Make Waves Whale Tee | Garment-Dyed Vintage Sun-Faded Graphic
Find Your Perfect Fit
Built for the coast. Made to move. Here's everything you need to find your ideal size — and understand what makes our apparel worth wearing.
What is Ring-Spun Cotton?
Not all cotton is created equal. Our tees are crafted from ring-spun cotton — a premium process that makes a real difference in how your shirt looks, feels, and lasts.
Ring-spun cotton is made by continuously twisting and thinning the cotton strands, aligning the fibers in the same direction. The result:
- Softer to the touch — noticeably smoother than standard cotton
- Stronger and more durable — less pilling, longer life
- Better for printing — smooth surface holds graphic detail and color vibrancy longer
- Lightweight and breathable — ideal for coastal climates and active wear
What is Garment Dyeing?
Garment dyeing gives our tees and hoodies that lived-in, vintage look straight out of the bag. The entire finished garment is dyed as one piece — so the dye absorbs unevenly, pooling at seams and fading at edges, creating a naturally worn, one-of-a-kind character.
- Rich color with natural variation — no two shirts look exactly alike
- Pre-washed and pre-shrunk — what you order is what you get
- Vintage coastal aesthetic built in — looks like a favorite shirt you've had for years
- Gets better with age — color softens beautifully with each wash
⚠️ Care tip: Wash cold, inside out, tumble dry low. Slight color variation in the first wash is normal — it's part of the character.
📏 Sizing Charts
All measurements in inches. If you're between sizes, we recommend sizing up for a relaxed coastal fit.
Graphic Tees — Unisex
| Size | Chest (in) | Chest (cm) | Length | Sleeve | Fit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S | 36–38" | 91–97 cm | 28" | 8" | Relaxed |
| M | 39–41" | 99–104 cm | 29" | 8.5" | True to size |
| L | 42–44" | 107–112 cm | 30" | 9" | True to size |
| XL | 45–47" | 114–119 cm | 31" | 9.5" | Slightly oversized |
| 2XL | 48–50" | 122–127 cm | 32" | 10" | Relaxed oversized |
| 3XL | 51–53" | 130–135 cm | 33" | 10.5" | Generously oversized |
Hoodies — Unisex Pullover
| Size | Chest (in) | Chest (cm) | Length | Sleeve | Fit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S | 38–40" | 97–102 cm | 26" | 24" | Relaxed |
| M | 41–43" | 104–109 cm | 27" | 25" | True to size |
| L | 44–46" | 112–117 cm | 28" | 26" | True to size |
| XL | 47–49" | 119–124 cm | 29" | 27" | Slightly oversized |
| 2XL | 50–52" | 127–132 cm | 30" | 28" | Relaxed oversized |
| 3XL | 53–55" | 135–140 cm | 31" | 29" | Generously oversized |
Hats
| Style | Fit | Circumference | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snapback | One Size | 54–60 cm | Adjustable snap, structured brim |
| Fitted | S/M, L/XL | S/M: 54–57 cm / L/XL: 58–61 cm | Structured brim, no adjustment |
| Dad Hat | One Size | 54–61 cm | Adjustable strap, relaxed unstructured fit |
📐 How to Measure
- Chest: Measure around the fullest part of your chest, keeping the tape horizontal under your arms.
- Length: Measure from the highest point of the shoulder straight down to the bottom hem.
- Sleeve: Measure from the center back of the neck, over the shoulder, and down to the wrist.
💡 Pro tip: Garment-dyed pieces are pre-washed and pre-shrunk — no surprises after the first wash.
Still Not Sure?
We're real people who love this stuff — reach out and we'll help you find the right fit.
- In stock, ready to ship
- Supports Ocean Conservation
- Made to Order — No Inventory
- Free Shipping on Every Order
- Simple No Hassle Returns!
The whale does not ask permission. It simply moves, and the ocean moves with it — every dive a statement, every breach a reminder that the real giants of this world live underwater and have been doing this far longer than any of us. Make waves. It is the only instruction worth following.
A majestic vintage whale graphic on a sun-faded washed canvas that looks like it has been out at sea, earned its character, and come back with something to say.
Built on 100% ring-spun US cotton — individually garment-dyed so the color pools at the seams, fades at the edges, and makes every shirt one of a kind. Pre-washed, pre-shrunk, and already broken in from day one. Gets softer with every wash.
- Unisex relaxed fit, true to size
- Classic crew neck, short sleeves
- 100% ring-spun US cotton
- Individually garment-dyed — no two are exactly alike
- Pre-washed and pre-shrunk, soft from the first wear
- Made to order, just for you
Who It's For
The whale watchers, the ocean conservationists, and the people who see the whale as more than a marine animal — they see it as proof of what the ocean is capable of when we leave it alone to do what it does. For anyone who has ever seen a whale breach in person and never quite recovered from it.
Why Five Tides Apparel
We are a small, family-owned coastal brand from the New Hampshire shoreline. Every tee is made to order on premium Comfort Colors fabric — individually garment-dyed, pre-washed, and built to last. No inventory sitting in a warehouse. No shortcuts. Free shipping on every order, no minimum. A portion of every purchase goes directly to ocean conservation: beach cleanups, marine research, and protecting the coastlines that inspired this brand from day one.
