About Us
About Gulf Coast Tees
At Gulf Coast Tees, we create bold, locally inspired apparel that celebrates the unique character of Southwest Florida. We're rooted in community, guided by creativity, and committed to making a difference, one shirt at a time.
Our Roots
Gulf Coast Tees was founded with one goal: to reflect and preserve the identity of Southwest Florida through meaningful design. The idea sparked while working in downtown Fort Myers, watching locals and tourists alike experience the area’s undeniable charm.
Inspired by the resilience shown after hurricanes like Irma and Ian, we set out to create more than just t-shirts. We wanted a brand that stood for something: local pride, creative expression, and community care. Our earliest designs featured Fort Myers Beach, Cape Coral, Sanibel, and downtown Fort Myers, places that helped shape our story and continue to inspire every product we make.
How We Work
Every Gulf Coast Tee starts with a hand-drawn design rooted in the history, landmarks, or spirit of a specific town. From there, we bring it to life using traditional manual screen-printing techniques—burning screens, pulling ink, curing prints, and carefully packaging each shirt.
We focus on quality over quantity. No mass production—just small-batch prints made with care, built to last.
What We Print On
Our shirts are made from soft, breathable cotton and poly-blends that hold up in the Florida heat. We're working toward sourcing U.S. made garments and exploring sustainable options as we grow.
What Inspires Us
Our designs are shaped by the Southwest Florida lifestyle. From murals and beach signs to hidden landmarks and nostalgic visuals, we draw from the places locals love and visitors remember.
Every town has its own style, and we do our best to capture that.
Who We Serve
We make shirts for:
- Locals proud of where they’re from
- Visitors who want more than a generic souvenir
- Small businesses looking for custom, affordable merch
- People who care about supporting local and keeping it clean
Community in Action
We don’t just make shirts—we show up. From beach cleanups to local fundraisers, we believe in giving back to the community we call home. We’ve seen the power of people coming together, and we’re committed to continuing that work.
We’re still early in our journey, but partnerships, collaborations, and community support are central to where we’re headed.
What’s Next
This year, we’re launching our first collections at local farmers markets and through our online store. Looking ahead, we plan to:
- Expand into more town-specific designs
- Launch new products like hoodies and sweatpants
- Offer B2B merch services for small businesses
- Open a showroom or storefront in the heart of Southwest Florida
Every shirt we release brings us closer to our goal: keeping Southwest Florida stylish, proud, and rooted in community.