Ohio has the most people with state pride, according to a Movoto Real Estate ranking published July 22nd. While judged merely through Facebook likes in an unofficial study, with the abundance of Ohio-proud T-shirts in Columbus alone, this came as no surprise to many Ohioans.
These seven Columbus-based independent labels show us how their Ohio-made tees represent their love for the state and beyond:
HOMAGE
Much like the natural progression of its business, HOMAGE’s personality has always been organic. Translated into its apparel, HOMAGE is about telling a story. Vintage-inspired apparel live in the HOMAGE stores in Easton Town Center and the Short North Arts District with this philosophy in mind. Founder and creative director of HOMAGE, Ryan Vesler, has a story of his own– from working off his parents’ basement on vintage tees prior to HOMAGE, to pulling an all-nighter in a friend’s living room on an Ohio State-themed pin board that would later be presented to the Office of Trademark & Licensing Services at Ohio State, to where HOMAGE is today seven years after the launch of the brand. This fall, HOMAGE is slated to open the doors at a third storefront in Cincinnati’s Over-The-Rhine neighborhood.
For shirts, visit www.homage.com.
Where I’m From
Lifelong friends Andrew VanderLind and Ryan Napier launched their brand earlier this year in March to honor the love and pride they shared for Ohio. Born and raised in this state, these two founders consider themselves to be huge sports fans, building a brand that is after the hearts of many Ohioans who share their same sentiments. “We’re casual guys who are more T-shirts and jeans, so we were always looking for more new Ohio T-shirts,” VanderLind said. As a label that’s relatively new in the Ohio T-shirt scene, Where I’m From is ready for some significant plans in the upcoming months, some of which includes the release of a new line of sweatshirts and children’s clothes. Where I’m From tees are available online and in six different retail stores in Ohio, and can be also found at local events.
For shirts, visit www.whereimfrom.com.
State of Devotion
Established in 2011, State of Devotion is largely the brainchild of Jim Jackson, who is passionate about being from Ohio. “All my designs, and everything about State of Devotion, are done by myself,” Jackson said. “If I don’t have the time, or I don’t have the skill set to develop something, I will work with local artists.” State of Devotion’s line consists of tees, tanks, and tote bags. To Jackson, there are two ways of looking at his brand’s name. “It can be devoting to where you’re from, which is more a physical devotion, or you could be devoted to a cause or a religion, and that’s more of a mental devotion,” Jackson said. State of Devotion products can be found online and in 11 locations in Ohio, including one flagship store in Accent on Nature on Grandview Avenue.
For shirts, visit www.stateofdevotion.com.
Local Liberation
This brand stands out from the other labels on this list for its hand-printed tees and altruistic roots. Founder Valerie Mailman is heavily involved in the LGBTQ community in Columbus, and her venture into this business was reliant on the need to pay off legal fees in the fight for justice. Originally called Homohio, Local Liberation is the updated name of the brand that believes in equality and the community. Local Liberation tees can be purchased online and in-stores in Columbus and Yellow Springs.
For shirts, visit www.locallib.com.
Capital Roots Clothing Co.
“Rep your roots,” Phil Shealy, co-founder of Capital Roots, preached. It doesn’t matter whether you’re from Columbus or another city in Ohio, Capital Roots wants people to be proud of where they come from. Formed in August 2013, this clothing company cites classic vintage typography as the inspiration of its designs, with a touch of modernity. “Our shirts are also focused on the state of Ohio, the state’s various sports teams, and the city of Columbus,” Shealy said. Sport Capital Roots apparel by purchasing them online and in four other retail stores in Ohio, including Simply Vague, Devoted, Celebrate Local and Royal Factory.
For shirts, visit www.capitalrootsclothing.com.
Lamp Apparel
Wearers of Lamp Apparel are unafraid and appreciative of whatever life throws at them. By building the brand on a culture of reflection, founders Brandon Fuss-Cheatham and Scott Kaiser, who were former college roommates, want to push the idea of the “Lampin” lifestyle. In February 2013, Fuss-Cheatham and Kaiser both launched the brand that would cater to lampers and people who will want to celebrate their hometown pride. Lamp Apparel officially opened its first flagship store June 7 this year and its apparel are available online as well.
For shirts, visit www.lampapparel.com.