The Origins of Thug Tees

Summer 2025, Sebastopol, CA
Thug Tees officially launched in the summer of 2025, but the idea has been in the works for much longer. Dan, our Founder, grew up on his own in Sebastopol. School wasn’t always a good fit—he and his friends found themselves kicked out more than once—but on the streets, they built a tight‑knit circle where loyalty meant everything and honesty was non‑negotiable.

Loud Voices, Real Talk

Dan’s crew wasn’t interested in blending in. They spoke their minds, defended each other, and lived by their own rules. Yet when it came time to find a t‑shirt that matched their attitude, there was nothing authentic on the racks. Every design felt diluted, safe, or out of touch with what they wanted to express.

The Iron‑On Revolution

That changed when Dan’s friend Ethan set up a makeshift t‑shirt shop in his bedroom. With a basic printer and iron‑on transfers, Ethan printed bold slogans that spoke directly to their experiences. Those homemade shirts became their uniform—proof that you could dress with purpose and stay true to yourself.

From Flashback to Fresh Start

When Ethan moved on, the iron‑on days ended, but Dan never forgot the impact of those first designs. He held onto the dream of bringing that energy back, this time with professional materials and a wider reach. He refined the slogans, upped the quality, and prepared to share that same sense of authenticity with anyone who felt overlooked by mainstream streetwear.

Today & Beyond

Every Thug Tees release honors those early iron‑on experiments and the friendships that inspired them. We use heavyweight, ring‑spun cotton so our shirts feel as solid as the bonds they represent, and our graphics are printed with care for a clean, durable finish. Thug Tees isn’t just apparel—it’s a reminder to stand by your people, speak your truth, and never settle for someone else’s version of you.

Welcome to Thug Tees. T-shirts that don't fold.