Microsoft prepares to launch its own clothing line; no, seriously

We’re not exactly sure if this is one of the worst marketing ploys ever, or one of the best. All we know for sure however, is that you can bet the bank that you will definitely find an MS DOS shirt added to our wardrobe once this new line kicks off. You hear that Microsoft? Hook it up! Microsoft is reportedly turning to seasoned ad vet Crispin, Porter & Bogusky to help it launch a line of graphic tees brilliantly dubbed “Softwear by Microsoft”. Cute. Crispin isn’t the only help Microsoft enlisted for Softwear however – and no, it wasn’t Jerry again – several of the shirt designs were handled by long-time respected artist, short-time Serena Williams-dater Common. Microsoft says of the campaign: “[Softwear is] a clothing line that taps the nostalgia of when PCs were just starting to change our lives.” This latest addition to the “I’m a PC” campaign will find its way to select stores (Urban Outfitters we’re guessing?) on December 15. Hit the jump for one more shirt design.

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40 Responses to “Microsoft prepares to launch its own clothing line; no, seriously”

  1. 1
    Young Veyron says:

    That’s a good marketing scheme!

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  2. 2
    Jeff M says:

    Coooooooool

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  3. 3
    Ben says:

    Oh baby! Nothing says “I’m cool” like a windows T-Shirt!!!! Bring on the superdorks.

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  4. 4
    tblack says:

    the economy is really bad so sad

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  5. 5
    Jdslim says:

    Now they need a character to put on their shirts. Android fans are one step ahead.

    http://www.cafepress.com/AndroidRobot

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  6. 6
    Glenn says:

    I can see the skater types and other people wearing these shirts, especially if they are marketed right and at the right stores, like urban outfitters, macys, places like that

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  7. 7
    b.N says:

    What are you talking about Ben? The whole “i’m cool by being cool” thing got played out long ago. Besides JayZ, Jeezy and a few other rappers, most other popular styles are based around dorky styles, such as recapturing the 80’s trends.

    I think they’d tap into the unconventional t-shirt market.

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  8. 8
    bag of crackberry says:

    lol i want a unix t shirt now F windows :D

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  9. 9
    Ariel says:

    Its not Atari – This is windows we are talking about. Not sure how this is gonna fly over. But no doubt some kids in Urban Outfitters will be picking these up like hot cakes.

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  10. 10
    bluehorseshoe says:

    I’d like to see the Bill Gates line. Comes with glasses.

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  11. 11
    Martin says:

    Microsoft and Crispin should have been more stealth with this idea. Guerrilla market those shirts so that hipsters think it is underground and ironically uncorporate.

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  12. 12
    likeabite says:

    I’m getting one. PERIOD.

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  13. 13
    likeabite says:

    oh and the first design is hot.

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  14. 14
    Jdslim says:

    Ok then I will get an android robot thong. Can’t get hotter then that. Lol

    http://www.cafepress.com/AndroidRobot

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  15. 15
    rory Cornell says:

    that is very gay

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  16. 16
    Jimbo says:

    Didn’t MS steal DOS… kind of ironic.

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  17. 17
    Tubes says:

    I think they are being a bit stealth. After all, hipsters don’t read technology websites; they read Pitchfork :)

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  18. 18
    Benk says:

    Each logo is printed two inches too high on the shirt.

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  19. 19
    PedroTheGoat says:

    Wow. I wish I could time-travel back to the 7th grade.

    Then I could explain to Mom EXACTELY why I have a black eye.

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  20. 20
    jz says:

    Jimbo:

    They didn’t steal it. They bought it. For 50 grand.

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  21. 21
    blogdehielo says:

    Excelent idea

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  22. 22
    CS says:

    This isnt marketing or advertising, its a product line extension, which Im surprised they are just creating now?? While it would be funny to see in a mass market(ie. walmart), they will probably only be an online item.

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  23. 23
    ok says:

    definitely cool t-shirts.

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  24. 24
    Jimbo says:

    jz,

    Not really, they purchased rights to QDOS (Quick and Dirty) which was a ripoff DOS and just relabeled it.

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  25. 25
    Jimbo says:

    Just to properly iterate – MS DOS was a copy of QDOS, QDOS was a rip of CP/M.

    Jim

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