| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Year Campaign Started | 1985 |
| Initial Litter Reduction (1987-1990) | 72% |
| Litter Reduction Since 1995 | Over 50% |
| Annual Litter Cleanup Cost (2021) | > $50 million |
| Annual Visible Litter Pieces | ~362 million |
Did you know that the “Don’t Mess with Texas” campaign cut litter on Texas highways by 72% between 1987 and 1990? This powerful slogan, born to fight litter, has become a badge of Texas pride, proudly worn on t-shirts across the state and beyond. At ASSSOO APPAREL, we celebrate this spirit by helping you create custom Texas-themed t-shirts. In this guide, we’ll dive into the history of the “Don’t Mess with Texas” t-shirt, why it’s so popular, how to design your own, and more.
The Origin of “Don’t Mess with Texas”
In 1985, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) faced a big problem: litter was piling up on highways, costing $20 million a year to clean. To tackle this, TxDOT hired the advertising agency GSD&M, where Tim McClure created the bold slogan “Don’t Mess with Texas.” The campaign targeted young men aged 18 to 35, who were most likely to litter. Launched with a 1986 commercial featuring blues legend Stevie Ray Vaughan during the Cotton Bowl, the slogan became an instant hit. By 1990, litter had dropped by 72%, proving the campaign’s success (Wikipedia).
Why “Don’t Mess with Texas” T-Shirts Are Popular
The “Don’t Mess with Texas” t-shirt is a favorite for several reasons:
- Texas Pride: The slogan captures the fierce independence and pride of Texans, making it a perfect way to show love for the Lone Star State.
- Cultural Impact: Celebrities like Willie Nelson and George Strait have starred in campaign ads, giving the slogan star power.
- Catchy Message: The bold, memorable phrase sticks in people’s minds, making it ideal for t-shirts.
These shirts are more than fashion—they’re a statement of identity and a nod to a campaign that’s kept Texas cleaner for decades (Don’t Mess with Texas).
How to Design a “Don’t Mess with Texas” T-Shirt
Creating a “Don’t Mess with Texas” t-shirt requires care due to the trademarked slogan. Instead, you can design a t-shirt that celebrates Texas without using the exact phrase. Here’s how:
- Use Texas Symbols: Add the lone star, state flag, or a Texas map to your design.
- Highlight Texas Culture: Include images of cowboys, cacti, or references to Texas history.
- Work with Experts: At ASSSOO APPAREL, we offer over 300 styles and techniques like screen printing, embroidery, and DTG printing to bring your vision to life.
Our team at ASSSOO APPAREL, led by founder Luke Leu with 20 years of experience, ensures your t-shirt is high-quality and unique.
Legal Considerations for Using the “Don’t Mess with Texas” Slogan
The “Don’t Mess with Texas” slogan is a federally registered trademark owned by TxDOT. Using it without permission can lead to legal trouble, as TxDOT has sent over 100 cease and desist letters since 2000. For example, the University of Texas at Austin stopped selling t-shirts with the slogan after TxDOT’s request. To stay safe, get proper licensing from TxDOT or create designs that capture Texas spirit without the exact phrase (Wikipedia).
Where to Buy Authentic “Don’t Mess with Texas” T-Shirts
To ensure you’re getting an official “Don’t Mess with Texas” t-shirt, buy from licensed vendors:
- Texas Capitol Gift Shop: Offers grey unisex t-shirts made from a polyester-cotton-rayon blend.
- Texas Highways Mercantile: Sells official campaign merchandise.
- Don’t Mess with Texas Store: The official source for campaign gear.
These purchases often support TxDOT’s efforts to keep Texas litter-free.
Customizing Your Own “Don’t Mess with Texas” T-Shirt
At ASSSOO APPAREL, we make it easy to create a custom t-shirt that celebrates Texas. Our services include:
- Printing Techniques: Choose from screen printing, embroidery, heat transfer, or DTG printing.
- Fabric Options: Pick cotton, polyester, spandex, or custom blends.
- Design Flexibility: Customize colors, sizes, and patterns to match your style.
With 16 global warehouses and 24/7 support, we deliver your t-shirts quickly, even for small orders starting at 20 pieces (ASSSOO APPAREL).
The Impact of “Don’t Mess with Texas” on Texas Culture
The slogan has grown beyond its anti-littering roots to become a symbol of Texas swagger. It’s used in sports, politics, and pop culture, recognized nationwide as a declaration of Texas pride. Its cultural staying power is evident in its use by musicians and its place in the Advertising Hall of Fame (Don’t Mess with Texas).
Famous Personalities Who Have Worn “Don’t Mess with Texas” T-Shirts
The campaign has featured Texas icons like:
- Willie Nelson: Starred in ads with the slogan “Mammas tell all your babies Don’t mess with Texas.”
- George Strait: Promoted the anti-littering message in 2009 commercials.
- Stevie Ray Vaughan: Launched the campaign in 1986.
These celebrities have helped make the “Don’t Mess with Texas” t-shirt a cultural staple.
How “Don’t Mess with Texas” T-Shirts Support Anti-Littering Efforts
Buying official t-shirts from licensed vendors like River Road Clothing supports TxDOT’s campaign. A portion of each sale funds efforts to reduce litter, which still includes about 362 million pieces annually on Texas highways (TxDOT).
Trends in “Don’t Mess with Texas” T-Shirt Designs
Classic “Don’t Mess with Texas” t-shirt designs remain popular, often featuring bold red, white, and blue colors. However, 2025 trends lean toward:
- Typography: Bold, easy-to-read fonts for strong messages (Bonfire).
- Personalization: Custom designs with hand-drawn elements or unique Texas symbols.
- Punk-Inspired Looks: Edgy graphics and distressed styles for a rebellious vibe (Gelato).
ASSSOO APPAREL can help you create a trendy, custom t-shirt that stands out.
People Also Ask
Here are answers to common questions about “Don’t Mess with Texas” t-shirts:
- What does “Don’t Mess with Texas” mean?
It’s an anti-littering slogan from 1985 that’s also a symbol of Texas pride. - Where can I buy official “Don’t Mess with Texas” t-shirts?
Buy from the Texas Capitol Gift Shop, Texas Highways Mercantile, or Don’t Mess with Texas Store. - Is it legal to sell t-shirts with “Don’t Mess with Texas”?
Only with TxDOT licensing; otherwise, it’s trademark infringement. - Who created the “Don’t Mess with Texas” slogan?
Tim McClure of GSD&M created it in 1985. - What is the history of the “Don’t Mess with Texas” campaign?
Launched in 1985 to fight litter, it reduced litter by 72% by 1990 and became a cultural icon.
Conclusion
The “Don’t Mess with Texas” t-shirt is a powerful way to show Texas pride while supporting a cleaner state. Whether you buy an official shirt or create a custom design with ASSSOO APPAREL, you’re part of a legacy that’s kept Texas beautiful for nearly 40 years. Let us help you design a t-shirt that celebrates the Lone Star State in style.
