Strange Cargo Tees, Chicago's Custom T-shirt Store on Postcard

"Strange Cargo has one of the city's most fitting business names. This shop in Wrigleyville is visual overload, full of vintage tees and knick-knacks that would make any 90s child grin. Known to many as a custom and quick t-shirt maker, you can also find any number of punny throwback shirts or Chicago-specific threads. It's also home to plenty of iron-on decals, patches, buttons and other novelties. Perfect if you're planning a Ferris Bueller, Harry Caray, or other Second-City-specific bar crawl or gathering where cheesy tees are a must." - Studio Malt

On the Grid : Strange Cargo

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@afar

"Located just two blocks from Wrigley Field, this apparel fun house has been making a name for itself ever since 1983 for its quirky threads (not to mention a solid inventory of Converse Chuck Taylors and whoopee cushions). Once you’re here, expect to stay awhile—one entire wall is lined with suggested artwork and phrases for custom T-shirts, from caricatures of Neil Diamond and Mike Ditka to an entire selection dedicated to the mustache. There’s also a host of hometown-inspired graphics, like an outline of a Chicago -style hot dog."

The Best Shopping in Chicago

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@onthegrid

"Strange Cargo, Lakeview. Strange Cargo has one of the city's most fitting business names. This shop in Wrigleyville is visual overload, full of vintage tees and knick-knacks that would make any 90s child grin. Known to many as a custom and quick t-shirt maker, you can also find any number of punny throwback shirts or Chicago-specific threads. It's also home to plenty of iron-on decals, patches, buttons and other novelties. Perfect if you're planning a Ferris Bueller, Harry Caray, or other Second-City-specific bar crawl or gathering where cheesy tees are a must."

Chicago

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Jennifer Rodriguez

Google

This store is really unique and has really interesting and funny items. You are sure to find something you like or a gift for someone else. You can also have a custom shirt made. They have dressing rooms available in the back. They have so many different blind boxes, plushies, jewelry, and much more. I would recommend checking out their instagram for updates on new items or events!

Mayalyn Cott

Google

I was so grateful that strange cargo was so fast on the tshirt I needed the next day! They made the process super easy to order. I didn’t even know there were cute gifts inside too since I’ve never been inside. To top it off, I was able to get a hat made in about a half hour without having to order ahead- you can’t beat that (I wouldn’t expect this as standard, I think I just got lucky)! Super accommodating staff and will be coming here again for any custom shirts in the future!

Kimberly Holley

Google

I LOVE this place! Their craftsmanship and level of customer service is like no other! I love that you can bring in your own item for personalization. A little pricey; but definitely worth it!

Sara Andersen

Google

I had such a wonderful experience with the friendly, helpful and creative staff. They helped whip me up a shirt "in minutes" just like their sign said! They worked with my idea to create the perfect design from scratch but they also have hundreds of designs all over the store. They also have a variety of other goods; cubs gear, postcards, patches, socks, bags, etc. I live in Seattle but will defiantly be ordering from them next time I need custom shirts (plus they dont charge a handling fee, only the exact cost of the shipping)!

Shira M

Google

So happy with our purchase, these Bella and canvas zippered hoodies are the SOFTEST THING EVERRRR. Jay was patient with me and let me look at many different styles on the computer, then helped me find them in store to touch them for feel. He even offered to order a blank one that wasn’t in stock so I could make sure we would love the feel of it! Then Karen in design fielded our requests for multiple mock-ups with different options to make sure everything was perfect. She was creative and polite and so helpful. Even though they had to order the sweatshirts in, it was still done super fast. The design is gorgeous, the fabric is a cloud, this garment totally means everything I wanted it to. Great product, great service, and really fast, too! Thank you Strange Cargo!

Pinqy Ring

Google

Cannot even begin to explain how amazing this business is! Anytime I need a shirt made they have my back, they are so kind and patient, their designers are rock stars, and they go above and beyond to fix anything that might be wrong. Today they let me grab a shirt even though the store was technically not open yet, and did so with JOY. They have a forever customer in me!

JG

Google

Love my shirts and the fast service. Don't love that they are displaying a collection of shirts with a misogynistic slur on them. If you wouldn't put homophobic slurs or racist slurs on a shirt, why choose a sexist slur??

Nicole Otto

Google

Jay was extremely helpful, accommodating and a pleasure to speak with. Craig was great too. They went above and beyond to make sure my order was timely and perfect. Thank you so much!

Jennifer Rodriguez

Google

This store is really unique and has really interesting and funny items. You are sure to find something you like or a gift for someone else. You can also have a custom shirt made. They have dressing rooms available in the back. They have so many different blind boxes, plushies, jewelry, and much more. I would recommend checking out their instagram for updates on new items or events!

Mayalyn Cott

Google

I was so grateful that strange cargo was so fast on the tshirt I needed the next day! They made the process super easy to order. I didn’t even know there were cute gifts inside too since I’ve never been inside. To top it off, I was able to get a hat made in about a half hour without having to order ahead- you can’t beat that (I wouldn’t expect this as standard, I think I just got lucky)! Super accommodating staff and will be coming here again for any custom shirts in the future!

Kimberly Holley

Google

I LOVE this place! Their craftsmanship and level of customer service is like no other! I love that you can bring in your own item for personalization. A little pricey; but definitely worth it!

Sara Andersen

Google

I had such a wonderful experience with the friendly, helpful and creative staff. They helped whip me up a shirt "in minutes" just like their sign said! They worked with my idea to create the perfect design from scratch but they also have hundreds of designs all over the store. They also have a variety of other goods; cubs gear, postcards, patches, socks, bags, etc. I live in Seattle but will defiantly be ordering from them next time I need custom shirts (plus they dont charge a handling fee, only the exact cost of the shipping)!

Shira M

Google

So happy with our purchase, these Bella and canvas zippered hoodies are the SOFTEST THING EVERRRR. Jay was patient with me and let me look at many different styles on the computer, then helped me find them in store to touch them for feel. He even offered to order a blank one that wasn’t in stock so I could make sure we would love the feel of it! Then Karen in design fielded our requests for multiple mock-ups with different options to make sure everything was perfect. She was creative and polite and so helpful. Even though they had to order the sweatshirts in, it was still done super fast. The design is gorgeous, the fabric is a cloud, this garment totally means everything I wanted it to. Great product, great service, and really fast, too! Thank you Strange Cargo!

Pinqy Ring

Google

Cannot even begin to explain how amazing this business is! Anytime I need a shirt made they have my back, they are so kind and patient, their designers are rock stars, and they go above and beyond to fix anything that might be wrong. Today they let me grab a shirt even though the store was technically not open yet, and did so with JOY. They have a forever customer in me!

JG

Google

Love my shirts and the fast service. Don't love that they are displaying a collection of shirts with a misogynistic slur on them. If you wouldn't put homophobic slurs or racist slurs on a shirt, why choose a sexist slur??

Nicole Otto

Google

Jay was extremely helpful, accommodating and a pleasure to speak with. Craig was great too. They went above and beyond to make sure my order was timely and perfect. Thank you so much!

Strange Cargo Tees, Chicago's Custom T-shirt Store

Strange Cargo Tees, Chicago's Custom T-shirt Store

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