicals? An emphatic yes.

The main body is earthy - with a textured vintage vibe and screen-printed details that give off original festival t-shirt energy without, you know, needing to have actually been at Woodstock. It’s all about peace in the desert - a motif we can all get behind. (Unless you are lost in the desert. Then keep moving.)

The front graphic is done in soft pastels and earth tones - sage green, taupe, muted rose pinks - stamped across the chest in block letters that spell out “PEACE IN THE DESERT”. The illustrations include cacti, desert mountains and a cowboy boot brimming with wildflowers, which adds to its lived-in feel.

There is nothing straight-laced about this bohemian staple that takes its shape cues from oversized men’s boxy tees but cuts its fit for both curves or straights - loose at all seams for easy comfort whether hanging out by the fire pit or running errands on payday.

And while it does give off major Western/Americana vibes from its front graphic, there’s enough cowgirl casualness here for just about everyone to want to wear one - regardless of whether you’re wearing it for school pickup or for midweek drinks with your best mates.

It takes mere seconds to throw this tee on and almost zero effort to style it because most of the hard work has already been done for you via those statement sleeves. You could easily throw this over white jeans or denim shorts if you wanted something simple. But equally as easy would be pairing it with jorts on extra humid summer days.

There’s something playful about its overall aesthetic too. While the front graphic feels understated (even though it commands attention), there’s nothing subtle about its raw hemline or voluminous sleeves. And yet even then there’s nothing juvenile about this blouse as there would be with most flower-power tees found at op-shops. There are less surprises here (apart from how well-constructed its side seams are) because you already know what you’re getting from first glance alone: an everyday shirt that’ll probably outlast trends like “coastal cowgirl chic”.

While not everyone gets cowboys or deserts (truthfully neither did I), it feels like everyone wants this shirt right now. Especially since multiple colourways means more time spent styling and less time spent thinking about whether your current wardrobe needs more print and colour or if neutrals will suffice until winter rolls around again.

The Desert Dreams is an everyday bohemian piece that manages to feel statement-y without feeling overwhelming thanks to clever cuts and careful use of graphic print.

Materials: 62% polyester + 32% cotton + 6% elastane