Celebrating 200 Years in Purple

FurmanCelebration

How Furman University Brought Its Bicentennial to Life Through Custom Apparel

A Milestone Worth Wearing
When preparing to celebrate Furman’s 200-year bicentennial, the goal was simple but meaningful: create something the entire campus community could share in. It wasn’t just a t-shirt. It was symbol of pride. Something students, faculty, and staff would wear well beyond the celebration. Something that captured the spirit of Furman’s past, present, and future—all in one moment!

A Collaborative Vision
What made this project special wasn’t just the final product—it was how it came together.

From the start, Threads worked closely with Furman’s marketing and communications team to bring their vision to life. The university had a strong creative vision, and together, the teams collaborated to refine, test, and perfect the look and feel of the piece.

Rather than a simple hand off, the process was a true collaboration. It was about working side by side to make sure every detail felt right: true to the brand, and worthy of the moment.

Along the way, the team explored multiple fabric options, tested color variations, and fine-tuned the final design to ensure Furman’s signature purple showed up boldly and beautifully.

Designed for the Moment
As the bicentennial celebration approached, everything came into focus. The final product was more than apparel—it was part of the experience.

  • 3,700 custom bicentennial t-shirts produced
  • Delivered ahead of schedule
  • Distributed to students, faculty, and staff during the February 2026 celebration

On event day, the impact was immediate. A sea of Furman purple. A shared sense of pride. A visual reminder of 200 years of history—and the community that continues to carry it forward.

Client Perspective
“Working with Threads allowed us to confidently bring our bicentennial vision to life. From fabric selection to color accuracy and delivery timing, the team ensured every detail aligned with our brand and celebration goals. We are inspired and humbled by alumni like Jeff who graciously and selflessly offer their talents and treasures to their alma mater.” – Christine Velasquez, Assistant Vice President for University Marketing & Communications, Furman University

Why This Project Matters
This project wasn’t just about t-shirts. It was about connection. A shared experience. A visual identity. A moment people could literally wear. It’s a reminder that when apparel is done right, it becomes part of something bigger.

Have a Moment Worth Celebrating?
From large-scale programs to one-time special projects, Threads helps brands bring meaningful moments to life—thoughtfully, collaboratively, and on time.

Have something on your horizon? Let’s create something your team will be proud to wear.