The world of fandom merchandise has exploded in recent years, and few items capture the essence of a cult-favorite show quite like the What We Do in the Shadows T-Shirt. Inspired by the mockumentary-style comedy that follows a group of vampires navigating modern life, these T-shirts have become a staple for fans who want to wear their love for the series on their sleeves—literally. Whether you’re a die-hard admirer of Nandor, Laszlo, Nadja, or Guillermo, a What We Do in the Shadows T-Shirt allows you to channel the undead hilarity into your everyday wardrobe. In this article, we’ll dive deep into the appeal of these tees, explore popular designs, discuss styling options, and even provide a handy FAQ section. By the end, you’ll be ready to add one (or more) to your collection.
First, let’s rewind to the origins of the show that sparked this merchandise frenzy. “What We Do in the Shadows” began as a 2014 film directed by Taika Waititi and Jemaine Clement, blending horror and comedy in a fresh, faux-documentary format. The film followed vampires in New Zealand dealing with roommate squabbles, bloodlust, and the occasional werewolf rivalry. Its success led to the FX TV series in 2019, which transplanted the concept to Staten Island, New York, with a new cast including Matt Berry as Laszlo, Natasia Demetriou as Nadja, Kayvan Novak as Nandor, and Harvey Guillén as the long-suffering familiar Guillermo. The series has run for six seasons as of 2025, earning critical acclaim for its sharp wit, improvised humor, and relatable take on immortality. For more on the show’s history, check out the Wikipedia page for the TV series or the original film.
The What We Do in the Shadows T-Shirt phenomenon ties directly into the show’s quotable lines and memorable characters. Fans flock to these shirts because they encapsulate the absurdity of vampire life—think phrases like “Bat!” (Laszlo’s transformation catchphrase) or “Creepy Paper” (a nod to the vampires’ outdated ways). Merchandise ranges from official FX-licensed items to fan-created designs on platforms like Etsy and TeePublic. According to various online retailers, sales of these T-shirts spiked during the show’s peak seasons, with designs featuring the ensemble cast or spooky motifs becoming bestsellers. What makes a What We Do in the Shadows T-Shirt stand out is its blend of horror aesthetics with comedy—neon greens, gothic fonts, and cartoonish vampire illustrations that poke fun at the genre.
Diving into popular designs, there’s something for every fan. Official merch from the FX shop includes raglan tees with metallic prints of the show’s logo or character portraits, often in black or dark gray to evoke that nocturnal vibe. On sites like TeePublic and Redbubble, independent artists offer creative twists, such as minimalist line art of Nadja’s dramatic poses or Laszlo’s cheeky quotes like “You Really Are the Most Devilish Little Bastard in New York City.” Amazon listings show a variety of options, from retro-inspired prints mimicking Fleetwood Mac album covers (a clever nod to Laszlo and Nadja’s dynamic) to sticker packs that can be paired with plain tees for DIY customization. Etsy is a treasure trove for handmade What We Do in the Shadows T-Shirts, with sellers offering emotional support spider webs or Jackie Daytona alter-ego designs.
To help you navigate the options, here’s a table comparing some top What We Do in the Shadows T-Shirt designs based on popularity, price range, and unique features:
| Design Name | Description | Price Range (USD) | Where to Buy | Unique Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cast Ensemble Glow | Features Nandor, Laszlo, Nadja, Colin, and Guillermo in neon green print | $20-30 | FX Official Shop | Metallic raglan sleeves |
| Nadja’s Emotional Support | Spider web logo with “This Is My Emotional Support Spider” quote | $15-25 | Etsy | Customizable colors |
| Laszlo Quote Portrait | Black-and-white sketch of Laszlo with bats and a winking quote | $18-28 | TeePublic | Independent artist design |
| Bat! Transformation | Simple “Bat!” text with vampire bat illustration | $12-22 | Redbubble | Available in multiple fabrics |
| Jackie Daytona Bartender | Retro bar logo referencing Laszlo’s human disguise | $20-35 | Amazon | Glow-in-the-dark elements |
This table highlights how diverse the What We Do in the Shadows T-Shirt market is, catering to budgets from affordable fan art to premium official gear. Whether you’re looking for subtlety or bold statements, there’s a design that fits.
Styling a What We Do in the Shadows T-Shirt is all about embracing the show’s quirky, gothic-comedy vibe. Pair a black cast ensemble tee with ripped jeans and combat boots for a casual vampire hunter look—perfect for comic cons or Halloween parties. For a more everyday ensemble, layer a Nadja-inspired design under a leather jacket, adding silver accessories to nod to the vampires’ aversion to stakes. Women can style oversized versions as dresses with fishnet tights, while men might opt for fitted cuts with cargo pants for that Guillermo-esque practicality. The key is fun; these shirts aren’t just clothing—they’re conversation starters. Imagine wearing one to a bar and quoting lines to fellow fans, turning a mundane outing into a shadowy adventure.
Where can you snag your own What We Do in the Shadows T-Shirt? Official merchandise is available on the FX shop website, often with seasonal discounts during new episode drops. For variety, Hot Topic carries exclusive prints with a punk edge, while eBay offers vintage or rare finds from past seasons. If you’re into supporting creators, platforms like Etsy and Redbubble allow for personalized touches, such as adding your name or custom colors. Prices typically range from $15 for basic prints to $40 for high-quality, licensed items. Keep an eye on sales, especially around October for horror-themed promotions.
Beyond the basics, the cultural impact of these T-shirts reflects the show’s broader themes. “What We Do in the Shadows” satirizes immortality, relationships, and bureaucracy through its undead lens, and wearing a tee is like joining the coven. Fans have shared stories online about how these shirts sparked friendships or even romantic connections at events. For deeper dives into the show’s humor, read this Medium article on its gay representation or this one exploring its silliness.
In conclusion, the What We Do in the Shadows T-Shirt isn’t just apparel—it’s a badge of honor for fans of clever comedy and vampire lore. With endless designs drawing from the show’s rich universe, there’s no better way to celebrate this undead gem. Whether you’re binge-watching or heading out into the night, slip one on and let the shadows embrace you.
FAQ
Q: What is the What We Do in the Shadows T-Shirt made of? A: Most are 100% cotton or cotton blends for comfort, with some eco-friendly options on sites like Redbubble using organic materials.
Q: Are there official What We Do in the Shadows T-Shirts? A: Yes, the FX shop offers licensed merch, ensuring authenticity and high quality.
Q: Can I find plus-size options for What We Do in the Shadows T-Shirts? A: Absolutely—platforms like Etsy and TeePublic offer sizes up to 5XL, with custom sizing available.
Q: How do I care for my What We Do in the Shadows T-Shirt? A: Wash inside out in cold water and air dry to preserve prints, especially for glow-in-the-dark or metallic designs.
Q: Is there merchandise beyond T-shirts for the show? A: Yes, including hoodies, mugs, and stickers, often bundled on official sites.