# Bootleg Band Tees This Unofficial N*E*R*D Tee Was Created in Response to Sold Out Merchandise By Riley von Niessen | Published 2017-11-17 | Fashion Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bootleg-band-tee References: [highsnobiety](https://www.highsnobiety.com/p/nerd-bootleg-t-shirt/) & [bootlegnerd](https://www.bootlegnerd.com/) N*E*R*D, the funk rock group that recently joined back up to drop 'Lemon,' a hit song with Rihanna, has fans clamoring to get their hands on apparel that signifies their loyalty, which is why this new [bootleg band tee](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sonic-youth-band-tee) was dropped. The designer of the tee, Bootleg Nerd, is said to gave come up with the idea for the shirt after attending ComplexCon, where they were unable to get a hold of the [official merchandise](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dont-tap-the-glass) due to it quickly selling out. The white tee is made of 100% cotton, and features [minimal red graphics](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/made-to-order) on the front of it. These graphics include the classic N*E*R*D logo, as well as three symbols above it. Beneath it all, the words "The official merch sold out. This is a bootleg." are included. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.4/10 - Popularity: 75% | Activity: 78% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/fashion) > [Hip Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/hipfashion) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Bootleg Merchandise:** The increasing demand for sold-out official merchandise is creating a market for bootleg merchandise. - **Music Fan Apparel:** Fans are looking for unique and creative ways to show support for their favorite artists beyond traditional merchandise lines. - **Minimalist Graphics:** Minimalist graphics are becoming popular among fashion designers and merchandise creators, as they offer a simple yet impactful design. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Fashion:** Fashion designers have an opportunity to create trendy, streetwear-inspired band tees with minimalist graphics to appeal to music fans looking for unique apparel. - **Music Production:** Music production companies can explore affordable and sustainable options for creating merchandise to meet consumer demand and avoid counterfeiting. - **Streetwear:** Streetwear brands can leverage the growing demand for minimalist graphics to create limited-edition band tees and apparel for music fans. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Legacy Artist-Themed T-Shirts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gap-1.md) - [Iconic Band Apparel Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/freaks-store-2.md) - [Nu Metal Brand Collaborations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/deftones-and-dickies.md) - [90s-Inspired Grunge Band Tees](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/freaks-store-1.md) - [Graphic Tee Rap Tributes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/de-la-soul-x-levis.md) - [Vintage Band T-Shirt Capsule](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sonic-youth-band-tee.md) - [Rapper-Starring Anime Apparel](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/crunchyroll-2.md) - [Receipt-Inspired Graphic T-Shirts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/made-to-order.md) - [Music Graphic Tee Capsules](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/uniqlo-x-babymonster.md)