Your Brief Guide to Online T-Shirt Stores

Let's face it: Americans love to wear t-shirts. If we could get away with it, we'd wear them to the office too. The fun of wearing a t-shirt is, hopefully, that you're expressing yourself in one way or another. The question is, where can you find all the shirts that the stores don't carry?

SnorgTees has them. The weird, the offensive, the obscure pop culture references, and of course, that pickup line you wouldn't dare say out loud. Frequently advertised on sites like Facebook and Myspace, SnorgTees is your resource for all things short-sleeved.

The site appears to be especially popular with college students, or recent grads who want to relive the experience. A few of the best mottos on the apparel: "That's what she said," "It's better than bad, it's good" (of Ren and Stimpy fame) and the immortal "Viva La Stewart" (featuring a caricature of Jon Stewart, in "Che Guevara" fashion.)

The site, according to its "About Us" page, began in May 2004, "when our group of friends decided that we weren't meant for a real job. We got our options narrowed down to international jewel thieves or Internet t-shirt tycoons." If you think this line is funny, wait until you see the follow-up. They describe themselves as specializing in "pop-culture inspired, random, and all-around funny t-shirt designs." Of course, there are quite a few t-shirt stores online these days; at SnorgTees, however, besides the t-shirt slogans created by the site owners, there are some invented by you, the buying public. So, if you've always wanted a place to publicize that hilarious party joke you thought up (after having downed a few tequilas), SnorgTees just might be it.

In terms of payment, SnorgTees accepts the standard Visa, Mastercard, and American Express; however, if those aren't viable options, you may use Paypal, check or money order. Contact orders@snorgtees.com for details.

Every so often, the site hosts sweepstakes, such as the "Make Your Own Ad Contest," which is exactly what it says. The grand prize winner receives $150 in merchandise and $150 in cash. Most recently, the winner of this prize was Jason Bourgeois, who came up with the slogan, "Go Snorg Yourself!" and designed a logo featuring a screaming monkey paired with a swan.

Also exclusive to the site are its cast of models, and their priceless poses. Nothing says "buy this shirt" like a smirk, a wink, or a raspberry. To boot, for the guys, the female models are irresistibly cute. One of them has even become "Internet famous," (which, these days, is quite different from "conventional famous") and is rather popular on Myspace. Her profile refers to her as "snorgtees girl," and features a few photos of her and her friends. (In case you're wondering, guys, she's already taken.)

Adding to the fun is a page featuring photos sent in by customers, wearing their various shirts. You might swear that some of these photos were lifted straight from a Saturday morning cartoon (except that the people are indeed real.)

As one might expect, there are many other sites that offer similar products to SnorgTees. And if you happen to be on the opposite end of the easily-offended spectrum, there are sites that offer slogans that come much closer to skirting the line. BustedTees, for example, proudly displays slogans such as: "Jesus Hates the Yankees," "New Mexico: Cleaner Than Regular Mexico," and "Prose Before Hos" (juxtaposed with a picture of Shakespeare.)

Those who are well versed in online shopping are probably aware that there are so many of these sites, you are limiting yourself if you stick to just one. CafePress.com is one of the better-known competitors; here, you can more or less make your own designs. Yes, the shirt logos are similar in style to the abovementioned sites, but it really depends on your preference. These days, it seems that almost any pop culture site will sell t-shirts. And why not? There's a bit of a thrill in walking down the street wearing your Homestar Runner or Sluggy Freelance shirt and having a random stranger give you props.

The appeal of SnorgTees is, perhaps, that it lies somewhere in the middle. It isn't ultra-offensive or ultra-geeky, but it isn't the first site your parents would visit, either. If you're really desperate to find that perfect tee, do a little shopping and you'll get there; just consider this a basic roadmap.