Who We Are Tee
Welcome to My Montana Roots by Wear Your Roots clothing, home of the original State Roots design.
Born as an exciting lifestyle clothing and accessories line, Montana Roots by WYR Clothing is all about celebrating the state we love, Montana. Whether you were born and raised here like us, or you found our home as the place to plant your roots, WYR provides a prideful collection that reflects traditions and the love shared for this beautiful state.
With humble beginnings in Missoula, Montana, WYR Clothing began in 2011 when two childhood friends, Aaron Sipe and Brandon Slocum, realized a design on a simple die cut sticker was something not only they could relate to, but other Montanans could as well. Soon known as "Montana Roots," the popularity of the design led to the print of their very first t-shirt. Slocum began selling these out of his pickup, and WYR Clothing was officially on the streets for the world to enjoy. Instantly selling out and constantly restocking every week, WYR quickly expanded their State Roots line from a basic tee, to include other apparel and accessories for not only men, but women and children, as well. Eventually, other lifestyle necessities such as hats, backpacks, and sunglasses were also added. WYR was granted the copyrights for all fifty states, and production soon started on printing and building an inventory for the entire country to represent their own State Roots!
Show those around you that you are proud of where you came from or where you've ended up. Wearing something from My Montana Roots allows you to share your journey with others. At the end of the day, it's the timeless traditions of the past and the memories from home that make us who we are. Stay grounded, preserve your roots.
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When you purchase a Missoula Downtown Tee, you’re doing more than adding to your wardrobe. You’re investing in the heart of our community.
Missoula Downtown Foundation is a nonprofit dedicated to enhancing Downtown Missoula through arts and culture, vibrant public spaces, economic vitality, safety, and infrastructure. Since 2010, we’ve worked alongside the Downtown Missoula Partnership to create a downtown that’s welcoming, resilient, and full of life.
Every dollar raised,including proceeds from these t-shirts,helps fund:
Community grants and projects that spark creativity and growth
Arts & Culture Impact Grants supporting local artists, murals, and performances
Funding for projects like the Beartracks Underbridge street skate feature and public art installations
Support for creative placemaking, historical kiosks and wayfinding that brings new energy to shared spaces
Events and experiences that bring people together
Free community events like River City Roots Festival and holiday celebrations
Live music, pop-up activations, and seasonal festivals
Family-friendly programming that activates public spaces year-round
Improvements to public spaces you know and love
Flower baskets, landscaping, and streetscape beautification
Upgrades to Caras Park, including canopy improvements and repainting
Enhancements to gathering spaces, signage, and pedestrian-friendly areas
Support for local businesses and downtown initiatives
Downtown business support fund
Programs that help businesses adapt, grow, and stay vibrant
Initiatives that increase foot traffic and strengthen the local economy
This work is made possible through community support, fundraising efforts, sponsorships, and partnerships—and now, through you.
Support what you love. Strengthen Downtown Missoula, the Heart of Missoula.
What is the Missoula Downtown Foundation (MDF)?
The Missoula Downtown Foundation (MDF) is a public benefit corporation organized exclusively for the charitable and educational purposesof supporting and promoting activitiessuch as the enhancement of arts andculture, livability, economy, safety, and infrastructure of the greater Downtown Missoula area.
The Missoula Downtown Foundation was created as a 501(c)(3) organization in 2010 and sits under the umbrella of the Downtown Missoula Partnership with 14 current board members.
The core activities that sustain the MDF are the following:
- Grant funding
- Annual fundraising campaigns
- Event sponsorships
- Development of public and private resources in Downtown
Tangible Impacts of the Missoula Downtown Foundation
Over the past 15 years, the Missoula Downtown Foundation has raised and invested more than $3.5 million in Downtown Missoula.
That total includes investments in Caras Park, the Riverfront Terrace at Brennan’s Wave, the Beartracks Underbridge Playspace, Arts & Culture Impact Grant Program, Downtown Wayfinding Pedestrian Directional Signs, Downtown flower baskets, boulevard banners, the Small Business Support Fund, the Heritage Missoula Legacy Trail kiosks and medallions, and infrastructure upgrades for the Downtown holiday decor.