Laura Ellner of OnTheRacks.com, lives in San Francisco and blogs about fashion, life, and libations.
"My dad, being the Deadhead that he is, has dozens of tees (clearly, he never got rid of them), and a few years back, my sister and I got to ransack the collection. After arguing about who got what, this one was among a handful I claimed. It’s been worn to death and is the most comfortable thing ever…my favorite shirt, by far. It doesn't make a ton of sense that my father was ever small enough to wear this, because it fits like it was made for me!
"This thing has disappeared and resurfaced more times than I can count, and I'm pretty sure I will have it forever. How random is it that it's red, white, and blue and styled like a baseball tee? It used to be my go-to 'sleep shirt,' but considering it's been washed about a zillion times, I try not to overwear it. I wouldn't go so far as to say I save it for special occasions, but it is only a few washes away from total destruction, which I refuse to allow.
"Whether or not I'm a huge fan of the Grateful Dead myself is besides the fact—I grew up listening to Jerry Garcia singing children's songs and saw my dad cry for the first time when he died (seriously). I can't help but appreciate that...and since clothing is kind of how I like to express myself, it only makes sense to wear this thing proudly! It is pretty messed up and has developed this ridiculous asymmetrical cut over the years...which, in my opinion, only adds character. Don't get me wrong, I love my fancy designer clothes and all, but nothing makes me happier than wearing this shitty, raggedy, old band shirt."