Homegrown apparel made for every season.
Chicago Always originally began as a Spotify playlist called Summertime Chi that I used to share music with friends. Every week I added songs that felt like Chicago summer to me: indie rock and soft house for hanging by the lake, playing cards on a patio or taking a long walk home. It was my way of trying to capture and share the magical feeling that this city gives me in everyday moments.
Then the project turned into something you could wear. The first shirts were made for the same people who listened to the playlist - people who love the magic of Chicago (and some very supportive friends outside of the city). Eventually this idea caught on, and Summertime Chi grew into a small apparel brand that I made one batch at a time out of my apartment.
Somewhere along the way it became clear to me that there's so much more to celebrate in Chicago than just the summer. Duh, I know, I think part of this was just growing up and learning to not fear the cold and darkness. It never really sat right with me that this brand was all about Chicago in the summer when there's so much else - I just liked the name Summertime Chi and had a hard time letting it go. But of course the magic of Chicago goes beyond a single season, and Chicago Always represents the loyalty and love we have in our hearts to this city. Chicago Always is still just me running this small business out of my apartment with a name that fits how so many people feel about this city all year.
How it's made behind the scenes:
- Small batches - Designs are made in limited runs, originally I designed everything but I maxed out my creative abilities and now I work with different designers based on the project. I always try to work with local artists when I can.
- Printed and embroidered in Chicago - I’ve worked with the same local print shop for years (shoutout to the crew at LuckyPrints) and they handle every piece.
- Quality blanks - Most of my apparel is printed on premium AS Colour garments that are soft, heavy and made to last. This is why the price point is higher since quality gear costs more.
- Packed by hand - Every order is packed and shipped by me from out of my apartment right here in the city, I'm a regular at the local post office.
Chicago is a huge city full of so many people and stories, Chicago Always is my attempt to tell some of my experience and love for this huge, crazy, awesome city. If you have an idea or design you'd like to see to tell more of Chicago's story please reach out and I'd love to talk more!
Thanks for all your support and I hope you can find something you like on the site,
- Evan