For over 30 years, T-Shirt Whirl has stood on the same sandy spot across from the historic Nags Head Fishing Pier. A grand building by the sea, the popular shop invites guests to let their imaginations loose, custom-designing their own wearable Outer Banks souvenirs. With sizes ranging from 6 months to 6X and styles for all seasons, everyone who stops by is sure to find a perfect fit. Families ret
urn to this timeless location year after year, for fun-filled moments making memories – and T-shirts – that last a lifetime. In an array of colors and styles including short or long sleeved tees, tank tops, swim cover-ups, sweat pants and hoodies, the perfect blank slate awaits every artist. There are limitless layouts to design, thanks to premier custom lettering and a diverse assortment of over 500 quality appliques. Animals, sports, motorcycles, the beach and the OBX are among the endless themes to imprint on selected clothing items. T-Shirt Whirl is also the ideal place to order affordable, customized wear for special events such as marathons, wedding parties and family reunions. Treasure hunters searching for the perfect souvenir or gift will delight in the miscellany of primo offerings – decorative accents, drinking glasses, seashells, jewelry, toys and more! Ocean-bound visitors can conveniently gather sundries and supplies including sunglasses, flip-flops, totes, beach chairs and umbrellas. Pirate enthusiasts will surely feel their timbers shiver when setting eyes on the selection of swag in the “OBX Pirate Store,” one of the best collections of buccaneer-themed b***y on the beach! T-Shirt Whirl’s cheerful crew is well-trained and happy to assist however possible. “We’ve always been very family-oriented with our employees,” said owner Nancy Brightbill, describing the staff of close-knit friends and relatives that includes daughter Ashley, son Bryan, sister Ellen, and a beloved golden retriever, Dodger. Nancy and her husband, Keith, are the proud owners of the Outer Banks landmark. It was Keith Brightbill who opened the first T-Shirt Whirl in Nags Head in 1984. Beginning with a little yellow house right across from the Nags Head Fishing Pier, Keith, with the help of Nancy, brought the charming summer shop to life. Nancy met Keith when she became an employee of the company in her late teens. After many years of working together, they eventually became husband and wife. In 1994, the couple expanded the Nags Head store, rebuilding the original structure to make it much larger. In those days, they managed three other outlets – in Waves, Avon and Kill Devil Hills – but as their family expanded, they felt the need to simplify their businesses. Over time, the shop in Nags Head became T-Shirt Whirl’s sole location. “Family was more important,” Nancy said of their decision to downsize, adding that they’ve been “happy as clams” in their one, spacious locale ever since.
