CHAPEL HILL, N.C. and ATLANTA (February 19, 2026) – The University of North Carolina Department of Athletics, in conjunction with its trademark licensing partner, CLC, has launched the new Carolina Argyle Collection, a fashion forward merchandise program featuring the timeless argyle pattern that has become synonymous with Tar Heel sports.
Originally created at the request of legendary basketball coach Dean Smith by UNC alumnus and world-renowned fashion designer Alexander Julian, the specially designed argyle pattern was introduced prior to the 1991-1992 basketball season. Since then, the pattern has been integrated across all 28 Tar Heel sports programs and has become a primary component of the UNC brand.
“Our argyle pattern is a revered part of our athletic heritage and has become engrained in the fiber of our brand. This new collection gives our great Tar Heel fans a way to showcase their pride through unique merchandise that sets UNC apart,” said Rick Barakat, UNC Deputy Athletic Director and Chief Revenue Officer.
The new Carolina Argyle Collection features specially curated fashion and non-apparel products from some of UNC’s top licensees including Nike, Horn Legend, Johnnie O, Rhoback, ‘47 Brand and Logo Brands.
“We are proud to help bring the new Carolina Argyle Collection to market for Tar Heels fans, celebrating this iconic design through premium, high-quality merchandise,’ said Nicole Armentrout, CLC’s Senior Vice President of Marketing.
The Carolina Argyle Collection is available now in-venue at the Dean E. Smith Center during UNC basketball games, through top retailers Rally House, Alumni Hall, Chapel Hill Sportswear, Fanatics, Johnny T-Shirt, Shrunken Head, UNC Student Stores campus bookstores, and online at shop.goheels.com, Fanatics and direct from many of the participating licensees.
About Carolina Athletics
The University of North Carolina, the nation’s first public university, offers 28 intercollegiate varsity sports and is a founding member of the Atlantic Coast Conference. The Tar Heels have won 63 national championships and 300 total ACC Championships. The department’s mission: to educate and inspire through athletics.
About CLC
CLC is the nation’s leading collegiate trademark licensing and marketing company, representing nearly 800 collegiate brands, including universities, conferences, bowls, the NCAA, the College Football Playoff, the Heisman Trophy, and other top collegiate properties. With a network of over 4,000 licensed manufacturers and relationships with more than 100,000 national, regional, and local retailers nationwide, the company is uniquely positioned to deliver fan connections and brand visibility for institutions through data-driven, customized solutions that include impactful licensed merchandise strategies and innovative marketing platforms to navigate the ever-evolving consumer and retail marketplace. Founded in 1981, CLC is a part of Learfield, the leading media and technology company powering college athletics.
Media Contacts:
Tammy Purves, CLC, tammy.purves@clc.com, 770-799-3275.