"Ugly but Honest" is a phrase taken from the best sign ever created, located in Tucson, Arizona. It was erected by Clyde Wanslee's Auto Sales used car dealership around 1950. The sign was an instant success, bringing business into the shop and charming the surrounding neighborhoods. Clyde's "Ugly but Honest" sign appeared in two movies: "Hanky Panky," in 1982, and "Harley Davidson and the Marlboro Man," in 1991.

Like Clyde’s used car dealership, Tucson, Arizona is aptly summarized by the sign. This “Ugly but Honest” T-shirt is an homage to Tucson, a.k.a. “Dirty T” — a hot place for a chill crowd.