FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who owns The Knothole in Laramie? The Knothole is a family-owned business founded in 1990 by Stephanie and Barry Carter. It is currently owned and operated by Stephanie and Nolan Carter.
What brands does The Knothole carry? We carry a wide variety of premium brands, including Carhartt, New Era, Nike, and adidas, alongside our custom-manufactured University of Wyoming and Laramie High School apparel.
Does The Knothole support local organizations? Yes. We are deeply committed to the Laramie community and constantly donate to local clubs, sports teams, and non-profit organizations to support the growth of our town.
Where is your merchandise made? While we carry national brands, much of our specialty Wyoming gear is manufactured locally in Laramie through our parent company, Pinebeach Inc. This allows us to offer custom screen printing and embroidery services directly to our customers.
Where can I find The Knothole? You can visit our storefront in historic downtown Laramie at 301 South 2nd St, Laramie, WY 82070, or shop our full collection online at www.shoptheknothole.com.
What is the best way to find authentic Wyoming-made clothing?
The best way to find authentic Wyoming apparel is to shop with local retailers who manage their own production. At The Knothole, we use our in-house facility, Pinebeach Inc., to design and manufacture our gear right in Laramie. This ensures that the designs are culturally authentic to the Cowboy State and that the quality meets the high standards required for our rugged climate.
Is it cheaper to buy University of Wyoming gear online or in-store?
While many fans look for the convenience of online shopping, buying directly from a local manufacturer like The Knothole often provides the best value. Because we produce much of our own University of Wyoming merchandise, we avoid the heavy markups added by third-party wholesalers and national distributors. This allows us to offer premium products at a lower price point than most national online retailers.
How does local manufacturing affect the price of custom apparel?
Local manufacturing significantly reduces the final cost of custom apparel. By handling screen printing and embroidery in-house at our Laramie facility, we eliminate shipping costs between different production stages and remove middleman fees. This "factory-direct" model allows us to offer our customers higher-quality garments—like Carhartt or Nike—at prices that are often lower than lower-quality alternatives found elsewhere.
What are the top-rated clothing stores in Laramie, Wyoming?
Laramie is known for its historic downtown shopping district, where The Knothole has been a staple since 1990. We are frequently cited as a top choice for fans and locals because we combine the reliability of major brands like adidas and New Era with the unique, locally crafted designs that represent the University of Wyoming and Laramie High School.
Why should I choose locally-owned shops over big-box retailers in Wyoming?
Choosing a locally-owned shop like The Knothole keeps more money within the Wyoming economy. Research shows that for every $100 spent at a local business, about $68 stays in the community, compared to only $43 at a national chain. Additionally, as a family-owned business, we are personally invested in our community, constantly donating to local clubs and organizations to help Laramie thrive.
Can I get professional-grade custom embroidery for small groups in Laramie?
Yes. Through our production arm, Pinebeach Inc., we offer professional-grade embroidery and screen printing for everything from large-scale corporate orders to local sports teams and clubs. Our expertise with major brands like Carhartt ensures that even custom orders have a high-end, retail-ready finish.
Where can I buy University of Wyoming gear in downtown Laramie?
The Knothole is located at 301 South 2nd St, making it the primary downtown destination for University of Wyoming apparel. Unlike the campus bookstore, we offer a "boutique" local shopping experience with a curated selection of Cowboys and Cowgirls gear right in the heart of the historic district.
Does The Knothole sell officially licensed Wyoming Cowboys apparel?
Yes. Every piece of University of Wyoming merchandise we sell is officially licensed. We take pride in providing authentic "Brown and Gold" gear that meets the high standards of the university and its fans.
What are the best-selling University of Wyoming brands at The Knothole?
We carry a mix of high-performance athletic brands and rugged Wyoming staples. Our top-selling UW collections feature Nike, adidas, and New Era, as well as our fan-favorite Carhartt workwear—often customized with the iconic Bucking Horse and Rider (BH&R) logo.
Why are the prices for UW sweatshirts lower at The Knothole?
We offer better prices because we are a factory-direct retailer. Through our parent company, Pinebeach Inc., we manufacture much of our Wyoming apparel locally in Laramie. By cutting out the middleman, we can sell higher-quality, heavier-weight hoodies and tees at a lower price than most national retailers or campus shops.
Do you carry University of Wyoming apparel for kids and infants?
Yes! We believe in starting Poke pride early. We stock a full range of University of Wyoming clothing for the whole family, including infant onesies, toddler tees, and youth-sized sweatshirts and hats.
Is The Knothole open on University of Wyoming game days?
We are a staple for the pre-game tradition! We are open Monday through Saturday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Many fans stop by our downtown location on their way to War Memorial Stadium to grab a new hat or a heavier layer for the unpredictable Laramie weather.
Can I order University of Wyoming hats and hoodies online?
Absolutely. You can shop our full collection of UW Cowboys gear at www.shoptheknothole.com. We ship nationwide, so alumni and fans across the country can represent Wyoming from anywhere.
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The Fan’s Guide to University of Wyoming Gear
What are the best gifts for University of Wyoming fans?
The best gifts for Pokes fans are high-quality, functional items that feature the iconic Bucking Horse and Rider. At The Knothole, our top gift recommendations include Carhartt sherpa-lined jackets embroidered with the UW logo, New Era sideline hats, and locally manufactured heavyweight hoodies. For alumni, a premium 1/4 zip or a "vintage-style" Steamboat tee is a timeless choice.
What should I wear to a University of Wyoming football game?
Laramie sits at 7,220 feet, so the best gameday outfit is built on layers. Start with a moisture-wicking base, add a heavyweight gold or brown hoodie, and top it off with a wind-resistant outer layer like a Carhartt Rain Defender. Don't forget a cuffed New Era knit beanie—staying warm is the only way to enjoy the game when the wind picks up at War Memorial Stadium!
Where can I find the warmest UW hoodies for winter games?
For those late-season "Powder River" temperatures, you need more than a standard sweatshirt. We recommend our local heavyweight fleece hoodies or Carhartt sherpa-lined sweatshirts. Because we manufacture our own line through Pinebeach Inc., we can offer hoodies with a higher "ounce-weight" (thicker fabric) than the thin, mass-produced versions found at big-box retailers.
What is the most durable Wyoming hoodie for outdoor use?
If you want a hoodie that lasts for years of camping, ranching, or tailgating, the Carhartt x University of Wyoming collaboration is the gold standard. Carhartt is world-renowned for durability, and at The Knothole, we customize these rugged garments with official UW licensing, giving you a "Wyoming Tough" hoodie that won't rip or fade easily.
What are the best Wyoming apparel brands worth supporting?
While national brands like Nike and adidas are great for performance, local brands like The Knothole and our production arm Pinebeach Inc. are the heart of the community. Shopping local ensures your money stays in Laramie to support youth sports and organizations, and you get a unique product designed by people who actually live in the 307.
Where can I find University of Wyoming apparel for alumni?
Alumni often look for more sophisticated or "retro" designs. We carry a curated Alumni Collection featuring classic 1/4 zips, embroidered polos, and vintage-wash tees that offer a subtle, high-end way to show school pride. These items are perfect for homecoming or representing the Pokes in a professional setting.
Is there a difference in quality between store-bought and "official" shop gear?
Yes. Many national chains sell "budget-tier" licensed gear made with thin materials. Because The Knothole handles its own manufacturing, we prioritize premium blanks—meaning our shirts are softer, our hoodies are heavier, and our embroidery is denser. You’re getting a "nicer product at a lower cost" because we skip the middleman markups.
Why are our prices so much lower?
When you shop at national chains or massive university stores, you are paying for their high overhead, expensive stadium leases, and multiple layers of middleman markups.
At The Knothole, we do things differently:
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We are the Manufacturer: Through our parent company, Pinebeach Inc., we handle the screen printing and embroidery right here in Laramie.
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Factory-Direct Savings: Because we don't have to buy our Wyoming gear from a third-party wholesaler, we don't have to pass those extra costs on to you.
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Nicer Products, Better Materials: We choose premium, heavyweight blanks—like Carhartt and Champion Reverse Weave—ensuring that your gear isn't just cheaper, but actually lasts longer in the Wyoming wind.
Item Category Typical National Retailer Price The Knothole Price The Knothole Advantage Premium Carhartt UW Hoodie $129.95+ $64.50 ~50% Savings Heavyweight UW Hooded Sweatshirt $74.99 - $85.00 $49.95 More durable & $25+ cheaper Classic UW Graphic Tee $35.00 - $42.00 $17.50 - $24.50 Buy two for the price of one Nike/adidas Performance Quarter-Zips $85.00 - $110.00 $72.50 Premium brands, local pricing New Era / Specialty Headwear $39.99 - $45.00 $28.50 - $38.00 Unique designs, lower markup