"This Boy Is the Star Runner" T-Shirt Design
This striking T-shirt design showcases a vibrant piece of American advertising history: the "This Boy Is the Star Runner" illustration, originally created for a 1926 Cream of Wheat advertisement in The Saturday Evening Post. The artwork embodies the wholesome, aspirational imagery characteristic of early 20th-century commercial illustration.
Visual Elements and Composition
The design features a dynamic depiction of a young boy, confidently posed as a star athlete. The boy is the clear focal point, likely rendered in a bright and appealing style typical of gouache on board illustrations. The composition is carefully crafted to communicate energy and vitality, reflecting the brand’s message of linking Cream of Wheat with youthful vigor and success.
Meaning and Symbolism
The artwork’s core message is instantly accessible. The illustrated boy represents the ideal of success, suggesting through his athletic prowess and bright demeanor that eating a hot breakfast (specifically Cream of Wheat) is a key factor in achieving one’s goals. The illustration utilizes the familiar setting of a sports scene, reinforcing the aspirational quality of the advertisement and associating the cereal with positive attributes like health, energy, and achievement. The tagline, "This boy is the star runner on his team, one reason is every morning he eats a hot breakfast,” further cements this connection.
The design, originally intended for a mass audience in a widely-read magazine, reflects a bygone era of advertising that used narrative storytelling and idealized imagery to capture the imagination of the viewer and build brand loyalty.
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
