Of course, some of these T-shirt slogans can be downright confusing, such as the ones that read: “The hottest girls are from Addison Maine.” (Which leads to a variety of questions, including where in the world is Addison and why did all the hot girls leave?) Others are plain disturbing, such as the ones that say: “There is no such thing as too many Maine Coons!” (Really? I’ve always found that once you venture beyond three cats, or maybe four tops, you’re quickly headed for cat lady syndrome. But that’s just me.)
Coon cats aside, the real problem with this overabundance of T-shirts comes from the fact that anyone with even a hint of fashion sense wouldn’t stoop to sport such a creation. (Not even if he or she were cracking lobsters or cleaning up after a house full of cats.)
So what do Mainers of style wear when the temps soar into the 80s? A locally-made designer T-shirt, of course. Here are six to keep you cool this summer.
Coco Magoo
Where to find: online; Corsetti’s Market in Westbrook; Polished Nail Gallery in Portland; and (r)e in Old Orchard Beach
Cost: $15-$32
Available in: Women’s and men’s
What sets it apart: These form fitting and flattering shirts come with designs and messages meant to make a positive statement. Signature designs say things such as “My Body My Laws,” “Heaven is Earth,” “Love My Body” and “Evolve Beyond Prejudice.”
FMI: www.cocomagoo.com
Ferdinand
Where to find: online; 243 Congress St., Portland; and more than 30 stores worldwide
Cost: $14-$24
Available in: Men’s, women’s and kids
What sets it apart: These quirky shirts mix pop culture, familiar graphics and humor in creative ways. Some shirts come in subdued colors and others use eye-popping hues, like lemon yellow and bold teal. All the most recent designs are printed on organic cotton shirts.
FMI: www.ferdinandhomestore.com
Laine Couture
Where to find: online; stores in Boston and New Hampshire
Cost: $28-$50
Available in: Women’s
What sets it apart: These fashion-forward tees have an urban vibe and a hipster feel. The label offers three lines: Earth, Edge and Herstory. Plans are in the works to launch 15 new designs, plus a men’s line, this fall.
FMI: www.lainecouture.com
Milo in Maine
Where to find: online; Bliss, Whole Foods Market and Edith & Edna in Portland; Magnolia in Bath; Sea Gull Shop in New Harbor; Elva’s Old Post Office on Monhegan Island; throughout the country and in Japan
Cost: $25-$52
Available in: Men’s, women’s, kids and babies
What sets it apart: These shirts have an artsy, woodsy aesthetic, inspired by Maine’s natural beauty. The signature styles feature colored stitching, while some of the newer offerings include screenprints. A number of the designs are printed on organic cotton shirts.
FMI: www.miloinmaine.com
Pinecone + Chickadee
Where to find: online; Ferdinand, Bliss, Books Etc and Edith & Edna in Portland; and stores worldwide
Cost: $15-$32
Available in: Men’s, women’s and kids
What sets it apart: With a bold graphic look, these shirts use electric colors to create a funky, fun style. New designs come out for the summer and winter. Some of the designs are printed on organic cotton shirts.
FMI: www.pineconeandchickadee.com
Small Victory Studios
Where to find: online; Ferdinand and Communique in Portland; Olive’s Vintage in Brunswick; Ello in Portsmouth
Cost: $24
Available in: Men’s, women’s & babies
What sets it apart: Produced in limited edition runs, each shirt is literally a work of art. The line seeks out local guest artists to create one-of-a-kind designs to go along with the shirts created by the line’s designers and fine artists Jeff and Lydia Badger. They just debuted baby onesies and kids’ tees are coming soon. All shirts are organic cotton.
FMI: www.smallvictorystudios.com