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T-Shirt Size Guide
Medieval Medicine T-Shirt | Cures Worse Than the Plague | History Design
Sale price
£26.99Regular price
Regular price
£26.99
Unit price
per
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.
The good news: they had a cure. The bad news: it involved leeches.
Medieval medicine was a remarkable collision of classical theory, religious belief, and genuinely heroic guesswork. Physicians balanced the four humours, prescribed bloodletting for most ailments, and occasionally drilled holes in people's skulls to let the bad spirits out. It is, with the benefit of hindsight, absolutely extraordinary. This t-shirt salutes it in the spirit it deserves.
What it is
A punchy, typographic history tee that says everything it needs to in two lines. MEDIEVAL MEDICINE in bold distressed red, followed by CURES WORSE THAN THE PLAGUE in weathered white below. No illustration required — the words land on their own with considerable force. Printed on deep black premium cotton, the design is blunt, funny, and entirely accurate.
Why it's worth having
- The joke is grounded in real history — medieval medical practices were genuinely as alarming as the tagline suggests, which makes this funnier the more history you know.
- Typography that carries real weight — the distressed, weathered lettering gives the design a period feel that suits the subject matter perfectly.
- Wears its humour with confidence — this isn't a joke that needs explaining. It lands immediately, and it lands well.
- Comfortable all day — printed on premium 100% cotton, soft, well-fitted, and entirely free of humoral imbalances.
- Free UK delivery included — significantly less painful than a medieval consultation.
Made for the medically historical and historically minded
This is a t-shirt for history enthusiasts, medical historians, healthcare professionals with a sense of humour, and anyone who has ever gone down a rabbit hole reading about trepanning or the theory of miasma and emerged both horrified and fascinated. It works at history events, university campuses, hospitals, and anywhere that a well-placed dark joke is appreciated.
It also makes a genuinely excellent gift. For the history lover, the nurse or doctor who needs cheering up, the medical student who could do with a laugh, or anyone who finds the intersection of history and human folly irresistible. Birthdays, Christmas, or simply because it made you think of them.
Without it, medieval medicine goes unacknowledged. And after everything those physicians put their patients through, the least we can do is remember them.
Reassurance, simply put
Designed and sold by Histories and Castles, a UK brand for people who take history seriously but don't always take themselves that way. Printed on premium cotton for lasting quality and comfort. Free UK delivery on every order. Any questions before you order, we're here.
Add it to your basket today. Free UK delivery, no fuss.
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.