Costco’s Divisive Soon-to-Be-Viral Sensation Is a $12 Essential

Everyone has heard the story about how Costco’s founder threatened violence against the current CEO over raising the price of the retailer’s hot dogs. While the origins of this story are dubious at best, it does sum up what people love about the store: its dedication to giving its members nigh-unbelievable deals.

As a result, Costco is also prone to going viral on social media, sometimes for its deals (as happened with this coffee maker) and other times for its unique offerings (like this wedge pillow).

The brand’s latest newsmaker is a little bit of both. The Costco Wholesale Unisex Logo Tee is already making the rounds on social media, and it’s also extremely affordable, especially in-store.

Costco

Tongue-in-cheek brilliance or a corporate scam? You be the judge

As mentioned, these new shirts are already picking up steam on social channels, like Instagram and YouTube, with mixed reactions. Some folks are deeply enthusiastic, excited to sport a tee with their favorite store logo, while others decry it as free advertising (though it’s more like you’re paying for the privilege of advertising the brand).

However, this isn’t the first time Costco has pulled this sort of move. A few years ago, the brand offered similar Kirkland-branded shirts, which were divisive but ultimately became pretty wildly popular.

The thing is, even the idea of branded shirts isn’t new, nor should it really be all that controversial. Brand logo shirts can be traced back to 1933, when Lacoste first put its legendary crocodile logo on a polo. And they’ve been a staple of the fashion industry ever since.

So, it seems the issue is more about the brand itself. Are you a big enough fan of Costco to sport the retailer’s logo, or is that beyond the pale? Maybe it would help to know just how affordable and high-quality the garment is…

Costco

Bargain banger

For a bit of perspective, an extremely basic Balenciaga tee with the brand name printed on the chest will run you literally hundreds of dollars. Yet, the fashion industry largely accepts and even promotes this hyped-up luxury brand.

In stark contrast, this Costco shirt is $12. And that’s if you buy it online. If you get it in-store, it’s only $10. A 60/40 cotton-poly blend, it’s of good quality and should last for quite some time — at least as long as shirts three to four times its price, if not longer.

It also comes in two options. There’s a white shirt with a classic red-and-blue Costco Wholesale logo — the same one you see on the storefronts. And then there’s a blacked-out version with the same logo in all-black, should you prefer a stealthier option.

Costco

In addition to the logo on the front, both shirts have a logo patch sewn onto the left sleeve, which is a nice secondary touch.

They’re available from size XS to XXXXL, making them one of the more size-inclusive offerings out there. And, of course, it is washer- and dryer-friendly, so it’s easy to care for.

It’s not Balenciaga, but it doesn’t have to be, and it isn’t trying to be. And sometimes, that’s better.

Costco

Availability and pricing

The Costco Wholesale Unisex Logo Tee is available now on the retailer’s site for $12 in white or black colorways. However, if you go pick it up in-store, that shaves off another $2, bringing the total to just $10.

Costco

Costco Wholesale Unisex Logo Tee

• $12 at Costco

Want to stay up to date on the latest product news and releases? Add Gear Patrol as a preferred source to ensure our independent journalism makes it to the top of your Google search results.

Related Topics