Fall shirt ideas: Top 17 designs for your autumn collection

The arrival of autumn brings a sense of change, and nothing mirrors this better than your wardrobe. Whether you're a designer looking to launch your extensive fall collection or someone who loves to keep up with seasonal trends, this guide covers it all! 

We will explore the top 17 fall shirt designs that are must-haves for your autumn lineup. From cozy, pumpkin-themed graphics to vibrant autumn florals, these designs will resonate with your audience and keep shoppers coming back for more.

We'll also show you how you can effortlessly bring these stylish ideas to life with Gelato's print on demand platform.

• Take inspiration from 17 diverse design trends for fall shirts that cater to a range of autumn-inspired themes, from Halloween fun to autumn florals.

• Popular color schemes like warm earth tones and vibrant autumn hues will help you create products that resonate with shoppers.

• A variety of design elements, including seasonal quotes, festive graphics, and nature-inspired patterns, can be used for your autumn merchandise.

• Utilize Gelato's Personalization Studio to effortlessly bring your creative fall shirt ideas to life and effectively meet consumer demand.

Fall is a season of inspiration, which is a testament to the vibrant colors of changing leaves and cozy autumn rituals. When designing shirts, capturing these elements is essential to honor the season's unique charm and warmth. 

Here are the top key elements you can pick and choose from:

1. Autumn leaves: Designs featuring autumn leaves capture the season's essence, evoking warm and cozy feelings perfect for fall apparel.

2. Pumpkins: Pumpkin prints are synonymous with fall, bringing a festive, harvest-themed vibe to your autumn collection.

3. Acorns and pinecones: Acorn and pinecone patterns add a touch of woodland charm, making them popular choices for nature-inspired designs.

4. Sweaters and scarves: Depicting sweaters and scarves on shirts creates a layered look that conveys coziness and warmth.

5. Hot beverages: Coffee or cocoa add comfort, appealing to those who love fall's cozy vibes.

6. Woodland creatures: Designs featuring woodland creatures like foxes and squirrels evoke a rustic, natural aesthetic, which is perfect for fall.

7. Harvest items: Wearing shirts featuring harvest items like cornucopias and gourds adds to the celebration of the season's bounty.

8. Trees and branches: Trees and branches capture the transitional beauty of fall foliage, making designs feel dynamic and seasonal.

9. Fall-themed floral arrangements: Integrating fall florals to add elegance and color, enhancing the seasonal appeal of your apparel.

10. Candles and lanterns: Elements like candles and lanterns contribute to a warm, inviting ambiance, perfect for cozy fall evenings.

11. Plaid patterns: These patterns are quintessentially fall, evoking a sense of rustic comfort and timeless style.

12. Harvest moon: The harvest moon offers a mystical touch, ideal for adding an element of wonder and intrigue to fall designs.

13. Baskets and barrels: Baskets and barrels signify abundance and are classic for celebrating the harvest season.

14. Wreaths and garlands: Autumn wreaths and garlands enhance the appeal of fall-themed shirts by bringing a festive, homey feel.

15. Vintage trucks: Trucks loaded with pumpkins or other harvest items add a nostalgic, charming look to fall apparel.

16. Barns and farmhouses: Barn and farmhouse drawings evoke rural life, adding rustic appeal to autumn designs.

17. Spooky elements: Integrate elements like ghosts and bats for a fun twist, ideal for Halloween-themed fall shirts.

18. Mason jars: Mason jars filled with fall goodies add a rustic, charming touch that resonates with the season's nostalgia.

19. Boots and umbrellas: Designs with boots and umbrellas showcase fall weather, combining practicality with seasonal charm.

Looking for the perfect and unique designs to spruce up your autumn apparel collection? We've curated 17 standout fall t-shirt design ideas that capture the season's essence. These designs offer variety and inspiration for your fall line-up, from cozy autumn leaf motifs to playful pumpkin spice.

1. Autumn leaves and pumpkins

Embrace the essence of fall with designs using autumn leaves and pumpkins. These symbols evoke the warm, cozy vibes of the season. Consider vibrant color palettes like burnt orange, deep reds, and golden yellows to bring your designs to life.

Key design elements to include are: 

• Intricate leaf patterns

• Pumpkin illustrations, both detailed and minimalist

• Layered textures to add depth and dimension

Autumn leaves and pumpkins are timeless motifs that never go out of style. Incorporate these elements to create a collection that resonates deeply with fall enthusiasts.

2. Sweater weather

Nothing says fall quite like the cozy appeal of a sweater weather design. This theme is perfect for showcasing knits, plaids, and warm tones. 

Consider designs that highlight the following: 

• Classic cable-knit patterns

• Nordic or Fair Isle motifs

• Warm earth tones and pastels

• Layered style illustrations

With the comfort and warmth these designs evoke, your customers will be ready to embrace the cooler weather in style. Sweater weather designs always resonate with seasonal sentiments, creating an emotional connection with your audience.

3. Autumn forest scene

Imagine walking through a serene forest with leaves in gold, orange, and red hues—it’s the essence of autumn. Shirts featuring detailed forest scenes capture this magic beautifully. 

Key elements to include: 

• Majestic trees with colorful foliage

• Animals like deer or foxes

• Natural elements like mushrooms and acorns

Autumn forest scenes are visually appealing, making them a must-have for your fall collection. These designs evoke a sense of calm and connect wearers with nature as the weather changes.

4. Pumpkin spice everything

Nothing says fall quite like the spicy aroma of pumpkin spice. This trend is everywhere, making it a perfect theme for your autumn collection. 

Consider using designs that feature: 

• Pumpkin spice lattes

• Pumpkin pies

• Clever phrases like "But First, Pumpkin Spice."

These elements will resonate with pumpkin spice lovers. Incorporate warm hues of orange, brown, and cream to capture the essence of this beloved fall flavor. 

Embrace the pumpkin spice craze to boost your collection's appeal. With these designs, you'll surely cater to the season's enthusiasts.

5. Hello fall!

Embrace the arrival of fall with designs that celebrate the season in style. "Hello Fall" shirts can offer: 

• Whimsical or bold lettering in autumn colors

• Illustrations of leaves, acorns, and autumn fruits

• Mixed media designs incorporating both graphics and text

These shirts are perfect for anyone looking to welcome the season and showcase their enthusiasm for the changing leaves and cooler weather. 

Incorporate a "Hello Fall" design into your collection to appeal to a broad audience. It's a fun addition to any fall apparel collection!

6. Scarecrow and hay bales

Embrace the rustic charm of fall with scarecrow and hay bale designs. These motifs are perfect for capturing the essence of autumn festivals and harvest time. 

Consider combining scarecrow illustrations with elements like worn-out denim and plaid patterns for an authentic, homespun feel. Use earthy tones such as burnt orange, deep brown, and mustard yellow to highlight these themes. Some key features to consider are: 

• Rustic illustrations

• Layered textures

• The earthy, warm color palette

Scarecrow and hay bale designs evoke a sense of nostalgia and warmth - perfect for any autumn wardrobe.

7. Fall florals

Floral designs aren't just for spring and summer—fall florals bring a warm, earthy touch to your wardrobe. Think burnt oranges, deep maroons, and rich greens that reflect seasonal hues. 

Critical elements for fall florals include: 

• Rust and mustard-colored petals

• Botanical prints in darker tones

• Layered with cozy cardigans

These designs are perfect for adding a feminine touch to your autumn collection. Gelato's print on demand platform makes it easy to produce and ship these intricate designs globally.

8. Grateful and thankful

Expressing gratitude is always in style, especially in the fall. Designs that feature "Grateful" and "Thankful" in elegant lettering or playful fonts can make your shirts stand out. 

Consider incorporating autumnal elements like leaves, pumpkins, or acorns to complement these phrases. Here are a few other tips for your shirts:

• Simple and elegant fonts for a timeless look.

• Pair phrases with autumn symbols for added flair.

• Use warm, earthy colors like mustard, rust, and forest green.

These designs celebrate the season and resonate deeply with the themes of gratitude and appreciation. Incorporating these heartfelt messages will elevate your autumn collection and cater to a wider audience.

9. Autumn animals

Autumn animal designs are perfect for adding a whimsical yet sophisticated touch to your collection. Their timeless appeal ensures they remain popular year after year.

Embrace the charm of fall with animal-inspired shirts with: 

• Foxes with rust-colored fur

• Owls perched on branches

• Deer wandering through misty woods

• Squirrels gathering acorns

• Hedgehogs nestled in fallen leaves

These motifs bring a touch of nature to any autumn wardrobe and appeal to diverse age groups. Use warm, earthy tones like burnt orange, deep brown, and forest green to evoke the seasonal landscape. 

10. Campfire nights

There's something magical about spending chilly autumn evenings gathered around a campfire. Capture this cozy vibe with designs featuring: 

• Crackling campfires

• S'mores illustrations

• Camping gear icons

• Witty campfire quotes

These elements can evoke nostalgia and warmth, making your fall collection universally appealing. Earthy tones enhance the overall autumnal feel, adding another layer of seasonal charm. 

11. Apple picking

Simplicity and warmth go a long way when it comes to fall designs. They embrace the nostalgic charm of apple picking with designs that capture this beloved fall activity. 

Think about incorporating: 

• Illustrations of apple orchards

• Bushels of freshly picked apples

• Charming, rustic typography

• Warm, earthy, apple cider color palettes

These elements resonate with the wholesome, family-friendly vibe of apple picking. Ideal for casual outings and cozy gatherings alike, these shirts are a must-have for fall. 

12. Football season

Fall and football are practically synonymous. From kickoff to the final whistle, these football-themed shirts will keep fans engaged and stylish all season long.

Consider incorporating: 

• Team colors and mascots

• Catchphrases and slogans

• Classic football imagery, for example, helmets, goalposts, and the football itself

These shirts are perfect for tailgating parties or simply showing support from the comfort of home. With football-themed designs, your autumn collection will be a touchdown! 

13. Halloween fun

Embrace the spooky season with Halloween-themed fall shirts that cater to all ages. Popular designs include: 

• Classic jack-o'-lantern faces

• Ghostly apparitions

• Witch hats and broomsticks

• Black cats and bats

These motifs can be playful and eerie, perfect for Halloween parties or casual wear throughout October. Whether you’re crafting stylish tees for a haunted gathering or fun designs for trick-or-treaters, Halloween-themed shirts never go out of style.

14. Vintage truck with pumpkins

Celebrate the nostalgia of autumn with vintage truck designs loaded with pumpkins. These motifs bring a rustic charm, perfect for embodying the harvest season. Here are some ideas to consider: 

• Weathered truck with vivid orange pumpkins spilling out the back

• Old-fashioned pickup surrounded by fall foliage

• Classic farm truck parked beside a sunlit field in the background 

Using these designs can evoke a sense of homeliness and simplicity. Consumers will appreciate the blend of vintage style and seasonal spirit that resonates deeply during autumn.

15. Autumn quotes

Autumn quotes on shirts offer a warm, nostalgic touch perfect for cozy fall vibes. Consider these famous quotes to inspire your graphic designs: 

• "And all at once, summer collapsed into fall."

• "Autumn—the year's last, loveliest smile."

• "Fall breeze and autumn leaves."

• "Hello, Autumn."

• "Sweater weather is better weather."

Each quote captures the season's essence, making your shirts resonate with fall enthusiasts. Including quotes on your shirts allows for a professional and personalized touch.

16. Sunflowers and sunsets

Sunflowers and sunsets encapsulate the warm, golden hues of fall. Designing shirts with vibrant sunflowers or a serene sunset landscape can evoke a sense of tranquility and poetry. These designs connect with nature lovers and those looking to embrace the calm essence of autumn: 

• Bright sunflower prints for a lively, cheerful vibe

• Soft, gradient sunsets for a relaxed evening feel

• Blend both elements for a harmonious autumn look

Sunflowers and sunset designs are perfect for your fall collection. Incorporate them to bring warmth and beauty to your merchandise.

17. Mushrooms and woodland creatures

For a charming and whimsical fall look, designs featuring mushrooms and woodland creatures are a hit. These motifs tap into the magic of autumn forests and childhood nostalgia. Consider these ideas: 

• Illustrations of mushrooms in earthy tones

• Cute forest animals like foxes, deer, and owls

• Patterns that combine leaves, acorns, and other forest elements

These designs appeal to nature lovers and resonate with those who appreciate a touch of fantasy. They create a cozy and inviting aesthetic that is perfect for fall.

Embracing the magic of autumn through your shirt designs can elevate your fall collection. With these inspiring ideas, the possibilities for showcasing creativity and connecting with your audience over seasonal sentiments are endless. Now, it’s time to bring these designs to life.

Discover Gelato’s print on demand services, where creating and shipping custom fall t-shirts is easier than ever. With a global network spanning 32 countries, Gelato enables you to produce and deliver high-quality t-shirts locally, reducing costs and environmental impact. 

Our user-friendly Personalization Studio lets you design, customize, and preview your shirts before printing. Plus, Gelato offers flexible subscription plans tailored to your needs, providing a seamless experience with discounted shipping, priority support, and more. 

Ready to turn your fall shirt ideas into designs that sell? Sign up for Gelato today and start creating your autumn collection now!