What Makes a Great Baseball Clothing Brand? 6 Things to Look For

Search for "baseball clothing brands" and you'll find everything from giant sportswear companies to neon-heavy youth labels. There's a lot out there. But if you grew up in the dugout, or you spend your summers in the bleachers, you can usually tell within a second whether a brand actually gets the game. Here's what I look for in a baseball apparel brand, and what we try to live up to at Pine Tar Clothing.

1. It speaks the language of the game

Real baseball people talk differently. A high-and-tight fastball is "chin music." A big curveball is "Uncle Charlie." A blooping oddball pitch is an "eephus." A great baseball clothing brand builds designs around that language instead of slapping a generic ball and bat on a shirt. That's why our tees carry names like Chin Music, Uncle Charlie, Eephus and 6-4-3. If you know, you know.

2. It respects baseball history

Baseball has been around for over 150 years, and the best baseball apparel feels connected to that history. Think pennant races, vintage trading cards, old ballpark photography and the sepia tones of early-1900s uniforms. Our color palette of gold, black, gray and white comes straight from that era, and designs like the Pennant Tee and Cracker Jacks Tee are built to feel like they've been around the yard a few times.

3. It's made for players and fans

A good baseball clothing company doesn't forget the people in the stands. Players want gear that represents their position and their grind. Parents want something comfortable for a four-game tournament Saturday. That's why we make position shirts for players, the Baseball Mom Hoodie for the folks who never miss a pitch, and heavyweight hoodies for cold spring games and fall ball.

4. The quality holds up

Baseball clothes get worn hard. Look for soft, durable fabric and prints that last through a season of washes. Our baseball tees are 100% combed ring-spun cotton, our hoodies are 8.5 oz fleece, and our designs are printed with DTG (direct-to-garment), which holds up longer than traditional screen printing.

5. It gives back to the game

The best baseball brands are part of the baseball community, not just selling to it. Through our team fundraising program, high school and youth programs get their own mini store, and 20% of gross sales goes straight back to the team. We also talk with coaches, players and baseball lifers on the Pine Tar Podcast.

6. There's a real person behind it

Pine Tar Clothing started in 2019 after a tough high school game, when I told my oldest son he and his teammates had to hustle, play harder and "get dirty." Much like describing actual gritty pine tar. I'm a lifelong ballplayer and graphic designer from small-town Minnesota, and every design starts with a sketch. You can read the whole story in How Pine Tar Clothing Was Born.

Find your baseball brand

Whatever brand you choose, pick one that plays the game the right way, with grit and with love. If that sounds like you, take a look around: start with our best sellers, browse vintage baseball t-shirts or grab a baseball hat. Shipping is free on US orders over $60.

Celebrating the hustle and heart of baseball.