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Monarch and helenium print · 100% ring-spun cotton · nine garment-dyed colors · Comfort Colors 1717 · printed graphic, nothing stitched on

Garment-Dyed Tee · Nine Colors · Designed in Colorado

The Last Good Stop

September nectar, and a long way still to go.

Shown in Chambray. Garment-dyed cotton, soft from the very first wear.

A monarch rests wings-open on a spray of golden helenium — the autumn daisy with the swept-back petals and the domed, button-like centers, in rust, amber and gold. The flowers are drawn the way they grow in September, several heads open at once on branching stems with the narrow leaves running down them, and the butterfly's black veins and white-spotted borders sit against the gold of the petals. Painted in close botanical detail, printed large and centered on the chest.

The Design

Large front-centered chest print — not a back print

Subject: a monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) on golden helenium, the native sneezeweed (Helenium autumnale)

Style: close naturalist illustration — the reflexed petals, the domed centers and the wing veining all drawn separately

Technique: a printed graphic — the ink sits in the cotton, straight onto the garment color with no background panel, and nothing is stitched or sewn on

No words or lettering anywhere in the design

A Black Comfort Colors 1717 tee, worn — a monarch butterfly on golden helenium, printed across the chest in detailed full color.A Mustard Comfort Colors 1717 tee, worn — a monarch butterfly on golden helenium, printed across the chest in detailed full color.

The same monarch and helenium carried across nine garment-dyed grounds.

Helenium flowers from August into October, which is exactly when a monarch needs it. The generation that heads south does something no summer monarch does: it feeds hard the whole way and arrives in the Mexican mountains heavier than it left, carrying a store of fat that has to last through months of winter roosting with almost nothing to eat. Late nectar is not a treat; it is the fuel for the whole trip, and a stand of helenium beside a road in September is one of the last good stops. The plant's common name is a slander. People call it sneezeweed, but its pollen is heavy and carried by insects — it is not what is making anyone sneeze in autumn — and the name comes from the old practice of drying the leaves and grinding them into snuff. Its proper name is kinder: the genus is named for Helen of Troy, from a story that the flowers first sprang up where her tears fell.

The Story Behind It

✶ ✶ ✶

Her father always stopped at the same gas station on the way to her grandmother's — the one with the ditch full of yellow flowers behind the pumps. Not for gas, half the time. He would just stand at the edge of the ditch for a minute while the tank filled or didn't.

She asked him once what he was looking at. Butterflies, he said. They stop here on the way down. This is the last good place for a long while.

She drives that road herself now, with her own kids complaining in the back about how long it takes. She still stops. The flowers are still there, and so, most Septembers, are the butterflies.

She has started telling the kids what they are looking at.

✶ ✶ ✶

Wear it for the stop you make before the long road.

Close-up of the chest print on a Chambray Comfort Colors 1717 tee — a monarch butterfly on golden helenium, printed in full color, not embroidered.

The print runs large and centered on the chest, straight onto the garment color — no panel, no frame, not a back print.

A thoughtful gift for monarch taggers and waystation gardeners, anyone who plants for the fall migration, anyone with a favorite roadside ditch, and anyone who still makes the stop their parents used to make.

Details

Large front print, centered on the chest — not a back print

Relaxed unisex fit, roomy through the body

Ribbed collar with twill-taped shoulders, no side seams

Sizes S to 4XL in every color · Chambray, Mustard, Blossom, Chalky Mint, Light Green, Bay, Orchid, Graphite and Black

Designed in Colorado · Made to order in the USA

Choosing a Color

The design is orange, gold and rust with a little dark green, so it was painted for the pale grounds — seven of the nine are light — with two dark ones for contrast.

Chambray. The one shown, and our favorite. A pale washed blue, like a clear September sky behind the flowers, and the orange reads loudest against it.

Mustard. A warm gold that nearly matches the petals, so the whole shirt reads as one autumn color and the monarch's black veins carry the design. The most tonal of the nine.

Blossom. A soft pink. Warm and gentle; the gold sits easily on it.

Chalky Mint. A cool aqua that makes the orange jump. The freshest of the light colors.

Light Green. A soft sage. The foliage settles into it and the flowers and the butterfly do the work.

Bay. A muted blue-green, deeper than Light Green. The most botanical-plate of the pale grounds.

Orchid. A soft lavender. Purple and gold are opposites on the wheel, so this is quietly the highest-contrast light color.

Graphite. A soft charcoal. The flowers glow against it without the hardness of black.

Black. Maximum contrast — the monarch and the gold petals seem lit from behind.

Garment-dyed colors look softer and more muted in person than on a screen, and each piece varies slightly. That lived-in tone is part of the charm.

Fabric

Comfort Colors 1717 garment-dyed heavyweight tee

100% ring-spun cotton, 6.1 oz, dyed after the garment is sewn

Substantial without being stiff, and it softens further with every wash

Holds its shape through the wash

Sizing

True to size with a relaxed unisex fit. For a closer fit, size down one; for an oversized look, size up one. Between sizes? We'll make it right, free.

Sizes S to 4XL, in every color.

See the Comfort Colors 1717 size guide →

Care

Wash cold, inside out. Tumble dry low. Avoid bleach, high heat, and ironing directly over the artwork.

There's always a butterfly.

Customer Reviews

Overall rating: 5 / 5 from 69 reviews.

Great quality fabric and quick delivery.

Poppies at Dusk Botanical T-Shirt

Store owner replied: Thank you, Nancy - so glad the poppies made it to you quickly and that the fabric lived up to it. The Comfort Colors cotton only gets softer from here. Please enjoy it! Max, The Known Pack

Love the soft all cotton and the beautiful design! The t-shirt is so comfortable!

Hollyhocks Botanical T-Shirt — Garment-Dyed Cotton

Store owner replied: Thank you, Janette! We love that cotton - it keeps getting softer every wash, so it should only get better from here. Glad you’re enjoying it. Max

It’s a Christmas present for my sister so time will tell.

Wildflower Heart Wreath T-Shirt

Store owner replied: Thank you, Marian! A wildflower wreath is such a beautiful and thoughtful choice for a sister. We hope she absolutely loves it and that it makes her smile!

Honestly, I just really like the message. I overthink a lot, so it’s a nice little reminder to give myself more credit.

Stronger Braver Smarter Daisy T-Shirt

The bay color is really pretty and goes so well with the butterfly and floral design. The artwork has a lot of little details that look even nicer in person. The shirt is soft and comfortable, and the fit is just the way I like it.

Butterfly Graphic Tee — Wings of Jade

I absolutely love this sweatshirt! The butterfly design is beautiful and has such a cool vintage feel. It’s soft, cozy, and comfortable for everyday wear. The relaxed fit and muted colors make it easy to style. Really happy with it!

Vintage Monarch — Butterfly Sweatshirt

I was expecting a men’s size small so it was smaller than expected. The color was a bit different than what I thought but it’s still nice.

Monarch Butterfly Front & Back T-Shirt

Pretty shirt and the bird is even nicer in person. I like the flowers around it and the colors are soft, not too bright. The fit was what I expected.

Painted Bunting T-Shirt — A Song in Color

The sweatshirt has a nice weight to it and feels comfortable without being stiff. The tiger is really detailed and I like how the bamboo and magnolia frame the design. I went with my usual size and it fits roomy.

Tiger, Magnolia & Bamboo Sweatshirt — Garment-Dyed Fleece

My dog brings the pawsitive energy. I mostly bring the treats! The saying made me smile, and it’s just the kind of slightly cheesy dog humor I love.

Dog Mom T-Shirt — Pawsitive Energy

The flowers and hot air balloon are such a pretty combination. A little whimsical, which I love. This one caught my eye right away.

Floral Hot Air Balloon T-Shirt

The butterfly print is really pretty and there are a lot of little details in the flowers. Shirt is soft and comfortable. It looks nice with jeans and I’ve already worn it a few times

Floral Butterfly Wing T-Shirt — Garment-Dyed Cotton

Love the saying on this shirt. Walking with my dog is one of my favorite parts of the day, so it feels very me. A cute design that makes me smile.

Dog Kisses Fix Everything

Bought this for my girlfriend and she really liked it. The blue butterfly is beautiful and the colors look even better in person. She said it’s really comfortable and the relaxed fit works well. Definitely glad I picked this one.

Blue Morpho & Hydrangea Sweatshirt — Garment-Dyed Fleece

Really love the flower bouquet on this one. The little butterflies are a sweet detail, and the whole design feels cheerful without being too much. Just my kind of shirt.

Good-Mood Energy Wildflower Bouquet T-Shirt

Picked this out for my stepmom’s birthday. The wildflowers and little butterflies are so pretty, and the design felt like something she would enjoy. A sweet find that made choosing her gift a little easier.

Wildflower Meadow Butterfly T-Shirt — Garment-Dyed Cotton

Nice quality shirt and the bee/sunflower design is very well done. I ordered the darker color and the artwork shows up really nicely against it. Fits good and the fabric feels substantial.

Bee & Sunflower Crest T-Shirt — Garment-Dyed Cotton

Love this design! The sunflower turning into butterflies is such a pretty touch. It just feels cheerful.

Sunflower Flutter Butterfly T-Shirt

Really like this tee. The Luna moth and moonflower design looks even better in person, and the shirt is comfortable without feeling too heavy. The fit is pretty good and it washes well so far. Definitely a nice addition to my wardrobe.

Luna Moth & Moonflowers Botanical T-Shirt

This has a different look than most of the celestial shirts I’ve seen. I like the folk-art style and all the little details around the sun and moon. The shirt itself is comfortable and the print looks good.

Folk Fauna Celestial Sun & Moon T-Shirt

The front is pretty simple, but the back is what really caught my attention. I like all the little details in the sun, moon, and flowers, and the design has a nice vintage feel to it. The shirt is soft and comfortable, and the fit is relaxed like I expected. The print looks really good in person too.

Celestial Sun & Moon Wildflower T-Shirt — Garment-Dyed Cotton

My daughter received the shirt the other day (I had ordered it for her as a surprise). She loved the color and she loved the texture. (she also loves butterflies). Said it was so soft Thanks.

Butterfly Flutter Watercolor Tee

Store owner replied: Thank you, MaDonna! A surprise gift for a daughter who loves butterflies, that is exactly why we make these. So happy it arrived soft and landed well. Please enjoy. Max

I like the shirt overall. The design looks nice and it’s pretty comfortable, although the fit was a little different than I expected. The material is decent and I’ve worn it a few times already. I’m happy with it.

Be You. Do You. For You. Wildflower T-Shirt

Such a cute and comfortable tee! I love the simple design and the message feels so positive without being over the top. The fabric is soft and it fits really nicely. It’s one of those easy everyday shirts I know I’ll be wearing a lot.

Collect Beautiful Moments Butterfly T-Shirt

Good everyday long sleeve. The fabric has some weight to it but it’s still comfortable for layering. I like the message on this one and the relaxed fit worked well for me.

Where Joy Leads Long Sleeve T-Shirt

Really nice shirt. The design is pretty and I like the message without it feeling too over the top. The fabric is soft and the fit is comfortable and a little relaxed. I got the Chambray color and the flowers and butterflies look really nice against the blue. It’s an easy everyday shirt and I’ve already worn it a few times.

Be You. Do You. For You. Wildflower T-Shirt

Perfect fit color and perfect monarch!

Monarch Butterfly Front & Back – Tee

Store owner replied: Pamela, thank you! This made our whole day. The Monarch is the design that started it all for us, so hearing that the fit, the color, and the butterfly all landed perfectly is everything we hope for. Thank you for supporting our small shop. Max & Anya, The Known Pack

The chambray color is really pretty and goes nicely with the floral design. I like the vintage look of the artwork and the colors are just right, not too bright. The shirt is soft and comfortable, and the fit is relaxed without being too loose. It’s an easy shirt to wear with jeans or shorts.

Sunkissed & Thriving Retro Floral T-Shirt

Fresh from the Studio
Front view of a Chambray Comfort Colors 1717 tee — a monarch butterfly on golden helenium, printed across the chest in detailed full color.
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Front view of a Navy indigo 6.1 oz garment-dyed Comfort Colors 1717 tee, worn — a detailed trio of monarchs over coral cosmos, printed across the chest.
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Front view of a Black Bella+Canvas 3005 V-neck T-shirt — the best advice a garden ever gave, printed in detailed full color, no text in the design.
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Customer Reviews

Overall rating: 5 / 5 from 69 reviews.

Great quality fabric and quick delivery.

Poppies at Dusk Botanical T-Shirt

Store owner replied: Thank you, Nancy - so glad the poppies made it to you quickly and that the fabric lived up to it. The Comfort Colors cotton only gets softer from here. Please enjoy it! Max, The Known Pack

Love the soft all cotton and the beautiful design! The t-shirt is so comfortable!

Hollyhocks Botanical T-Shirt — Garment-Dyed Cotton

Store owner replied: Thank you, Janette! We love that cotton - it keeps getting softer every wash, so it should only get better from here. Glad you’re enjoying it. Max

It’s a Christmas present for my sister so time will tell.

Wildflower Heart Wreath T-Shirt

Store owner replied: Thank you, Marian! A wildflower wreath is such a beautiful and thoughtful choice for a sister. We hope she absolutely loves it and that it makes her smile!

Honestly, I just really like the message. I overthink a lot, so it’s a nice little reminder to give myself more credit.

Stronger Braver Smarter Daisy T-Shirt

The bay color is really pretty and goes so well with the butterfly and floral design. The artwork has a lot of little details that look even nicer in person. The shirt is soft and comfortable, and the fit is just the way I like it.

Butterfly Graphic Tee — Wings of Jade

I absolutely love this sweatshirt! The butterfly design is beautiful and has such a cool vintage feel. It’s soft, cozy, and comfortable for everyday wear. The relaxed fit and muted colors make it easy to style. Really happy with it!

Vintage Monarch — Butterfly Sweatshirt

I was expecting a men’s size small so it was smaller than expected. The color was a bit different than what I thought but it’s still nice.

Monarch Butterfly Front & Back T-Shirt

Pretty shirt and the bird is even nicer in person. I like the flowers around it and the colors are soft, not too bright. The fit was what I expected.

Painted Bunting T-Shirt — A Song in Color

The sweatshirt has a nice weight to it and feels comfortable without being stiff. The tiger is really detailed and I like how the bamboo and magnolia frame the design. I went with my usual size and it fits roomy.

Tiger, Magnolia & Bamboo Sweatshirt — Garment-Dyed Fleece

My dog brings the pawsitive energy. I mostly bring the treats! The saying made me smile, and it’s just the kind of slightly cheesy dog humor I love.

Dog Mom T-Shirt — Pawsitive Energy

The flowers and hot air balloon are such a pretty combination. A little whimsical, which I love. This one caught my eye right away.

Floral Hot Air Balloon T-Shirt

The butterfly print is really pretty and there are a lot of little details in the flowers. Shirt is soft and comfortable. It looks nice with jeans and I’ve already worn it a few times

Floral Butterfly Wing T-Shirt — Garment-Dyed Cotton

Love the saying on this shirt. Walking with my dog is one of my favorite parts of the day, so it feels very me. A cute design that makes me smile.

Dog Kisses Fix Everything

Bought this for my girlfriend and she really liked it. The blue butterfly is beautiful and the colors look even better in person. She said it’s really comfortable and the relaxed fit works well. Definitely glad I picked this one.

Blue Morpho & Hydrangea Sweatshirt — Garment-Dyed Fleece

Really love the flower bouquet on this one. The little butterflies are a sweet detail, and the whole design feels cheerful without being too much. Just my kind of shirt.

Good-Mood Energy Wildflower Bouquet T-Shirt

Picked this out for my stepmom’s birthday. The wildflowers and little butterflies are so pretty, and the design felt like something she would enjoy. A sweet find that made choosing her gift a little easier.

Wildflower Meadow Butterfly T-Shirt — Garment-Dyed Cotton

Nice quality shirt and the bee/sunflower design is very well done. I ordered the darker color and the artwork shows up really nicely against it. Fits good and the fabric feels substantial.

Bee & Sunflower Crest T-Shirt — Garment-Dyed Cotton

Love this design! The sunflower turning into butterflies is such a pretty touch. It just feels cheerful.

Sunflower Flutter Butterfly T-Shirt

Really like this tee. The Luna moth and moonflower design looks even better in person, and the shirt is comfortable without feeling too heavy. The fit is pretty good and it washes well so far. Definitely a nice addition to my wardrobe.

Luna Moth & Moonflowers Botanical T-Shirt

This has a different look than most of the celestial shirts I’ve seen. I like the folk-art style and all the little details around the sun and moon. The shirt itself is comfortable and the print looks good.

Folk Fauna Celestial Sun & Moon T-Shirt

The front is pretty simple, but the back is what really caught my attention. I like all the little details in the sun, moon, and flowers, and the design has a nice vintage feel to it. The shirt is soft and comfortable, and the fit is relaxed like I expected. The print looks really good in person too.

Celestial Sun & Moon Wildflower T-Shirt — Garment-Dyed Cotton

My daughter received the shirt the other day (I had ordered it for her as a surprise). She loved the color and she loved the texture. (she also loves butterflies). Said it was so soft Thanks.

Butterfly Flutter Watercolor Tee

Store owner replied: Thank you, MaDonna! A surprise gift for a daughter who loves butterflies, that is exactly why we make these. So happy it arrived soft and landed well. Please enjoy. Max

I like the shirt overall. The design looks nice and it’s pretty comfortable, although the fit was a little different than I expected. The material is decent and I’ve worn it a few times already. I’m happy with it.

Be You. Do You. For You. Wildflower T-Shirt

Such a cute and comfortable tee! I love the simple design and the message feels so positive without being over the top. The fabric is soft and it fits really nicely. It’s one of those easy everyday shirts I know I’ll be wearing a lot.

Collect Beautiful Moments Butterfly T-Shirt

Good everyday long sleeve. The fabric has some weight to it but it’s still comfortable for layering. I like the message on this one and the relaxed fit worked well for me.

Where Joy Leads Long Sleeve T-Shirt

Really nice shirt. The design is pretty and I like the message without it feeling too over the top. The fabric is soft and the fit is comfortable and a little relaxed. I got the Chambray color and the flowers and butterflies look really nice against the blue. It’s an easy everyday shirt and I’ve already worn it a few times.

Be You. Do You. For You. Wildflower T-Shirt

Perfect fit color and perfect monarch!

Monarch Butterfly Front & Back – Tee

Store owner replied: Pamela, thank you! This made our whole day. The Monarch is the design that started it all for us, so hearing that the fit, the color, and the butterfly all landed perfectly is everything we hope for. Thank you for supporting our small shop. Max & Anya, The Known Pack

The chambray color is really pretty and goes nicely with the floral design. I like the vintage look of the artwork and the colors are just right, not too bright. The shirt is soft and comfortable, and the fit is relaxed without being too loose. It’s an easy shirt to wear with jeans or shorts.

Sunkissed & Thriving Retro Floral T-Shirt