Losing someone you love is one of the hardest things you’ll ever go through. In the middle of that grief, many families find comfort in something simple: wearing their loved one’s memory close, quite literally, on a shirt.
A custom memorial shirt isn’t just clothing — it’s a tribute. Whether it’s for a funeral, a “celebration of life” gathering, an anniversary of their passing, or just a way to keep them close every day, a well-designed memorial shirt can turn grief into something you can hold onto and share with family.
If you’re thinking about creating one, here’s a complete guide to help you design something meaningful.
Why Families Choose Memorial Shirts
Memorial shirts have become a popular way to honor a loved one because they:
Give the whole family something to wear together at a funeral or memorial service
Turn a private grief into a shared, visible tribute
Keep a loved one’s memory present in everyday life, not just on special occasions
Make thoughtful, personal gifts for close family members who are grieving
Unlike a printed shirt from a big-box store, an airbrushed memorial shirt is hand-created — every line, portrait, and detail is done by an artist, which makes it feel far more personal.
What to Include in a Memorial Shirt Design
There’s no single “right” way to design a memorial shirt, but most designs draw from a few common elements. Mix and match what feels right for your loved one, or start a custom order if you have something specific in mind.
1. Their name and dates
The simplest and most common element — full name, nickname, or initials, along with birth and passing dates.
2. A portrait
A custom airbrushed portrait from a favorite photo is one of the most touching options. It lets you capture their smile, their eyes, the way they looked at family gatherings.
3. A meaningful phrase
Popular choices include “Forever in our hearts,” “Gone but never forgotten,” “Fly high,” or a phrase that was uniquely theirs — something they always said.
4. Symbols that represented them
Angel wings, doves, crosses, hearts, or symbols tied to their hobbies (a guitar for a musician, a fishing rod for an outdoorsman, a jersey number for an athlete).
5. Birth and passing years, or a lifespan ribbon
A simple design element that frames the dates elegantly without feeling clinical.
6. Family name or group identifier
For families ordering multiple shirts, adding a last name or “Team [Name]” helps everyone feel connected as a group.
Tips for Choosing a Photo for a Portrait Shirt
If you’re including a portrait, the photo you choose matters a lot for how the final design turns out:
Pick a clear, well-lit photo where their face isn’t in shadow
Front-facing or slight angle photos work best for airbrush portraits
Higher resolution photos give artists more detail to work with
Avoid photos where the person is very small in the frame
Color and Style Choices
Memorial shirts don’t have to be black. While black and white are traditional and elegant, many families choose:
Soft pastels for a gentler, more uplifting feel
The person’s favorite color as the shirt base
Sports team colors if they were a big fan
Gold or metallic accents for a premium, elevated look
Ordering as a Group
Many families order memorial shirts as a group together for a funeral or a yearly remembrance gathering. A few things to plan ahead of time:
Decide on one core design so everyone matches, with optional small personal touches
Collect everyone’s sizes in advance to avoid last-minute delays
Order with enough lead time — custom airbrush work takes time to do well
Consider ordering a few extra for close family members who may be added later
Final Thoughts
A memorial shirt is more than an item of clothing — it’s a way of saying “you are still with us.” Taking the time to thoughtfully design one, whether it’s a simple name and date or a full hand-airbrushed portrait, creates something a family can wear with pride and comfort for years to come.
If you’re ready to create a memorial shirt for someone you love, our artists work closely with you from photo to final design to make sure it feels true to who they were.
Browse Our Memorial Shirt Designs →
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a custom memorial shirt take to make?
Turnaround time depends on design complexity and order size — reach out to our team for a specific timeline for your order.
Can I use any photo for the portrait?
Yes, though clearer, well-lit, higher-resolution photos give the best results.
Can I order matching shirts for the whole family?
Absolutely — many families order matching memorial shirts for funerals and yearly remembrance gatherings. Group order discounts may be available.
Do you offer other memorial items besides shirts?
Yes — memorial designs can be applied to custom hats and other custom apparel as well.