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T-Shirt Size Guide
Black Death T-Shirt | Allergic to Rats Since 1347
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From £23.99Regular price
Regular price
From £23.99
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Use the guide below to help choose the best fit for your T-shirt. Measurements are provided in inches and may vary slightly within the stated tolerance.
Measurement Guide
- Width: Measured across the chest, one inch below the armhole when laid flat.
- Length: Measured from the highest point of the shoulder to the bottom hem.
- Sleeve Length: Measured from the centre back of the neck to the sleeve hem.
- Size Tolerance: All measurements have an approximate tolerance of ±1.5 inches.
Fit Advice
- For a more relaxed fit, consider sizing up.
- Compare these measurements with a favourite T-shirt you already own for the most accurate fit.
- If you are between sizes, the larger size is usually the most comfortable option.
It arrived in Europe in 1347. By the time it was done, somewhere between 30 and 60 percent of the continent's population was gone. The Black Death reshaped medieval society, labour relations, the Church, and the entire trajectory of European history.
The rats, broadly speaking, did not help.
This tee frames it with exactly the right amount of irreverence: BLACK DEATH in bold distressed red across the chest, a crisp line-art rat centre stage, and the tagline beneath it in weathered white block type. Allergic to rats since 1347. Historically defensible. Darkly funny. The kind of design that takes a half-second to land and then gets a proper laugh out of the right person.
What you're getting
- DTG printed design in distressed red, white line-art illustration, and weathered block typography on deep black, so the print reads with genuine character rather than a clean commercial finish
- 100% ethically grown US cotton on a Gildan 5000 blank (5.3 oz, 180 g/m2), so you get a tee with real weight and structure that holds its shape wash after wash
- Tear-away label for a completely scratch-free, irritation-free wear against the skin
- Classic relaxed fit with a crew neckline -- comfortable for everyday wear, and considerably safer than 14th-century Europe
- Gildan holds membership of the US Cotton Trust Protocol, so every purchase is backed by verified ethical and sustainable production standards
- Free UK delivery included
The gift angle
This one is almost always bought for someone else. History teachers, medieval history students, plague enthusiasts (they exist), and anyone who has ever sat through a documentary about the Black Death and thought "someone should put that on a tee." Birthdays, Christmas, Secret Santa -- specific enough to feel considered, funny enough to land on the day.
A note on the history
The rats-and-fleas transmission model has been the dominant explanation since the 19th century, though more recent research has proposed human fleas and lice as additional vectors. Either way, 1347 remains a terrible year to have been alive in Europe, and the rat has not been fully exonerated.
On sizing
Classic fit, true to standard adult measurements. Size up for a looser feel. Full size guide on the page.
Survived the plague. Would still avoid rats.
Care and Fabric
Fabric 100% US cotton (preshrunk), 5.3 oz/yd2 (180 g/m2). Gildan 5000 blank.
Care instructions
- Machine wash cold (max 30C / 90F)
- Non-chlorine bleach only if needed
- Tumble dry on low heat
- Do not iron
- Do not dry clean
- Wash inside out to protect the print
Frequently Asked Questions
The adult t-shirts are constructed from preshrunk 100% cotton (with minor polyester blends in certain heather, antique, neon, and safety colors for stability). It features a fabric weight of 5.3 oz/yd² (approximately 180 g/m²), providing a medium-to-heavy feel that balances durability with everyday comfort. The jersey knit construction includes a classic width, rib collar, and taped neck and shoulders for enhanced structure.
Our t-shirts are made using open-end cotton yarn, which delivers excellent durability while resulting in a slightly coarser texture compared to ring-spun or premium soft-style blanks. At a fabric weight of 5.3 oz, it offers a substantial, heavyweight feel that many customers find sturdy and well-suited for everyday wear or work environments.
Our t-shirts offer a classic, relaxed fit with a straight cut (not tapered or athletic). It is available in sizes ranging from Small to 5XL in most colors. The shirt includes a seamless double-needle 7/8" collar, double-needle sleeves and bottom hem, and quarter-turned construction to minimize torque and twisting after washing. Sizing tends to run true to standard adult measurements, though individuals preferring a more tailored silhouette may find it slightly boxier compared to modern fitted styles. Detailed size charts are available below for chest width and length verification.
To preserve the shirt’s shape, colour, and print integrity, wash it inside out in cold or lukewarm water (maximum 30°C) with like colours, using a gentle detergent. Avoid chlorine bleach; non-chlorine oxygen bleach may be used if necessary. Tumble dry on low heat (maximum 60°C) or air dry, and do not iron directly on prints. Always check the specific garment label, as care instructions can vary slightly by color. Proper care minimises shrinkage (already reduced by preshrinking) and fading.
Our t-shirts are preshrunk, which significantly reduces shrinkage compared to non-preshrunk garments. However, as a 100% cotton shirt (or cotton-dominant in certain colors), it may still experience minimal shrinkage—typically around 2–5% in length and 1–3% in width—primarily after the first wash. This effect is most noticeable when washed in hot water or dried on high heat. To minimise shrinkage, wash in cold or lukewarm water and tumble dry on low or air dry. Proper care generally keeps post-wash fit close to the original dimensions for most wearers.