Official Patriot Gear started with a simple idea: patriotism is for all of us.

What began as a single t-shirt has grown into an international brand, a community, and a movement built around unity, service, responsibility, and love for country. Today, OPG exists to remind people what patriotism actually looks like when it’s lived.

We believe patriotism is not defined by politics, labels, or division. It is defined by how we show up for one another, how we serve our communities, and how we carry responsibility for the people and places we call home.

That is what it means to Carry the Torch.

THE ORIGIN

Official Patriot Gear was born in 2020 during a moment of real uncertainty.

In late 2020, Ian Wendt, our founder, saw small businesses across America struggling to survive during the COVID-19 pandemic. Wanting to help, he turned to his social media community and asked people to support a few small businesses that needed it most.

What happened next exceeded every expectation.

People from different backgrounds, beliefs, and walks of life came together to support complete strangers. Hundreds of thousands of dollars were raised in a matter of weeks. Businesses stayed open. Families stayed afloat. Communities showed up for one another.

No one asked who someone voted for.
No one asked where they came from.
People simply chose to help.

That moment revealed something bigger than a product.

It showed that patriotism is not about division. It is about responsibility. It is about service. It is about caring for your country by caring for the people in it.

Inspired by that moment of unity, Ian wanted to create something people could wear that represented those values.

The original Patriot tee was born.

What started as a symbol quickly became something much larger. Official Patriot Gear evolved into a patriotic apparel brand centered not just around pride for country, but participation in it. Not just belief, but action. Not just words, but how we choose to live.

Today, OPG continues to carry that original mission forward through every design, every story, and every member of the community.

OUR BRAND MISSION

Official Patriot Gear exists to remind people that patriotism is not defined by politics, borders, or labels, but by how we show up for one another.

We accept the responsibility to serve, to unite, and to do so with integrity for the people and communities we belong to. 

Our mission is rooted in the belief that patriotism is lived through action, not performance. It is lived by:

• Showing up when others are in need
• Helping people without asking who they voted for
• Treating people like humans first
• Taking responsibility for your community
• Choosing unity over division
• Leading with service instead of ego

We believe patriotism belongs to anyone who loves their country, cares about its people, values freedom, and wants to contribute in a positive way.

WHAT "PATRIOT" MEANS TO US

To us, a patriot is not defined by politics, race, religion, or background.

A patriot is someone who loves their country and the people who live in it. Someone who wants to see their community thrive. Someone willing to step up, serve others, and contribute to something bigger than themselves.

We believe patriotism means:

• Appreciating where you come from
• Taking pride in your community
• Respecting shared values
• Working to improve society
• Defending freedom and opportunity for future generations

Patriotism is not about perfection or superiority.
It is about commitment.

Carry the Torch

“Carry the Torch” is more than a phrase to us. It is a responsibility.

It represents the choice to lead with integrity, to put people first, and to continue building stronger communities through action. It is a reminder that patriotism must be lived out daily through service, kindness, accountability, and unity.

We believe the future of this country depends on people who are willing to carry those values forward.

That is why Official Patriot Gear exists.

Not to inflame division.
Not to chase trends.
Not to tell people what to believe.

We are here to remind people that patriotism still has the power to unite.

And that every person has the opportunity to carry the torch forward.

Want to learn more about who we are and how we got started? Check out the video below.