Iowa 161 1948 (Road Sign) T-Shirt Design
This t-shirt design evokes the nostalgia of early American road travel, specifically in the state of Iowa. The artwork centers around a representation of a historical road sign that would have been seen on Iowa roads in the year 1948.
Design Elements
The design features the iconic visual language of U.S. highway signage from that era. At the heart of the design is a shield, the standard shape for U.S. Route markers, rendered in a classic black and white color scheme. The shield is prominently displays the designation "US" above the number "161" in bold, clear lettering. This reflects the importance of U.S. 161 as a major thoroughfare at that time.
The visual style of the design pays tribute to the simplicity and functionality of these original road signs. The clean lines and bold typography are designed for maximum visibility, even from a distance. The choice of black and white adds to the vintage feel, transporting the viewer back in time.
Symbolism and Meaning
The "Iowa 161" design is a nod to a bygone era of motoring and road trips. It represents the spirit of exploration and adventure that was associated with the open road. The inclusion of the "US" prefix denotes that it was a part of the U.S. highway system, indicating that the route was deemed significant enough to have a national route number.
The shirt design celebrates the history of road travel in Iowa and the evolution of American highway design. It honors the role of road signs as guides and symbols of connectivity, representing the freedom and possibilities that came with the widespread use of automobiles in the mid-20th century.
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
