Local Fashion Love: My (Mostly Detroit) Michigan T-Shirt Collection

Wading in Big Shoes - Local Fashion Love: My (Mostly Detroit) Michigan T-Shirt Collection
Hello, friends! If you’re new here, allow me to introduce myself. My name is Jennifer, and I own way too many t-shirts.
*Looks around awkwardly*

ANYWAY, I noticed during a recent closet clean-out that I’ve amassed quite the collection of Michigan (particularly Detroit) tees, and thought I’d share them with all of you lovely readers! Now, because I’ve acquired these over the past nine(?!) years or so, some are still available from the original sellers, while many have been replaced by updated designs or simply don’t exist any more. That said, I’ll link to what’s available (or the brand, if applicable) in case you’re interested in finding something similar for your own wardrobe. 🙂

Detroit Script Tee & Star Crop (Kiloh + Co.)

Wading in Big Shoes - Local Fashion Love: My (Mostly Detroit) Michigan T-Shirt Collection

I’ve followed Kiloh + Co. on Instagram for a little while now, and there’s something so hypnotic about this simple, yet stylish brand. Having already owned a tote bag and a couple of cute coffee mugs from this popular shop, I finally took the plunge into apparel a few weeks ago and purchased two Detroit t-shirts I’ve had my eye on. The black Detroit script tee is one I plan to dress up with skirts or billowy pants, while the gray star crop is perfect for the high-waisted moment we’re having right now (plus, it’s super-soft and light and airy for hot, summer days).

Detroit Friends Shirt (Ink Detroit / The Great Lakes State)

If you have any interest whatsoever in the show Friends, this shirt (below, left) will haunt you until you break down and buy it (or maybe that’s just me? 😉 ). I’ve gotten compliments from strangers on this tee, and given the recent resurgence in Friends popularity, I wouldn’t be surprised to see more people start rocking this one out in public.

Wading in Big Shoes - Local Fashion Love: My (Mostly Detroit) Michigan T-Shirt Collection
Above: Detroit Friends t-shirt (Ink Detroit) & Spirit of Detroit t-shirt (Pure Detroit)

Spirit of Detroit Shirt (Pure Detroit)

This Spirit of Detroit shirt (above, right) represents the motor city in such a cool, unique way! I picked this one up at a Pure Detroit shop several years ago and while it’s no longer available, there are plenty of other locally-inspired garments available in-store and on the brand’s website.

Detroit The Beautiful Tee

I think the vintage-style design on this blue-green tee (below, left) is so pretty! I purchased this “Detroit The Beautiful” shirt from a shop that’s now closed, but if you’re looking for something like it, I found a similar tee (in gray) with the same design here.

Wading in Big Shoes - Local Fashion Love: My (Mostly Detroit) Michigan T-Shirt Collection
Above: Detroit The Beautiful Tee & Great Lakes V-Neck

Great Lakes V-Neck (Momentum Outfitters)

Every year, I make an early-autumn trip to Petoskey, and every year, I’ve gotta stop downtown to pick up some souvenirs at Momentum Outfitters. This maroon v-neck (above right and photo below) is one I’ve worn for a few years and it continues to be one of my favorite year-round tees.

Wading in Big Shoes - Local Fashion Love: My (Mostly Detroit) Michigan T-Shirt Collection
Above: Detail on the Great Lakes V-Neck from Momentum Outfitters

Red Detroit Motor City Gear Shirt (Campus Den)

I snagged this cool Motor City tee (photo below, top left) on sale while outlet shopping one day. It’s nothing fancy, but I like the design and it’s a good one to wear on walks or for running errands. It’s also a unisex fit, so a great option for guys, too.

Wading in Big Shoes - Local Fashion Love: My (Mostly Detroit) Michigan T-Shirt Collection
Above: Detroit Motor City, Mackinac Bridge, and Nike Detroit tees

Blue Mackinac Bridge Tee

This blue tee (above photo, top right) is a souvenir I picked up at a UP gift shop following our first trip to Mackinac Island a few years ago. It’s actually on its way out of the rotation (it’s a cheaper material and I don’t wear it much any more), but in terms of an affordable memento, it’s served me well.

Gray Nike Detroit Tee

I got this shirt (above photo, bottom) at the Nike Community Store in downtown Detroit shortly after it opened, but haven’t seen any generic women’s Detroit shirts there since! I’m holding out hope that something similar will pop up again one day. In the meantime, if you come across any Detroit Nike tees that are $15 like this one was, let me know because I will buy them ALL. 😎

Capture Michigan T-Shirt (Ardent Ink)

Wading in Big Shoes - Local Fashion Love: My (Mostly Detroit) Michigan T-Shirt Collection
An oldie but goodie! This Capture Michigan tee perfectly embodies that inspired feeling you get when you’re out exploring and have to snap photos of evvvvverything around you. Sadly, it looks like the company that sells this shirt is no longer in business, but you can follow their Instagram page here just in case the designers decide to emerge from retirement.

Navy and Orange Detroit Tee (DeVries & Co.)

While I chose not to include most of my Detroit Tigers gear in this post, I figured I’d incorporate a couple things here that are a little less baseball-y and better suited for everyday wear! I picked up this orange and navy script tee (below, left) for around $10 at DeVries & Co. (located at the Eastern Market), and Brad has one like it in a different color pairing (it’s one of his faves!).

Wading in Big Shoes - Local Fashion Love: My (Mostly Detroit) Michigan T-Shirt Collection
Above: Navy & Orange Detroit tee and Abstract Tiger Tee

Abstract Tiger Tee (Tuebor)

I got this tangram-esque tee (above, right) a few years ago from a local company that I’m bummed is nowhere to be found today! I ordered this on a whim along with another cool Detroit tee that is currently hiding somewhere in my house (I’ll add it later if I end up finding it). It’s soft, great quality, and again—perfect for channeling a little of that Tigers spirit without looking like you’re dressed in MLB gear, amirite? Because this one fits me a little looser, I like tucking it into boyfriend jeans or keeping it on hand to wear as a pajama shirt.

Swag Shirts

Wading in Big Shoes - Local Fashion Love: My (Mostly Detroit) Michigan T-Shirt Collection
These tees were sent to me over the years from sponsors and collaborative partners, and I think they’re all so cute! Pictured: The Awesome Mitten “vintage” tee, “Share a Coke” Pure Michigan/McDonalds tee, and “Smitten Mitten” baseball tee (c/o of The Awesome Mitten).

Sweatshirts

Wading in Big Shoes-Local Fashion Love: My (Mostly Detroit) Michigan T-Shirt Collection
Okay, these aren’t technically tees, but they’re t-shirt adjacent! My sweatshirt collection has grown rapidly this past year, thanks in part to these “Up North” crews from Momentum and this marvelously-mauve gem from Marushka, a fantastic Grand Haven apparel design/print shop!

And there you have it! Which of these tees do you love? Do you like posts like this, and if so, what types of collections would you like me to cover in the future (men’s apparel, Michigan home decor, locally-made products, etc.)? Let me know in the comments!

Wading in Big Shoes - My (Mostly Detroit) Michigan T-Shirt Collection // Sharing a look inside my Michigan t-shirt collection! Detroit tees, Up North sweatshirts, and more--see photos and find where to get these looks here.

Hi! I'm Jennifer.

Southwest Virginia born and raised, I moved over 500 miles to Southeast Michigan with my husband in 2011. Since then, I’ve been recording my adventures here, bringing you stories as I explore the “mitten state,” the midwest, and beyond.

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