The FAVORITE T-Shirt

All of us have a favorite t-shirt, folded nicely in a drawer or safely hanging in the closet.  Maybe you have more than one, I know I do! It's interesting how a simple t-shirt can transform into something cherished, meaningful and have such purpose. 

When we look at our favorite t-shirt, we're reminded of a special moment in our life. Was it an amazing concert or nail-biting playoff or championship game? Maybe it was an unforgettable vacation or conquering a goal. T-shirts are a bit like photographs, they're a snapshot of something important – it’s as if the cherished memories and emotions are wove right into the fabric.

This is a favorite t-shirt (main photo in the article). It's well worn and has a special place in the drawer. There are at least a dozen POWHerFUL t-shirts in my drawer, but this one is special, it was the very first t-shirt produced when I started Thoughtful Threads. 

T-shirts are EMOTION

You trained for months and endured the blisters, sunburn and sore muscles. You showed up, rain or shine, put in the miles and for months, remained focused. On race day you were ready. You didn’t quit. You finished the race and you have the finisher's t-shirt to prove it!  

Finisher’s t-shirts become a favorite t-shirt because they are a reminder of the day you demonstrated you had what it took to cross the finish line. This t-shirt proves you do not quit!

When faced with a challenging situation, you may reach for that t-shirt because it is proof that you can, and have done, hard things. The shirt seems to bring a transformation, like Thor's hammer, when putting it on you become focused and empowered.  You believe strength and fortitude are wove into the fabric.

A handful of POWHerFUL friends joined me for a birthday hike from the North Rim of Grand Canyon to the South Rim. The morning after completing Rim to Rim, everyone wanted a t-shirt to mark the accomplishment – I still have mine. It is definitely a favorite t-shirt. It's faded, soft and yet so strong.  Every time I put it on, the memories and emotions wove into this old t-shirt, remind me of the power of friendship.

T-shirts are PRIDE

At a glance it’s evident the family at the next table loves their local sports team. Everyone is wearing the team’s apparel. Flashy embroidery on caps, bedazzled jackets, jerseys old and new; even the kids are dressed in red and gold from head to toe. But, what’s with grandpa? His t-shirt looks 50 years old! Seriously vintage! Clearly, it used to be white, now it’s tissue-thin and the artwork looks really weird (what font is that!?)  Why would anyone go in public in this shirt!?  

This is Grandpa's favorite t-shirt. He was wearing it the last time the team went to the championship. He’s proud of his team, he’s been a fan his entire life and he believes good luck is literally wove into the fabric.

T-shirts are CONNECTION

It’s a lovely fall day, there’s a chill in the air and the sun is shining, it's totally long sleeve t-shirt weather! Strolling through the farmer’s market, someone notices the logo on my shirt and a conversation starts. We obviously went to the same school but discover we have mutual friends and may have attended a couple classes together. Walking away, a quick “Rock Chalk” is exchanged and a terrific connection was made because of a t-shirt!  It’s as if there is an electric charge or magnetic pull wove into the fabric.

Your favorite t-shirt can identify your passion, affiliation, belief, purpose and just about anything you want people to know about you! T-shirts are the perfect way to connect with your community.

MORE THAN a T-shirt

Thoughtful Threads are high-quality, uniquely designed and fun to wear and share. They are so much more than a t-shirt! They are an extension of YOU!  Thoughtful Threads spread messages of empowerment, equality, love and kindness and can easily become your favorite t-shirt or your favorite gift to give.

It’s hard to choose a favorite t-shirt in our store. The designs are like my kids, I love them all for their individual, unique message. 

Can someone have this many favorite t-shirts?!

POWHerFUL t-shirts communicate the inherent strength of being a woman and leaves little confusion of my stance when it comes to equality and empowerment for women and girls (yes, we have this for babies, toddlers and girls). This design connects with women who are aware of their power and it connects equally with women who are searching for a tribe where they are can be heard, understood and find their voice. Our POWHerFUL design is frequently purchased as a gift, it's a great way to encourage and uplift or to remind a woman that SHE IS POWHerFUL.

Every single time I wear the We Are All the Same Color on the Inside design, someone smiles and comments on the message. Wearing this design makes clear my stance on race equality and it's pretty cute, too.  Again, it's so cool that a shirt sparks a response that creates a connection which leads to a conversation with a complete stranger! 

You can't be a grouch and frown in our SMILE t-shirt. Well, I guess you could, but that wouldn't be cool. This is a favorite t-shirt because when I wear it, people flash me a smile or quickly say, "I really like your shirt!" 

There is one design I hold near and dear to my heart. Growing up, my dad would often say, “Excellence is never an accident”—as I type, I can actually hear him saying it.  This design is even more special as the artwork is my dad’s actual handwriting.  Recognizing that achievements are not accidents but rather, the result of effort, hard work and the support of those around us–this design connects the dots between effort, hard work and achievement.

You get dressed every day! How you dress effects your mindset! Wearing a quality, comfortable garment that makes you feel happy, empowered, loved, kind or strong will no doubt get your day off to a great start!  

What you wear tells people a bit about you, so spread positive messages as you move about in your community!