Gordon Gartrell Shirt: A Nostalgic Fashion Icon from The Cosby Show

How much did the Gordon Gartrell shirt cost?
In the iconic The Cosby Show episode “A Shirt Story” (Season 1, Episode 5, aired October 18, 1984), Theo Huxtable purchases a designer Gordon Gartrell shirt to impress a date, only to shock his father, Cliff, with its steep price of $95. In 1984, this was considered extravagant for a 14-year-old’s shirt, prompting Cliff’s memorable line: “No 14-year-old boy should have a $95 shirt, unless he is on stage, with his four brothers.” Adjusted for inflation, $95 in 1984 equates to roughly $280 in 2025, highlighting the shirt’s premium status. In the episode, Denise offers to recreate the shirt for $30, but her homemade version becomes a comedic disaster with mismatched sleeves and a quirky design.

Today, fans can purchase Gordon Gartrell-inspired merchandise, with prices varying by retailer. For example, oversized heavyweight T-shirts and embroidered polo shirts from gordongartrelle.com are priced at $50-$60, while premium sweatshirts and jackets range from $80-$150. Etsy offers custom-made Gordon Gartrell shirts for around $60-$100, and eBay lists parody tees with free shipping, though exact prices depend on the seller.

Who is Gordon Gartrell?
Gordon Gartrell is not a real designer but a fictional brand created for The Cosby Show. The name originates from a staff member who later became a writer/producer for the show’s final two seasons. The shirt, featured in “A Shirt Story,” has become a cultural touchstone, celebrated for its bold, colorful design and humorous backstory. Its legacy endures through fan-made merchandise, memes, and references on platforms like Redbubble and Etsy, where it’s marketed as a nostalgic nod to 1980s pop culture and retro fashion.

The Gordon Gartrell shirt remains a beloved symbol of The Cosby Show’s humor and style, inspiring fans to recreate its quirky charm through custom apparel and social media tributes. Whether you’re hunting for a replica or just reminiscing, the Gordon Gartrell legacy continues to spark joy and laughter.