These Shirts, They Are a Changin’…

2010 is going to be big…I can feel it. There are so many ideas I have, so many things in the works, and so many designs on our “to do” list. Simply put, stay tuned for our most awesomest year yet! Ok, “awesomest” isn’t a word, I know…but it seemed to fit. Anyway, keep reading to find out more of what we will doing this year, starting with the very shirt on your back…

“I’d rather explain the price than apologize for the quality.”
- Michael Hess, Skooba Design

I worked for Skooba Design (a company that specializes in high-end laptop bags) for over 5 years before leaving to pursue Fright-Rags full time. That quote above was sort of our mantra while I was there, it helped put into perspective what the company was trying to do with it’s products and services. Every time someone would complain that our prices were too high, Michael (the owner), would graciously take the time to explain to them the quality and construction of the bag, from the reversed zippers (for better waterproofing) all the way down to the gauge of nylon used for the bag’s shell and how it was more durable than the lighter, cheaper bags found elsewhere. And it wasn’t just some bullshit jargon to try and win someone over – it was factual information based on the extensive amount of research and experience that went into developing those products (which have a lifetime guarantee, by the way). I’ve always loved that quote and the more I think about those words, the more I realize it is time for a change in our own products…

WHY THE CHANGE?
When I first started Fright-Rags, I simply wanted to create kick-ass horror shirts that were different than anything else available at the time. My focus has always been on providing designs that were unique and spoke intelligently to the horror community I love, and not just offering something basic and bland. Much of my efforts have been primarily on design, which is obviously what sells the shirts. But I never took into consideration the types of shirts we used. When I chose Gildan initially as the brand of shirt we would print on, I did so based on their prevalence in the marketplace…after all, if so many people were using them, they should be good, right? And for the most part, they worked out great…

But as we enter our 7th year of business, I feel as though we are embarking on a journey that will take us to new heights…with an ever expanding variety of some of our best work yet. And with the dawn of this new era, I feel as though it is time to address certain issues that can no longer be ignored. While the Gildan shirts (6.1 oz) we use are a fairly well made product that stands up to wash after wash, I have become disenchanted with them over the years. They are manufactured at different factories in several different countries, which has caused inconsistencies among the sizes they offer. I’ve heard from several customers saying that the size they ordered in one shirt, fits differently than the same size they have in another design…all because one was made in a different country than the other. To put it bluntly, our designs are better than the shirts we use to put them on. And therefore, they deserve better…and you do too.  And while I feel Gildan is still a quality product for the most part, I realized that it was time to consider another t-shirt to use for our designs.

So, over the past year I have been doing my own research as to what would fit our needs better. I also asked for your opinion, which you gladly gave, and I thank you for your input. Based on poll results, and your feedback from the surveys I’ve sent, there have been many who want change, and many who don’t. And although it makes it harder to decide which direction to go, I feel I have come up with a solution that addresses all concerns and is the best choice for us moving forward.

ABOUT THE NEW SHIRTS
Starting with all of our new designs, we will be printing on a new style of t-shirt, made by Alstyle. All of the new shirts will be a lighter-weight (4.5 oz for S-L and 5.5oz for XL-3XL – as compared to 6.1 oz Gildan) and 100% combed ringspun cotton. What does that mean? It means that you will get the most comfortable shirt you’ve ever worn. Seriously, you’ll want to sleep in this shirt…it’s that comfortable. As for the fit of the shirt, we are using a style that is more form-fitting for smaller sizes (S-L) and more relaxed in the larger sizes (XL-3X). As for the largest sizes (4X and 5X), those will remain basically the same, with a similar fit to what we offer now, and also made of 100% pre-shrunk cotton.

I opted to use a few different styles for a couple reasons. While I like a more tapered style, I feel that is too form-fitting when you get to larger sizes (XL-3X), and therefore not really flattering for those who wear them. So I chose a more relaxed fit (similar to our current shirts) for those larger sizes. But for smaller sizes (S-L), I felt that the standard shirt was a little too boxy, therefore I chose a more form-fitting style (like American Apparel – only better). So to re-cap, here is the breakdown of the new style, according to size:

SMALL – LARGE
- 4.5 oz
- 100% combed ringspun pre-shrunk cotton
- slightly tapered fit (similar to American Apparel)

X-LARGE – 3X-LARGE
- 5.5 oz
- 100% combed ringspun pre-shrunk cotton
- relaxed fit (similar to our current shirts)

4X-LARGE and 5X-LARGE
- 6.1 oz.
- 100% pre-shrunk cotton

HOW DOES THIS AFFECT THE PRICE?
I’m glad you asked… Yes, changing styles unfortunately means we will be raising prices.
As of February 1
, all regular shirts will be priced at $19.95. But, as my former boss said, I would much rather explain to you the price than apologize for the quality. It’s this philosophy that drives everything we do at Fright-Rags. So while you will be paying more for a t-shirt after February, the quality will also be improved.

As for our current designs on the site, we will start reprinting those on our new shirts very soon…but will try to sell as much of the remaining stock as much as possible before the prices change. However, we will still have some regular shirts leftover for awhile as we phase them out. I will do my best to make note of those on the products that apply, so you’ll know which type of shirt you are getting when you order.

HOW ABOUT THE GIRL SHIRTS AND VINTAGE SHIRTS?
The girl shirts will also be going up to $19.95, and I am in the process of deciding on which shirt to use while. We currently use either Bella or American Apparel for all of our girl shirts and I would like to choose just one moving forward, so all you ladies let me know which one you prefer, ok?

As for the vintage shirts, the only change will be pricing, which will increase to $22.95 as of February 1 as the cost of printing has gone up this year. We will still be using Gildan for the majority of these shirts, but I am currently testing out other brands that are comparable to our new style, and available in as many colors as we offer in our vintage section. I will keep you posted on those…

LAST THOUGHTS…
I know that posting this rather long explanation may not have been necessary. But I personally felt the need to let you know why we are changing things…not just doing it with no explanation. The main thing I want to convey is this: I am serious when it comes to our shirts and our quality.

And while you may pay a little more for our shirts, you know that you are getting a top quality product, backed by unparalleled service. As always, your satisfaction is guaranteed. That means if you don’t like it…you get your money back. Simple as that.

As always, your feedback is not only welcomed, but important…especially when making these types of changes. So, feel free to post below any thoughts or comments you have. And as we roll out our new shirts this February, I will be looking to you to tell me what you think about them. After all, we can’t improve unless we get your feedback.

Thanks again, and stay tuned for more…soon.

- Ben