Forget the guessing game — Life is Good shirts deliver consistent sizing, a philanthropic backbone, and thick fabric that stands up to repeated wear. This guide breaks down the brand’s history, Crusher tee fit, manufacturing sources, and where to buy with confidence.

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Founded: 1994 · Co-founders: Bert and John Jacobs · Charity commitment: 10% of net profits donated to children in need · Retail partners: Over 1,000 stores

Quick snapshot

1Brand History
2Sizing Guide
  • True to size for most styles (Life is Good Fit Guide)
  • Crusher tee: relaxed fit (Men’s Crusher Tee Product Page)
  • Thick cotton suited for bigger men (Airstream Supply Company size chart)
3Where to Buy
4Customer Reviews
  • Positive: comfortable, durable, positive messages (Scheels (retailer reviews))
  • Critiques: limited style variations, occasional shrinkage (Scheels size chart)
  • Rated 4.5/5 on major platforms (Scheels size chart)
Key facts at a glance
Label Value
Founded 1994
Founders Bert Jacobs, John Jacobs
Headquarters Boston, Massachusetts
Charity rate 10% of net profits
Retail reach Over 1,000 stores
Product category Apparel, accessories, home goods

Who makes the Life is Good brand?

Founders Bert and John Jacobs

  • Life is Good was started by brothers Bert and John Jacobs in 1994 (Life is Good Official Site (brand history)).
  • The company remains privately held, with headquarters in Boston, Massachusetts (Life is Good Official Site).

Company history and headquarters

From a single t-shirt design sold on the streets of Boston, the brand grew into a national name. Its signature Crusher tee—a thick, heavyweight cotton shirt—became the flagship product. The brand’s mission of spreading optimism is baked into every shirt’s message and into its commitment to donate 10% of net profits to children’s charities (Life is Good Official Site).

The upshot

The Jacobs brothers built a brand that sells optimism, but the real differentiator is the profit‑sharing model—10% of net profits goes to kids, a promise that makes the shirt feel like a small act of giving.

The implication: A philanthropic mission that directly shapes fabric choices and customer satisfaction sets Life is Good apart from standard apparel brands.

Do Life is Good shirts run small or large?

General sizing observations

Many users report Life is Good shirts run true to size or slightly roomy, based on the brand’s own Fit Guide and customer reviews on retailer sites (Airstream Supply Company size chart (reseller)). The official sizing uses body measurements for chest, waist, and hip, not garment dimensions, so measuring yourself before ordering is the smart play.

Crusher tee fit

The Crusher tee is designed for a relaxed fit. On the men’s product page, size M has a chest range of 38–40 inches, waist 32.5–34.5 inches, and hip 37.5–39.5 inches (Life is Good men’s Crusher tee product page (official measurements)). The brand calls it “the heavyweight champ of cotton tees” (Life is Good kids Big Kid Crusher tee page).

Recommendations for big men

Reddit reviews note that the thick cotton fabric hugs less tightly than thinner tees, making it forgiving for larger builds. The men’s lineup goes up to 2XL, with chest width up to 47 inches according to reseller charts (Airstream Supply Company size chart).

Four sizes, one pattern: the Crusher tee runs consistently roomy across the range, with the official chart using body measurements rather than garment dimensions.

Size Chest (in) Waist (in) Hip (in)
XS 34–36 28.5–30.5 33.5–35.5
S 36–38 30.5–32.5 35.5–37.5
M 38–40 32.5–34.5 37.5–39.5
L 40–44 34.5–38.5 39.5–43.5
XL 44–47 38.5–41.5 43.5–46.5
Men’s Crusher tee body measurements (official Life is Good data)

The implication: If you fall between sizes, the relaxed cut means you can comfortably size down for a closer fit or stay at your standard size for a classic tee look.

Bottom line: Life is Good shirts run true‑to‑size for most buyers. The Crusher tee’s relaxed fit and thick cotton make it a good pick for men who want room without looking sloppy. For women, the body‑measurement charts (not garment dimensions) mean you should check your chest and waist against the reseller or official guides.

Where does Life is Good get their T-shirts?

Domestic and international sourcing

Life is Good sources its blank t‑shirts from multiple suppliers, including both U.S. and overseas mills (Life is Good men’s Crusher tee product page (shows “Made in the USA” or imported)). The company recently launched a “Keep it Simple” custom t‑shirt business that lets customers print their own designs, but the classic Crusher and core styles are produced in‑house to the brand’s specs.

Custom t-shirt production

The brand’s vertical control over fabric and cut is evident in its consistent sizing. The official Fit Guide is the single source of truth (Life is Good Fit Guide).

Quality control practices

Customer reviews on retailer sites like Scheels and Amazon consistently cite durability and colorfastness after many washes (Scheels (retailer review aggregation)). The company’s philanthropic promise—10% of net profits—adds a layer of trust that goes beyond thread count.

The catch: The brand doesn’t publish its factory list or a formal supplier code of conduct, which limits supply‑chain transparency for some buyers.

What to watch

For buyers who prioritize full supply‑chain transparency, Life is Good is less open than some competitors.

Is Life Is Good a real company?

Official registration and history

Yes—Life is Good is a registered U.S. corporation, founded in 1994 by Bert and John Jacobs and based in Boston. The company is privately held and has no public financial disclosures (Life is Good Official Site (brand history)).

Charitable giving

Its charitable arm, the Life is Good Kids Foundation, has donated over $25 million to children in need since inception, funded by 10% of net profits from the apparel line (Life is Good Official Site).

Retail presence

Beyond the official website, the brand sells through more than 1,000 retail partners including Target, Kohl’s, and Amazon (Scheels (retailer reference)).

The pattern: A privately held corporation with a verified charitable track record and broad retail availability reinforces its legitimacy as a real company.

Where to buy Life is Good shirts?

Official website

The official store at lifeisgood.com carries the full catalog—men’s, women’s, and kids’ Crusher tees, plus exclusive designs not found elsewhere (Life is Good women’s tees collection page). The site includes shipping, returns, and exchange policies linked from every product page.

Amazon and other online retailers

Amazon offers a broad selection with Prime shipping, though you’ll want to confirm the seller is Life is Good direct or an authorized reseller. eBay and Scheels also carry the brand (Scheels (retailer with sizing guide)).

In-store options

Target, Kohl’s, and many independent boutiques stock Life is Good shirts. In‑store try‑on is the surest way to nail your size, especially if you’re between sizes.

The pattern: A multi‑channel buying strategy gives you flexibility, but the official site offers the widest selection and clearest return policy.

Confirmed facts vs. what remains unclear

Confirmed facts

  • Life is Good was founded in 1994 by Bert and John Jacobs (Life is Good Official Site)
  • 10% of net profits go to children’s charities (Life is Good Official Site)
  • Headquarters in Boston, Massachusetts (Life is Good Official Site)

What’s unclear

  • Exact manufacturing partners are not publicly disclosed (Men’s Crusher tee product page (lacks supplier info))
  • Breakdown of domestic vs. international sourcing is not specified by the company (Men’s Crusher tee product page)

What the experts and customers say

“Our goal has always been to spread optimism through simple, high-quality products.”

— Bert Jacobs, co-founder (Life is Good Official Site)

“The heavyweight champ of cotton tees.”

— Life is Good, describing the Crusher tee (Kids Big Kid Crusher tee page)

Bottom line: Life is Good is a legitimate, mission‑driven brand. The shirts run true to size, the Crusher offers a relaxed fit ideal for larger builds, and the 10% charity pledge gives each purchase a feel‑good edge. For buyers seeking supply‑chain transparency, the brand could be more open, but for everyday optimism and comfort, these shirts deliver.

Related reading: Life is Good Fit Guide · Men’s Crusher Tee

Additional sources

lifeisgood.com, lifeisgoodwestport.com

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Frequently asked questions

What materials are Life is Good shirts made from?

Most classic styles are 100% cotton. Crusher tees are heavyweight cotton (about 6 oz.). Some blended styles may include polyester for performance fits (Men’s Crusher tee product page).

How should I wash Life is Good shirts to prevent shrinkage?

Wash in cold water and tumble dry low. The brand recommends line drying for best fit retention (Life is Good Fit Guide).

Does Life is Good offer plus sizes?

Yes, women’s sizes go up to 2XL and men’s up to 2XL. Plus sizes are available in select styles (Airstream Supply Company size chart).

Can I return a Life is Good shirt if it doesn’t fit?

Yes, the official store accepts returns within 30 days of purchase for a full refund. Conditions apply for worn or washed items (Life is Good women’s tee collection page (linked return policy)).

Are Life is Good shirts pre-shrunk?

Most styles are pre‑shrunk, but the brand recommends cold water washing and low‑heat drying to minimize any residual shrinkage (Life is Good Fit Guide).

How does Life is Good select its charity partners?

The Life is Good Kids Foundation partners with organizations that focus on children’s health, education, and resilience. Specific partners are listed on the foundation’s page (Life is Good Official Site).

What is the Crusher tee and how does it differ from other styles?

The Crusher is a heavyweight, relaxed‑fit t‑shirt made from thick cotton. It’s meant to be broken in (“crushed”) for a lived‑in look, unlike the standard classic cut which is more fitted (Men’s Crusher tee product page).

Upsides

  • Generous sizing works well for larger builds
  • Charity contribution gives purchase a feel‑good factor
  • Consistent quality across styles

Downsides

  • Limited style variety compared to fast‑fashion brands
  • May shrink slightly if not washed cool
  • Supply‑chain transparency is low

For anyone looking for a comfortable, optimistic t‑shirt that gives back, Life is Good delivers. The Crusher tee’s thick cotton and relaxed fit make it a standout for bigger men, while the 10% charity pledge turns every purchase into a small donation. The trade‑off is a narrower style selection and limited visibility into where exactly the shirts are made. For the buyer who values feel and mission over fashion variety, the choice is clear: grab a Crusher, wash cold, and wear it proudly.