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About this design
A large Grim Reaper with his scythe beneath a glowing blood moon, printed across the back.
Death as a figure of medieval art and the danse macabre, a reminder that time is short. For lovers of gothic style, medieval imagery and bold artwork.
The story behind this shirt
The hooded skeleton with a scythe took its familiar shape in the fourteenth century, after the Black Death. As millions died, artists and preachers looked for a way to show that no one escapes death. The skeleton stood for the body stripped bare, a reminder of memento mori: remember you must die. The scythe borrowed the image of the harvest, with Death reaping the living like a farmer at the end of the season. The dark cloak recalled burial shrouds and the robes worn by monks and friars at funerals. In the Danse Macabre, painted and carved in churches, skeletons led kings, priests and peasants alike in one grim procession.
Read the full story: The Symbolism of the Grim Reaper in Medieval and Gothic Tradition
Fabric and fit
Every shirt is printed to order on a Gildan 5000 Heavy Cotton T-shirt.
- Medium-weight fabric, 180 g/m² (5.3 oz).
- Black: 100% cotton.
- Classic unisex fit with a crew neck. Between sizes? Go up for a relaxed fit.
- Tear-away label, seamless body, ribbed collar and taped shoulders.
- Printed directly onto the fabric (DTG printing).
Size guide
| Size | Chest width | Length | Sleeve |
|---|---|---|---|
| S | 18 in45.7 cm | 28 in71.1 cm | 15.1 in38.4 cm |
| M | 20 in50.8 cm | 29 in73.7 cm | 16.5 in41.9 cm |
| L | 22 in55.9 cm | 30 in76.2 cm | 18 in45.7 cm |
| XL | 24 in61 cm | 31 in78.7 cm | 19.5 in49.5 cm |
| 2XL | 26 in66 cm | 32 in81.3 cm | 21 in53.3 cm |
| 3XL | 28 in71.1 cm | 33 in83.8 cm | 22.4 in56.9 cm |
| 4XL | 30 in76.2 cm | 34 in86.4 cm | 23.7 in60.2 cm |
| 5XL | 32 in81.3 cm | 35 in88.9 cm | 25 in63.5 cm |
How we measure
- Chest width: across the chest, one inch below the armhole, with the shirt laid flat.
- Length: from the highest point of the shoulder to the bottom hem.
- Sleeve: from the centre back of the neck to the sleeve hem.
- Tolerance: measurements can vary by about 1.5 in (3.8 cm).
Fit advice
- For a more relaxed fit, size up.
- Compare these measurements with a favourite T-shirt you already own.
- If you are between sizes, the larger size is usually more comfortable.

Care
- Machine wash cold, at no more than 30°C.
- Non-chlorine bleach only, if needed.
- Tumble dry on low heat.
- Do not iron.
- Do not dry clean.
Delivery
Estimated delivery to you: 4 to 9 working days.
Delivery is free worldwide. Each shirt is made to order, and these times include production:
- United Kingdom: 4 to 9 working days
- United States: 4 to 10 working days
- European Union: 4 to 10 working days
- Rest of the world: please allow up to 45 days
Times are estimates, not guarantees, and can be longer around holidays. You will get tracking details by email when your order ships. Orders sent outside the UK may be subject to customs duties or import taxes, which are the customer’s responsibility.
Returns
Changed your mind? You can cancel for any reason within 14 days of receiving your shirt. Email sales@historiesandcastles.com with your order number, then send it back unworn and unwashed within 14 days. You pay the return postage, and we refund you within 14 days of receiving it back or receiving proof of posting, whichever is sooner.
Wrong size? Each shirt is made to order, so a different size is a new order: cancel and return the first shirt as above, and order the size you need.
Faulty, damaged or misprinted? Tell us as soon as you notice, with photographs if you can. We pay for the return, and you can reject it for a full refund within 30 days of delivery. After that, and for up to six months, we will repair or replace it, or refund you if that is not possible.
Product safety (GPSR)
- Product
- Gildan 5000 Heavy Cotton T-shirt, printed to order
- EU authorised representative
- HONSON VENTURES LIMITED
3, Gnaftis House flat 102, Limassol, Mesa Geitonia, 4003, Cyprus
gpsr@honsonventures.com - Warranty
- Two-year warranty in the EU and Northern Ireland
- Warnings
- For adults
- Care
- Machine wash cold (max 30°C), non-chlorine bleach as needed, tumble dry on low heat, do not iron, do not dry clean

