Tar Heel: Born From the Pines Comfort Colors Tee

Long before “Tar Heel” became a badge of North Carolina pride, it was rooted in the state’s vast pine forests. For generations, workers tapped North Carolina’s longleaf pines for sticky resin, then processed it into tar, pitch, and turpentine—valuable naval stores used to waterproof wooden ships and preserve their ropes and rigging. It was hot, messy, backbreaking work, and those who worked among the pines inevitably carried a little of that sticky tar with them. Over time, “Tar Heel” became forever tied to North Carolinians—and what may once have been a rough nickname became one we wear with pride.

Our Born From the Pines design pays tribute to those early pine forests, the barrels and resin of the naval stores industry, and the hardworking people whose livelihood helped shape North Carolina.

Because Tar Heels weren't just named here. We were born from the pines. 🌲

• 100% ring-spun cotton
• Fabric weight: 6.1 oz/yd² (206.8 g/m²)
• Garment-dyed
• Relaxed fit
• Unisex sizing
• 7/8″ double-needle topstitched collar
• Twill-taped neck and shoulders for extra durability
• Double-needle armhole, sleeve, and bottom hems
• Blank product sourced from Honduras

This product is made especially for you as soon as you place an order, which is why it takes us a bit longer to deliver it to you. Making products on demand instead of in bulk helps reduce overproduction, so thank you for making thoughtful purchasing decisions!

Size guide