Off-Duty Apparel: Former Marine creates T-shirts for leathernecks

[CommunityEditor]

Talking from his cell phone in Newport Beach, Calif., former Marine Tom Vidal swears Jarhead Clothing’s Hotties of the Month was added to the year-old clothing line’s Web site (http://www.jarheadclothing.com) six months ago only after excruciatingly thorough market research.

The former sergeant, who served in the Corps from 1996 to 2001, launched Jarhead Clothing in October 2006 out of the two-bedroom Newport Beach apartment he shares with his wife and three kids and where he still silk screens shirts in the kitchen.

“It’s a true startup,” said Vidal, whose day job is art director at an advertising agency. “The T-shirts are warehoused in boxes in my bedroom, which my wife isn’t too happy about right now.”

Not exactly the lavish lifestyle one imagines for a California clothing designer, but so far, he has sold 700 shirts — and not just to male Marines. “Sixty percent of my clients are women. A lot of spouses and wives are buying shirts for their Marines,” he said.

Vidal came up with his business concept after he saw one too many black T-shirts with a skeleton wearing dress blues hanging in the Marine Corps Exchange. “I just wished there was something cooler to wear for Marines that didn’t scream I’m a Marine and put it in your face,” he said.

Instead, Vidal’s T-shirts feature artistic eagles, free-falling Marines and a 5.56mm round.

Vidal said a male Hottie of the Month feature is in the works to appease the ladies who have clamored for it.

“Of course, it would be the male and female hottie that would be shot together,” he said.


Article: http://www.marinecorpstimes.com/news...pparel_071112/
Jarhead Clothing: http://www.jarheadclothing.com/

[SSgtAllen3381]

“I just wished there was something cooler to wear for Marines that didn’t scream ‘I’m a Marine’ and put it in your face,” he said

BUT YET, he names his clothing company JARHEAD? Hmmmm, he doesn't want to wear it, but he'll use a nickname given to Marines?

[TomTheJarhead]

Originally Posted by SSgtAllen3381

“I just wished there was something cooler to wear for Marines that didn’t scream ‘I’m a Marine’ and put it in your face,” he said

BUT YET, he names his clothing company JARHEAD? Hmmmm, he doesn't want to wear it, but he'll use a nickname given to Marines?

SSgt, Thanks for the comment on here about the name of the company. The thing is, before the movie came out, who really knew what the term JARHEAD meant? Only us Marines (mainly past and present) and those with military experience.
Using the word JARHEAD as part of the company name is a way for us to relate...the meat of the clothing is the designs, not the word. We can all relate to bullets and gas mask (field protective masks).
Hope that makes sense. I just didn't want to come out with another generic Eagle, Globe and Anchor or airbrushed dress blues company. Those exist already and Jarhead Clothing is bringing something new to the table.

Semper Fi,
Tom

[SSgtAllen3381]

Tom,

Thanks for your explanation, but the term Jarhead has been out for as long as I can remember. I've heard that term since I was a little boy, and the movie just glorified bad writing.

Take care and good luck.

[TomTheJarhead]

I guess it depends on where you grew up.

[SSgtAllen3381]

I grew up in Kentucky, no where near a base.

[McCulloughKD]

Look, the fact is here's a guy that got out of the Corps and has been working his butt off to be productive in society. Not only is he being productive but he feels a kinship to the Corps and supporting a wife with 3 kids. Theres something to be said for having the courage and determination it takes to do what he has done. The only place he could get that was the Corps and I commend him. Not everyone can appriciate what it takes to not only make it but to follow your dreams. Mine kept me in the Corp, this mans took him into the clothing buisness. Good on you JarHead Clothing and I wish you the best.

SSgt McCullough
TTECG (10H)

[TomTheJarhead]

SSgt McCullough,
Thanks for sharing your view on the situation. Sometimes it's just best to take it what it's worth. I am doing what I love for what I believe in. It's my passion and a way to provide for my family. There will always be people out there that will have a problem with that.
Thank you for your service.
Semper Fi,
Tom Vidal

[SSgtAllen3381]

Tom Vidal,
I'll just assume that you were referring to me since I'm the one that responded with the issue of your statement relating to the Marine Corps. JUST FOR THE RECORD, I didn't say one thing about your desire to take care of your family, your passion to succeed or your love of the Corps. So, you should take it for what it's worth, understand what was written and get thicker skin. Because you should know and understand that wasn't my intention; as well as anyone else that can't figure that out. I won't comment any further about this thread, don't jump to conclusions next time.

Good luck to you and your family.

[Deuce5one]

[quote=SSgtAllen3381;62765]Tom,

the term Jarhead has been out for as long as I can remember. I've heard that term since I was a little boy, and the movie just glorified bad writing.

Hey SSgt,
This post is quite off topic BUT....
I happened to read the book "Jarhead" in 2004 when I was first deployed. A few years BEFORE the movie. To say that the writing is bad is a very harsh statement and I would almost bet a paycheck you did not take the time to read the book but are forming an opinion solely from a movie. The writing in tha book was phenomenal. Almost everything he writes about every jarhead that has ever been deployed can relate to. The loneliness, boredom, wondering if your significant other is blowing jody back in the rear.....soothing masturbation. COME NOW......You remember all that don't you? The unfaithful wives back on base? Up in the club as soon as that plane leaves for Japan? I KNOW YOU REMEMBER.....

-Deuce