✦ We figured you'd have questions ✦

Frequently Asked
Questions.

Everything you need to know. If something's missing, just reach out; we don't bite. (Our pets might.)

What exactly is THE 199X?

We're a small brand making tees and other merch you won't find anywhere else. We specialize in hand-drawn custom pet portraits and whimsical original designs (mostly made w/ some mediocre Photoshop skills). No AI. Just good art on great products; made by real humans, for real humans.

Do you use AI to create your artwork?

Absolutely not. Every single design, from our original tees to your custom pet portrait, is hand-drawn by a real human artist. We're pretty loud about this. If you ever see "AI" on our site, it stands for Actual Imagination.

What sizes do your tees come in?

Our unisex boxy vintage-wash tees are available in XS through 2XL. They run slightly oversized by design; that's the vibe. If you're between sizes, we recommend sizing down. Full size guide is available on each product page.

How do I care for my tee?

Turn it inside out, cold wash, hang dry. The vintage-wash effect means these tees are already broken in; treat them gently and they'll last forever. Or at least a very long time. We're not making promises about forever.

What is the Custom Pals Tee?

The Custom Pals Tee is our fully personalized, one-of-a-kind illustration service. You tell us about your pet: their name, their personality, and most importantly their chaos; and our artist creates a completely original hand-drawn illustration of your pet doing their thing. Think Sunday guarding a pile of treasure instead of laundry. That kind of thing.

How does the process work?

Simple. 1) Fill out the information on the product page 2) Submit said information 3) Our artist gets to work. 4) We send you a preview to approve. 5) You say yes (or ask for tweaks). 6) We print and ship. Done.

How long does it take?

Custom illustrations typically take 3–5 business days from when we receive your pet's details and photo. We'll always send a preview before printing, so factor in a day or two for your approval as well. If you need it by a specific date, reach out before ordering and we'll let you know if it's doable.

Can I request changes to the illustration?

Yes! We send you a preview before printing and you get one round of revisions included. Want more chaos? Less chaos? Different pose? We'll work with you. Just know that the more specific you are in your original brief, the closer we'll nail it on the first try.

What if my pet has passed away?

We'd be honored to draw them. Memorial tees are some of the most meaningful things we make. Just let us know when you submit your information and we'll handle your order with extra care.

What's the difference between Custom Pals and the Classic Portrait?

The Classic Portrait uses our signature retro frame template! Your pet gets illustrated into the frame with their name above it and your choice of background color. It's simpler, faster, and more affordable. The Custom Pals Tee is fully custom from scratch; a unique scene, unique concept, unique everything. More time, more art, more chaos.

What photo should I send for the Classic Portrait?

A clear, well-lit, front-facing photo works best. We need to see their face, eyes especially. Avoid blurry, dark, or heavily filtered photos. The better the photo, the better the portrait. (This is true in art and in life.)

How do I pick my background color?

Just select your color choice on the product page. We offer blue, red, green, purple, orange, pink, yellow, and black. Can't decide? Blue is the classic. You can also see all the options on the product page; click a swatch to preview how each color looks.

How long does the Classic Portrait take?

Faster than the full custom; usually 1–3 business days from when we receive your photo and details. We still send a preview before printing because we want you to love it.

Do you offer free shipping?

Yes! Free shipping on all orders over $50 within the US. Orders under $50 have a flat shipping rate.

How long does shipping take?

Standard US shipping is 3-14 business days after your order ships (really dependent on whether it's busy season or not). For custom orders, add the illustration time on top of that. Overall, typically 7–14 business days, but occasionally can take longer. We'll send you a tracking number once your order is on its way.

Can I return or exchange my order?

Non-custom items are final sale. Custom orders (Custom Pals and Classic Portrait tees) are made specifically for you and we want you to love it. That's why we offer a full refund if you don't. Just make sure to reach out to us and explain why. This helps us improve customer experience in the future!