Collection: Palm Springs California

Shop the full Palm Springs collection below — and — knock out your gift lists early.


See our pressroom for recent national press. Items below are shown in single size/color — see also black logo and white logo options. Enjoy!

Wear Local. Feed Local. Stay Classic.

Product FAQs

How does your sizing work?

Because items are made to order, we can’t accept returns for sizing or color choices. We do accept returns for defects, misprints, or shipping damage. Please review the detailed photos and descriptions before purchasing. Women’s fitted tees run small; if you prefer a looser fit on that or any item, consider sizing up.

How do I send gifts?

All items ship without prices and include a simple packing slip for easy gifting. Enter the recipient’s shipping address and your billing address at checkout. Use your contact info to receive tracking updates. Orders typically arrive within 6–11 business days—please allow extra time for time-sensitive gifts.

How do I care for my item?

For apparel: wash cold, inside-out, with like colors; avoid bleach and high heat; tumble dry low or hang dry. For embroidery, iron inside-out to protect the stitching. See specific care instructions in product descriptions and also follow general best practices in caring for your items for long term enjoyment.

How are items made and when will they arrive?

We make each item on demand using premium blanks, embroidery, and soft-hand prints. Production usually takes 2–5 business days (excluding weekends and holidays). You’ll receive tracking once shipped. We currently ship to U.S. addresses via USPS, UPS, or FedEx. Most orders arrive within 6–11 business days.

What’s the return/exchange policy?

We accept returns for defects, misprints, or damage on arrival. Report issues within 14 days with photos and your order number, and we’ll replace or refund. Size or color changes aren’t supported after purchase, so please consult size charts before ordering if you are at all unsure.

Who are we?

Merlin Classics is a volunteer-run, AI-assisted apparel project celebrating timeless local style. Every item is made to order, and profits (revenue minus external product/marketing cost) support hunger-relief programs in the communities our collections spotlight. Classic looks, real local impact—every purchase helps.

Palm Springs California — Retro Vintage History

SCROLL TO BOTTOM FOR TRAVEL GUIDE

Palm Springs has roots in the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, who thrived in desert oases for centuries. The hot springs gave the town its name, offering water in the harsh desert. In the late nineteenth century, settlers and health seekers arrived, building resorts and ranches. By the early twentieth century, Palm Springs became a desert retreat. Its founding reflects Indigenous resilience, desert endurance, and outsider ambition. Survival in an extreme environment shaped Palm Springs’s identity, while Indigenous heritage and natural springs anchored its significance, making it both a place of tradition and renewal.

Palm Springs California colorful Saguaro Hotel with vibrant design and lively desert atmosphere.

Palm Springs grew steadily in the early twentieth century, fueled by tourism and Hollywood connections. By the 1950s and 1960s, it became a playground for celebrities, suburban families, and retirees. Mid-century modern architecture flourished, leaving a distinctive design legacy. Its timeline reflects both tradition and reinvention: Indigenous roots alongside Hollywood glamour. Palm Springs’s story highlights resilience in desert conditions while embracing postwar optimism. Highways and resorts linked it to Los Angeles, making it both accessible and iconic. Its growth showed California’s broader narrative of ambition, resilience, and suburban culture thriving in unlikely environments.

Palm Springs is tied to stories of Hollywood stars vacationing in its desert retreats, building a glamorous reputation. Myths recall hot springs with healing powers, revered by Indigenous peoples for centuries. Residents remember mid-century festivals, parades, and modernist homes that defined identity. Families recall drive-ins, golf courses, and desert hikes that blended recreation with resilience. Legends of spirits in oases blend with tales of celebrity parties, creating a dual mythology: sacred and playful. Palm Springs’s lore reflects resilience, adaptation, and cultural pride, balancing Indigenous heritage with mid-century suburban glamour and desert authenticity.

Our Palm Springs retro logo uses California’s bear and star motif, symbolic of resilience and state pride. The bear reflects wilderness toughness, while the star honors California Republic heritage. “1850” grounds the motif in statehood. Black-and-white styling is retro, recalling WPA posters, crate labels, and desert travel signs. The motif bridges Palm Springs’s story: Indigenous heritage, suburban glamour, and desert resilience. On merchandise, it conveys authenticity, vintage tone, and pride. Palm Springs’s logo honors both cultural endurance and mid-century identity, making it a retro emblem of California’s resilience, tradition, and desert character.

Today Palm Springs is celebrated for its desert landscapes, mid-century modern design, and cultural heritage. Its story reflects Indigenous resilience, Hollywood glamour, and suburban optimism. Our Palm Springs designs capture this layered identity by pairing the bear and star motif with vintage styling. They invite you to explore the Palm Springs collection and carry forward a reminder of California’s pride. Retro in tone, the design reflects authenticity, strength, and tradition. Palm Springs’s logo honors both heritage and glamour, making it a vintage emblem of California resilience and cultural strength.



Explore Palm Springs California Offerings


Palm Springs California 1964 postcard view of Palm Canyon Drive with vintage charm.

Palm Springs California — Travel Guide

SCROLL TO TOP FOR HISTORY GUIDE

Visiting Palm Springs California Today

Palm Springs sits at the foot of desert mountains with mid century architecture, tramway views, and canyon trails. It offers sunshine, galleries, and scenic hikes.

Resorts, Parks, and Culture in Palm Springs California

For visitors searching for things to do in Palm Springs California:

  • Ride the Aerial Tramway to mountain trails and cooler forests above the valley.
  • Hike Indian Canyons, palm oases and stream fed paths in the desert.
  • Tour Palm Springs Art Museum, modern collections and sculpture gardens.
  • Stroll Palm Canyon Drive, galleries, design shops, and classic facades.
  • Visit Moorten Botanical Garden, quirky desert plants and cacti collections.

Why People Visit Palm Springs California

Palm Springs combines desert scenery with design heritage. Visitors enjoy tram rides, museum stops, and palm-filled canyons. It is bright, stylish, and outdoorsy year round. Travelers find year round appeal in parks, paths, and public spaces. The setting combines natural beauty with accessible neighborhoods and landmarks. History and everyday culture sit side by side in a welcoming way.



Explore Palm Springs California Offerings



For more in depth history research in Palm Springs, California it may be useful to reach out to (1) the Palm Springs historical society, (2) the Palm Springs public library local history room, (3) the California state archives or historical commission, (4) the Palm Springs town or city clerk records office, and (5) the Palm Springs preservation or conservation commission. For more travel information in Palm Springs, California it may be useful to contact (1) the Palm Springs chamber of commerce, (2) the Palm Springs visitors bureau or tourist board, (3) the Palm Springs parks and recreation department, (4) the California state park office, and (5) the Palm Springs regional transportation or airport information desk.