Coat of Arms of Brussels Napoleon (Belgium) T-Shirt: Design Description
This t-shirt showcases the historical coat of arms of Brussels as it appeared during the Napoleonic era (1795-1814), reflecting the city's status within the First French Empire.
Central Shield: Saint Michael Triumphant
The focal point is the red (gules) shield, emblazoned with Saint Michael the Archangel. He is depicted in gold, triumphantly slaying a black dragon beneath his feet. This imagery has deep roots in Brussels' history, as Saint Michael is the city's patron saint. The saint symbolizes justice, protection, and divine authority, ensuring the city's medieval identity persisted even under French rule.
Imperial Chief and Emblems
At the top of the shield, the Napoleonic influence is evident in the "chief of the Empire." This horizontal band of red features three golden bees. These bees were a personal emblem of Napoleon I, symbolizing industriousness, order, and unwavering loyalty to the imperial regime. Their inclusion signifies Brussels' status as a "bonne ville" (good city) of the Empire.
Mural Crown and Simplified Ornaments
The shield is typically surmounted by a mural crown, indicated by a series of towers, typically three or five, representing the city's municipal status. This crown highlights the city's place within the Empire rather than signifying sovereignty. The external ornaments are simplified, reflecting Napoleonic heraldic reforms, which aimed to streamline the feudal excesses found in older designs and reinforce imperial hierarchy.
The design represents a unique blend of local medieval heritage and imperial French symbolism, distinguishing it from earlier Burgundian-era arms and the post-1830 Belgian version of the coat of arms.
Unisex Heavy Cotton T-Shirt
A reliable classic cotton tee built for comfort, durability, and style. This unisex heavy cotton shirt is the perfect everyday staple — soft, structured, and designed to make printed designs look sharp and vibrant.
Product Highlights
- 100% heavy cotton fabric for structure and comfort
- Smooth surface ensures vivid, long-lasting prints
- No side seams for irritation-free wear
- Reinforced shoulders to maintain shape over time
- Classic unisex fit — works for all body types
Fit & Style Notes
Designed with versatility in mind, this tee works as your everyday go-to. Wear it true-to-size for a classic fit, or size up for a relaxed, modern drape. The mid-weight cotton balances softness and structure, making it equally great for layering or wearing on its own.
Style it with jeans, joggers, or skirts — its timeless silhouette makes it easy to dress up or down. Perfect for personal wear, printing, branding, or merch drops.
Size Guide
For best results, measure a t-shirt you already own laid flat and compare the chest width and length to the chart below.
| Size | Width (in) | Length (in) | Sleeve (in) |
|---|---|---|---|
| S | 18.00 | 28.00 | 15.10 |
| M | 20.00 | 29.00 | 16.50 |
| L | 22.00 | 30.00 | 18.00 |
| XL | 24.00 | 31.00 | 19.50 |
| 2XL | 26.00 | 32.00 | 21.00 |
| 3XL | 28.00 | 33.00 | 22.40 |
| 4XL | 30.00 | 34.00 | 23.70 |
| 5XL | 32.00 | 35.00 | 25.00 |
Tip: Compare these measurements with your favorite tee for the best fit.
Care Instructions
- Machine wash cold (max 30°C / 90°F)
- Use non-chlorine bleach only when necessary
- Do not iron directly on printed designs
- Do not dry clean
- Tumble dry on low heat
