Our Story
Built on experience. Still inspired by your next idea.
Left Coast started in 2003 with a practical idea: print apparel for our own business. More than two decades later, we’re helping businesses, brands, schools, and organizations bring their ideas to life through custom apparel, promotional products, creative services, webstores, and fulfillment.
Our capabilities have grown, but our approach remains personal. We listen, share what we know, and put care into the work that carries your name.
From our own merchandise to yours.
Before founding Left Coast T-Shirt Company, David Whitaker launched an ecommerce business in 1999 while studying computer science and working as a programmer at Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo. Looking for a more affordable way to produce apparel for that business, he started a screenprinting operation of his own.
What began as a supporting part of one company became a business in its own right. After running both companies for three years, David sold the ecommerce business in 2006 to focus on Left Coast.
That beginning still shapes how we work. We understand that merchandise is an investment—and that choosing products, preparing artwork, selling online, and delivering orders are all connected.
Chances are, we’ve tackled something like it.
Over the years, we’ve handled just about every kind of order: big and small, simple and complicated. We’ve printed straightforward logos, worked through demanding artwork, outfitted teams, and helped brands develop merchandise for their customers.
That experience helps us ask the right questions, anticipate challenges, and recommend practical solutions. Sometimes that means suggesting a better garment. Sometimes it means adjusting a design so it reproduces clearly or finding a way to make a project work within budget.
Whatever the order, you get the benefit of people who know the craft and care about the result.
Quality comes from people and process.
We invest in professional equipment and high-quality materials because they make a difference. Just as important are the experienced people preparing your artwork, running the equipment, and checking the finished products.
From garment selection and design proofs to production and final inspection, we pay attention to the details that make your order feel considered and complete. We’ll explain your options, offer honest guidance, and help you understand what to expect before production begins.
More ways to support your brand.
Custom apparel remain at the heart of Left Coast. Today, we also help customers find promotional products, develop artwork, create ecommerce webstores, and manage fulfillment.
Our background in both merchandise and ecommerce gives us a useful perspective on the whole process. We can help with a single order or connect the pieces of an ongoing merchandise program—from the first design to the customer’s doorstep.
What We Believe
Make things people want to wear and use.
Thoughtful design, the right products, and quality decoration help your merchandise earn its place in everyday life.
Offer honest advice and fair pricing.
We’ll recommend what makes sense for your project, explain costs clearly, and help you get the most from your budget. We believe quality work and fair pricing should go hand in hand.
Care about the details.
Your name is on the product. Ours is behind the work. We take that responsibility seriously.
Build lasting relationships.
We want to be the team you can turn to for your next order, your next idea, and whatever comes after.
Central Coast roots. Customers near and far.
Based in San Luis Obispo, California, we’re proud to work with customers in our own community and across the country. We value the relationships behind the orders and the opportunity to keep working together as your needs grow.
Whether you arrive with finished artwork or an idea you’re still figuring out, we’re ready to help.
Let’s make something you’re proud to put your name on.
