Collection: Waco Texas

Shop the full Waco 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.

Waco Texas — Retro Vintage History

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Waco was founded in 1849 on the Brazos River, named after the Waco Native American tribe. Indigenous people had thrived here for centuries before settlers arrived. Early colonists built farms, ferries, and churches, enduring floods, drought, and frontier conflict. Its founding identity reflects both Indigenous continuity and frontier determination. Waco’s roots highlight Texas’s dual heritage: Native presence and settler resilience, where survival demanded toughness and ambition. From river crossings to ranching, Waco became a hub of central Texas life. Its story emphasizes resilience and cultural pride, anchoring the city in Texas’s broader narrative of endurance and independence.

Cotton bales stacked by the rail yard - Waco, 1910s

In the nineteenth century, Waco thrived on cotton, ranching, and railroads. The twentieth century brought universities, industry, and cultural growth. By the 1950s and 1960s, suburban neighborhoods spread, schools expanded, and parades filled streets. Baylor University became a cultural anchor, while agriculture remained strong. Its timeline reflects Texas’s adaptability: frontier trading post transformed into suburban city. Waco’s mid-century decades emphasized optimism, resilience, and tradition. Growth reflected Texas’s broader story: balancing heritage with expansion. Waco demonstrated endurance, community pride, and ambition, making it a city where frontier history and suburban optimism blended in cultural continuity.

Waco’s lore includes Indigenous legends, cotton harvests, and myths of tornadoes reshaping neighborhoods. Families recall Baylor parades, rodeos, and football rivalries in the 1950s. Residents remembered festivals and fairs that shaped suburban pride. Myths of buried treasure or haunted river crossings blended with practical traditions. These stories emphasize Waco’s layered identity: frontier heritage, educational hub, and suburban community. Lore reflects continuity, resilience, and optimism, showing how traditions endured while progress advanced. Waco’s tales demonstrate endurance and cultural pride, ensuring identity remained central in both myth and memory, reflecting Texas’s cultural continuity across generations.

Our Waco retro logo uses Texas’s longhorn and Lone Star motif, representing independence, toughness, and resilience. The longhorn reflects ranching pride, while the star recalls Texas Republic heritage. Its black-and-white styling is retro, resembling rodeo posters, branding irons, and barn signage. The motif bridges Waco’s dual identity: frontier hub and suburban city. On merchandise, it conveys toughness, authenticity, and pride, retro vintage in tone. The longhorn and star emblem honors Waco’s layered identity, making it a vintage symbol of Texas’s cultural pride. Retro in style, it reflects continuity, toughness, and tradition, suited for celebrating Waco’s heritage.

Today Waco is celebrated as a cultural hub, educational center, and suburban city. Its story reflects Indigenous presence, frontier resilience, and suburban pride. Our Waco designs embody this layered identity, pairing the longhorn and Lone Star motif with vintage styling. They invite you to explore the Waco collection and carry forward a reminder of Texas’s resilience. Retro in tone, the logo reflects toughness and authenticity. Waco’s emblem honors both heritage and optimism, making it a vintage symbol of Texas identity. Explore the collection and share in Waco’s story of resilience, tradition, and community pride.



Explore Waco Texas Offerings


Celebration wagon with college pennants - early Waco street scene

Waco Texas — Travel Guide

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Visiting Waco Texas Today

Waco mixes paleontology sites, riverfront paths, and lively downtown districts. Museums, bridges, and parks make a compact city feel full of variety.

Museums, Parks, and History in Waco Texas

For visitors searching for things to do in Waco Texas:

  • See Waco Mammoth site, sheltered dig with Columbian mammoth fossils in place.
  • Visit Cameron Park Zoo, naturalistic habitats along wooded park trails.
  • Tour Dr Pepper Museum, quirky history of a Texas born soft drink.
  • Walk the Brazos Riverwalk over to the historic Suspension Bridge.
  • Browse Magnolia at the Silos, lawns, shops, and city views.

Why People Visit Waco Texas

Waco balances discovery with simple outdoor time. Visitors enjoy fossils, bridges, and shaded parks. It is friendly, curious, and easy to navigate. 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. Visitors can plan relaxed mornings and unhurried afternoons without missing key sights.



Explore Waco Texas Offerings



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