NC 86 1945 (North Carolina) (Road Sign) T-Shirt: Design Overview
This t-shirt features a faithful representation of the NC 86 highway marker as it would have appeared in North Carolina around 1945. The design is a nostalgic tribute to a simpler era of road travel and sign design.
Visual Elements
The core of the design is the iconic square shape, characteristic of North Carolina state highway signs from that period. The sign is rendered with a prominent black outline, providing a clean frame for the central elements. The background is a stark, crisp white, chosen for its high visibility against a variety of environmental conditions.
At the top of the design, the state name "NORTH CAROLINA" is displayed in a clean, sans-serif font, reflecting the standardized signage prevalent in 1945. This inscription clearly establishes the origin and jurisdiction of the road.
Dominating the center of the design is the bold number "86", executed in a solid black, classic font. The number’s prominence underscores its importance in identifying and navigating the NC 86 highway.
Meaning & Symbolism
This design serves as a visual portal to the past, evoking the spirit of mid-20th-century road travel. It represents the history of North Carolina's transportation network and the evolution of its public infrastructure.
The simplicity of the design, with its limited color palette and straightforward layout, reflects the era's focus on practicality and functionality. It symbolizes a time when road signs were less about flashy aesthetics and more about providing clear and concise information to drivers.
The NC 86 sign itself acts as a symbol of the route, connecting Chapel Hill, Hillsborough, and the areas north toward the Virginia state line. It represents a journey, exploration, and the ever-present connection to the past of North Carolina.
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
