TL;DR We're considering a Cotton Bureau-wide switch from American Apparel tees to Next Level tees, so we're selling a CB Test Pattern tee at cost—$12–14—to get as many of them in your hands as possible so we can test them at scale.

We've been printing on American Apparel tees for as long as we can remember (certainly before Cotton Bureau was even a twinkle in our eye). There's a lot to like about American Apparel: they're comfortable, they fit well, they last, and they're made in the USA. Unfortunately, there's also a lot not to like. They've long had advertising we weren't thrilled about, and worse, their founder and former CEO is, to put it mildly, sketchy beyond belief. Their new management teamed hasn't fared much better. Company morale is low, shifts are being cut, and the hiccups in the company are starting to result in shortages all over the place. The truth is, we should've explored alternatives long ago. But we're doing it now...and we need your help.

We've had our eye on Next Level-brand apparel for a long time. We like their fit, we love their colors, we like their price (about a buck or two cheaper than AA, which would make Cotton Bureau shirts a little cheaper). Some of ours tee-printing friends swear by 'em. But we need to test them at scale, and that's where you come in. From now until Next Friday, July 3, we're selling a CB test pattern on three Next Level tees—a tri-blend, a poly-cotton, and a 100% cotton—at cost. This may be the only time in CB history where we'll sell anything other than a mystery tee for $12–14, so jump on it now. Let's make this the biggest t-shirt user test in history! (Not sure how we'd confirm that, but...anyhoo.)

If you buy a shirt, we'll check back in a month or so to see how you like them. We want to know how you think they fit, how you like the fabric, how they hold up in the wash, how vibrant the print is. Basically, do you like them as much as American Apparel? Less? More??

GO GET 'EM.

Cotton Bureau is embarking on a mini-speaking tour this summer/fall, and we might just be rolling through a city near you.

Weapons of Mass Creation, Aug. 7–9

First up, Weapons of Mass Creation in nearby Cleveland, Ohio! Jay and I will be walking you through our weird and wonderful journey from web design shop to t-shirt kingpins. We’re also happy to be sponsoring Vendor Village this year. Stop by, grab a tee or two, and say hello.

Creative Works, Oct. 1–3

We couldn’t be more excited to be visiting Memphis this October to speak at Creative Works. Memphis food is legendary, and our talk will be too. If you know anything about us, the first thing you’ll realize is that Jay and I have a habit of disagreeing about pretty much everything. We’ll be sharing how that accidental philosophy is actually the key to our success… or is it? You’ll have to be there to find out. Oh, and while you’re there, stop by the market and score a genuine Cotton Bureau tee.

Beyond Tellerrand, Nov. 2–4

We’re so excited to be traveling to Beyond Tellerrand in Berlin this November for Cotton Bureau’s second international speaking engagement. Last year’s voyage to Hybrid Conf in Stockholm was a treat. Jay and I will again be sharing our tips and tricks for building your online business. We’re confident you’ll leave with answers to questions you never asked and questions that have no answers. See us after the show for a candid discussion of German customs, international food, and Champions League football.

That concludes our speaking engagements for 2015. If you’d like us to speak in your city, send a self-address stamped envelope email us@cottonbureau.com.

Cotton Bureau has officially entered the Terrible Twos! But unlike a normal two-year-old, we're not going to throw a tantrum and demand ice cream...instead, we're giving away fun gifts! Here's the deal: anyone who buys a shirt today (midnight to midnight Eastern Time) gets entered into a drawing to win an Apple Watch (the aluminum one with the rubber band...we'd have to start selling our plasma to afford any of the other ones). But there are twists! If you buy multiple shirts, you get multiple entries in the drawing. And for every hundred shirts we sell today, we'll give away another watch. If we sell 500 shirts, we'll give away 5 watches. It's our birthday, but you get the presents!

It's been an awesome run so far, and we thank each and every one of you who's even thought about buying a shirt the past two years. As a token of our appreciation, here are some contest rules for you to read.

The contest happens today, Friday, June 12. Specifically from midnight to midnight, Eastern Time. If you buy a shirt 20 minutes past midnight tonight and ask to be included in the drawing, we're going to act really disappointed and probably shake our heads at you.

This contest is only open to customers in the United States. Sorry, the rest of the world. We'd love to open this up to everyone, but international contests are a nightmare.

Each entrant is limited to five (5) entries. If you buy 5 shirts, you get 5 entries. If you buy 15 shirts, you get...5 entries.

We forgot to mention this one yesterday, but Mystery Shirts don't count. That said, Mystery Shirts are fun and cheap and you should still buy one.

If you win, here's what you'll get: an Apple Watch Sport, in your choice of colors, and we'll even let you pick whether you want 38mm or 42mm.

We'll contact the winners on Friday, June 19. If you win, please allow a few weeks for us to ship you the goods.

We retain the right to bounce anyone from the contest. We're doing a nice thing here, so don't be a jerk and try to game the system. If we notice anything fishy happen, you're out.

You don't have to buy something to enter into the drawing. Mail us a note to Cotton Bureau 2000 Smallman Street Suite 203A Pittsburgh, PA 15222 and make sure it's postmarked today Friday, June 12. Also, make sure it arrives by Wednesday, June 17. Also, make sure your name and email address is included somewhere. Also, make sure to do that thing you were supposed to do today. You know the one.

OK, because our lawyer makes us do this, here's the really fine print.

CONTEST RULES: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Without purchase, a participant can enter the contest by mailing an envelope (postmarked Friday June 12, 2015) containing your name, email address, and mailing address to Cotton Bureau LP, 2000 Smallman St. 203A, Pittsburgh, PA 15222 before Wednesday, June 17, 2015. Open to US residents, 18 years of age of older only. Contest starts and ends June 12, 2015. Contest sponsored by Cotton Bureau LP, 2000 Smallman St. 203A, Pittsburgh, PA 15222. Winners will be selected on June 19, 2015 in a random drawing. Prizes will be mailed to the winning participants on or before July 31, 2015. Contest prizes are as follows: Apple Watch Sport, 38mm or 42mm. Winners are solely responsible for all taxes and/or fees that may be incurred. Each winner must supply his/her legal name and mailing address for prize delivery. Winners may not request substitutions of prize winnings. All winners are solely responsible for any and all taxes and/or fees, and all such additional costs that may be incurred. Neither Cotton Bureau nor employees of Cotton Bureau may be held liable for any warranty, costs, damage, injury, or any other claims incurred as a result of usage of any winners of a prize once possession has been taken of the product by winner. If the specified prize becomes unavailable due to unforeseen circumstances, Cotton Bureau may substitute a prize of like or equal value.