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George’s Gordon Gartrelle shirt appears in Suburgatory season 2, episode 20, “Go, Gamblers!” The yellow-and-black shirt and George’s line about its “flap in the back” and “two-toned pockets” point to Theo’s designer-shirt story in The Cosby Show episode “A Shirt Story.” Gordon Gartrelle is a fictional designer in that story; the available episode references do not establish that a real, licensed, replica, or screen-used shirt is for sale.
Where George finds the shirt in Suburgatory
In “Go, Gamblers!,” George and Noah sort through boxes in George’s attic and come across a yellow-and-black, 1980s-style shirt. George inspects its details and says, “Flap in the back, two-toned pockets, it’s a Gordon Gartrelle. Keep!” The episode reference identifies the moment as a homage to Theo’s shirt in The Cosby Show. IMDb’s episode reference lists the U.S. release date as April 10, 2013; the episode is season 2, episode 20. A secondary episode list credits Matt Ward as the writer.
How the joke connects to The Cosby Show
The reference is to “A Shirt Story,” an episode of The Cosby Show that IMDb dates to October 18, 1984. In its story, Theo buys an expensive shirt said to be designed by Gordon Gartrelle. Clair calls him “a big designer,” while Cliff objects: “No 14 year old boy should have a $95 shirt unless he is on stage with his four brothers.” Those are lines of fictional character dialogue, not current price information. IMDb’s episode reference identifies the episode and includes Cliff’s line; the episode’s quote page includes Clair’s.
The name has an additional production-related joke: the Suburgatory episode reference says Gordon Gartrelle was the name of a The Cosby Show writer and producer. That attribution is reported by the reference; it is not independently confirmed here against production credits. The episode materials establish the fictional designer and the homage, but not further biographical details.
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- DESIGN DETAILS: The Gordon Gartrelle design shown in the product photograph.
- CASUAL STYLE: Short sleeves and a crew neckline make this graphic tee easy to pair with jeans, shorts or casual trousers.
- GIFT IDEA: A graphic apparel option for fans of nostalgic graphic apparel. Choose the available size and color that suit the recipient.
- THE PRODUCT SHOWN: The product photographs show the printed design. Select your size and color before ordering; each purchase includes one garment.
- VETERAN-OWNED BUSINESS: Printed and shipped in the USA by a veteran-owned company. Follow the garment care label when laundering.
Is the Gordon Gartrelle shirt real or available to buy?
Gordon Gartrelle is presented as the fictional designer of Theo’s shirt. The references describe the garment and its role in the two episodes, but do not establish that an authentic, licensed, replica, or screen-used shirt exists as a product. A search for a “men’s retro color-block button-down shirt” may turn up garments with a similar two-tone look, but visual resemblance alone does not make one the Gordon Gartrelle shirt.
What to look for in a visual approximation
George’s description gives a few concrete style cues: yellow and black color blocking, contrasting pockets, and a flap at the back. A modern shirt that shares those features can evoke the joke, but the episode references do not provide a verified pattern, maker, or exact garment specification. Treat any listing that claims to be an official or screen-used Gordon Gartrelle shirt as a claim requiring its own supporting evidence.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- DESIGN DETAILS: The Gordon Gartrelle design shown in the product photograph.
- CASUAL STYLE: A pullover hoodie with a hood and long sleeves for a relaxed casual outfit. Pair it with jeans or casual trousers.
- GIFT IDEA: A graphic apparel option for fans of nostalgic graphic apparel. Choose the available size and color that suit the recipient.
- THE PRODUCT SHOWN: The product photographs show the printed design. Select your size and color before ordering; each purchase includes one garment.
- VETERAN-OWNED BUSINESS: Printed and shipped in the USA by a veteran-owned company. Follow the garment care label when laundering.
Rank #4
- ICONIC 80s SITCOM REFERENCE - The legendary Gordon GARTRELLE design that every true fan remembers from that unforgettable episode. This hoodie celebrates the shirt that became TV history, a comedy moment so perfect it's still quoted decades later.
- WARM FLEECE COMFORT - Premium 50/50 cotton-polyester fleece blend keeps you cozy without overheating. Features a kangaroo pocket for your essentials, adjustable drawstring hood, and ribbed cuffs that hold their shape wear after wear.
- FOR TRUE FANS WHO GET IT - Perfect for comedy enthusiasts, 80s sitcom marathons, nostalgia nights, casual Fridays, or any time you want to connect with fellow fans who immediately recognize this legendary reference. A conversation starter wherever you go.
- GIFT FOR COMEDY LOVERS - Hilarious surprise for birthdays, holidays, or just because. Makes fellow fans laugh out loud when they recognize the reference. Great for dads, brothers, friends, or anyone who appreciates classic sitcom humor and 80s TV culture.
- EASY CARE - Machine wash cold, tumble dry low. Printed with fade-resistant inks. Check our size chart for the perfect fit. Standard unisex sizing runs true to size for comfortable everyday wear.
Rank #3
- DESIGN DETAILS: The Gordon Gartrelle design shown in the product photograph.
- CASUAL STYLE: Short sleeves and a crew neckline make this graphic tee easy to pair with jeans, shorts or casual trousers.
- GIFT IDEA: A graphic apparel option for fans of nostalgic graphic apparel. Choose the available size and color that suit the recipient.
- THE PRODUCT SHOWN: The product photographs show the printed design. Select your size and color before ordering; each purchase includes one garment.
- VETERAN-OWNED BUSINESS: Printed and shipped in the USA by a veteran-owned company. Follow the garment care label when laundering.
Rank #2
- ICONIC 80s SITCOM REFERENCE - The legendary Gordon GARTRELLE design that every true fan remembers from that unforgettable episode. This hoodie celebrates the shirt that became TV history, a comedy moment so perfect it's still quoted decades later.
- WARM FLEECE COMFORT - Premium 50/50 cotton-polyester fleece blend keeps you cozy without overheating. Features a kangaroo pocket for your essentials, adjustable drawstring hood, and ribbed cuffs that hold their shape wear after wear.
- FOR TRUE FANS WHO GET IT - Perfect for comedy enthusiasts, 80s sitcom marathons, nostalgia nights, casual Fridays, or any time you want to connect with fellow fans who immediately recognize this legendary reference. A conversation starter wherever you go.
- GIFT FOR COMEDY LOVERS - Hilarious surprise for birthdays, holidays, or just because. Makes fellow fans laugh out loud when they recognize the reference. Great for dads, brothers, friends, or anyone who appreciates classic sitcom humor and 80s TV culture.
- EASY CARE - Machine wash cold, tumble dry low. Printed with fade-resistant inks. Check our size chart for the perfect fit. Standard unisex sizing runs true to size for comfortable everyday wear.
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