Catholic Apparel, Accessories, Stickers • Come for the merch, stay for the memes & playlists!
Saintwave Apparel creates throwback aesthetics for those who love their Christian faith. Its products include T-shirts, crewneck sweatshirts, hats, stickers, pins, and tote bags. Sometimes, it pays homage to 80s hardcore punk, sometimes to retro yuppie aesthetics, and sometimes it keeps it minimal—but always influenced by a love for Catholicism.
In 2018, artist Greg Shapero started Saintwave Apparel to create and build designs that he would have wanted to see on the market after converting to the Catholic Faith. Coupled with a unique and innovative use of social media, Saintwave’s Instagram account, @saintwave.33ad, has become an engaging and viral brand in its own right.
“Design and illustration has been a part of my life for many years, but it really feels more complete when I can direct it to God’s glory. Whether it’s in humor and satire or just for the sake of designing something aesthetically pleasing, my hope is that, in its own little way, we’re reminded of the love of God and the joys of being Catholic.”
Fans of the Catholic post-punk band Hallowed or Catholicpalooza, the all-day Catholic music festival that took place last month in Rutherford, NJ, will be familiar with many of his designs and may have followed his pre-event playlist on Spotify.
“‘Never an idle hand’ means more than it seems at the surface. Using our talents, hearts, and minds for the love of Jesus is what we were made to do. My hope is that those who attend [this and similar festivals] will be inspired, but especially inspired to recognize God closer and live out the faith. In the words of Fr. Mike Schmitz, ‘Gosh, guys — what a gift!’”
