Despite their initial success, Ed Hardy shirts faced criticism for their widespread commercialization and the dilution of tattoo art's underground roots. As the brand grew, some argued that the essence of Hardy's artistry was being lost in a sea of mass production. The once striking designs were often reduced to mere status symbols, generating conversations about authenticity in fashion and art. Additionally, as trends shifted, the once high-fashion shirts began to fall out of favor, impacting the way people perceived tattoo culture and its fusion with mainstream style.