UofMUSCLE.com – M.U.S.C.L.E. Figures from Mattel

The idea of a brand (i.e., Dora the Explorer) being plastered on to every conceivable product seems commonplace. Consumers seem to expect their bandages, soups, soaps, and clothing all to be adorned with various brands. When Mattel released M.U.S.C.L.E. in the mid-eighties brand licensing was not the juggernaut that it is today.

While M.U.S.C.L.E. collectors would probably love to have their bandages, soups, soaps, clothing, and just about anything else branded with M.U.S.C.L.E. images there are not any companies bringing those products to market. This void has left M.U.S.C.L.E. collectors to create their own modern M.U.S.C.L.E. items, and one of the most commonly requested and produced item is the t-shirt.

A simple Google search brings up endless websites offering to print t-shirts or techniques for printing t-shirts at home. There are even kits which allow consumers to use their own home printer to make t-shirts. This accessibility makes it difficult to catalog ever fan-made M.U.S.C.L.E. t-shirt, or related t-shirt, that has been produced. If you have additional t-shirts to add or pictures of people in M.U.S.C.L.E. t-shirts, then please email the University of M.U.S.C.L.E..

#1 – Uoozuman’s “World Famous” T-Shirt

The most common M.U.S.C.L.E. t-shirts were produced by a now defunct internet company named Stepback. The white t-shirt on the left is the most often referenced M.U.S.C.L.E. t-shirt. The red UFC-spoof on the right was also made, but never gained the notoriety of the white M.U.S.C.L.E. t-shirt.

Related LRG Links:
– Uoozuman T-shirts
– MIWP photographs wreslter with M.U.S.C.L.E. t-shirt

Examples of Uoozuman’s “World Famous” T-Shirt:

#2 – Robotube’s Homemade M.U.S.C.L.E. T-Shirt

In February of 2003 a LittleRubberGuys.com member named Robotube shared a homemade M.U.S.C.L.E. t-shirt he had created. Although other members seemed enthusiastic about the shirt and inquired about purchasing one the thread does not suggest that any were ever sold. Based on the absence of any LRG.com buying/selling/trading feedback, it appears to confirm that none were ever sold. This homemade shirt appears to be one of a kind.

Related LRG Links:
– Robotube makes himself a t-shirt

#3 – The #153 LRG T-Shirt

One of the moderators on LittleRubberGuys.com had offered a very M.U.S.C.L.E.-centric t-shirt design. Although the t-shirt is truly focused on the LRG website, the design featuring #153, “The Claw”, spelling out LRG in sign language deserved to be documented. The t-shirt was never made, but the uniqueness and inclusion of #153 certainly warrants its inclusion as a fan-made M.U.S.C.L.E. t-shirt.

Related LRG Links:
– WhiteLeo has a LRG Claw shirt idea

#4 – The LittleRubberGuys.com T-Shirt

Again, a t-shirt focused on LRG.com is highlighted. However, this t-shirt is deeply intertwined with the M.U.S.C.L.E. community. Most obvious is the inclusion of #153 and #189 in the logo design, which was created by Nathan Newell – creator of Nathan’s M.U.S.C.L.E. Page. The t-shirt was sold by Jon Karis, owner of LRG.com. However it went through a few printing iterations before Jon found the best t-shirt manufacturer. Two prototypes are shown below plus the final version being modeled by the most attractive, and willing, model the LRG budget could afford.

Related LRG Links:
– LRG T-shirts
– LRG CafePress Link

Examples of The LittleRubberGuys.com T-Shirt:

#5 – Custom M.U.S.C.L.E. T-Shirt

Nathan’s M.U.S.C.L.E. Page was sent a custom M.U.S.C.L.E. t-shirt which had been featured in Auction Watch #24. The seller/sender is known as Muscle Things on LittleRubberGuys.com and has been mentioned several times as woodridge22 on the University of M.U.S.C.L.E.

Related LRG Links:
– M.U.S.C.L.E. T-Shirt Shared with LRG

#6 – Custom Invasion of M.U.S.C.L.E. Things T-Shirt

Muscle Things on LittleRubberGuys.com, and mentioned several times as woodridge22 on the University of M.U.S.C.L.E, has made another custom M.U.S.C.L.E. t-shirt. This t-shirt pulls its inspiration from the Invasion of the M.U.S.C.L.E. Things commercial.

Related Links:
– Original University of M.U.S.C.L.E. post
– MUSCLE Things shares the design of his new t-shirt

#7 – Custom Mini-Figure Boutonnieres

Brandon Waltz (also known as Doctor Dew) shared some custom mini-figure boutonnieres he had created for his wedding. He selected the yellow Manzilla for himself and the Purple (Game Board version) #1 for his best man. The remaining figures to the rest of the wedding party.

Related Links:
– Original Custom Mini-Figure Boutonnieres post

#8 – M.U.S.C.L.E. Lapel Pin

FreeKarateChops created this two-inch soft enamel pin.

– Original Fashion 100: M.U.S.C.L.E. Lapel Pin post