Political T-shirts have been utilized for many years by political groups who desire to spread a message and influence the views of others. A regular feature of major political campaigns is screen printing all kinds of products, including T-shirts, for distribution. Their opponents tend to be just as aggressive when it comes to making, distributing, and using products that advertise a message against that candidate. Hats, bags, shirts, and related items that advertise the user's political allegiance are used when groups try to promote new bills. How do political activist groups make use of T-shirts to affect public opinion and promote their goals in the community?

Political forces are constantly at war with one another thanks to the powerful divisive nature of all politics. When all the members of an activist group or political party use the same political T-shirts, they support one another and promote their cause. T-shirts and additional products displaying photos of presidential candidates are worn by millions of supporters leading up the election day. As a part of rallies, these shirts serve to unite everyone present as working towards a common goal: the successful election of their favorite candidate.

Political T-shirts are used by groups who are pushing for amendments to current laws or for new initiatives to be passed before the house or senate. Changing current laws or adding new ones to the books requires hundreds of signatures from supportive citizens, as well as their votes on the day those initiatives are put on the ballot. In an effort to get voters to head to the polls on election day in support of their cause, these groups have to inform the public. T-shirts and other apparel is able to assist in advertising the new proposal and get public interest piqued.

Of course, not all T-shirts and promotional products with a political message are designed to promote a candidate or cause. Advertisements on TV, ad messages on the radio, and screen printed products can all be used to spread negative messages about current candidates. Political cartoons have long been used by groups who wish to speak out against politicians and political figures in a sarcastic, humorous way; this is also the goal of Shut Up T-shirts.

Lots of political groups have used political T-shirts to encourage the public for or in opposition to causes. Distributed by political parties, individual candidates, and private companies, they allow wearers to speak out about the political issues that are important to them.