Baldwin IV — The Leper King Heavyweight Tee
Stricken, but never broken.
Baldwin IV ruled Jerusalem under the burden of leprosy, facing overwhelming opposition with uncommon courage, conviction, and resolve.
Faith Handed Down. Worn Boldly.
Care & Quality
Premium heavyweight construction. Made to endure.
Crafted on premium heavyweight garments, this isn't the thin, disposable T-shirt you may be used to. Every Apostolic Standard piece is chosen for its substantial weight, lasting durability, and exceptional comfort. The garment-dyed fabric develops a rich, broken-in feel over time while maintaining its structure, character, and print quality.
Sizing & Made-to-Order
Please review the size chart carefully before purchasing.
- Relaxed fit, true-to-size fit
- Prefer a slimmer fit? Consider sizing down.
- Prefer a relaxed fit? Order your usual size.
Because every piece is made to order, we cannot accept returns or exchanges due to incorrect size selection. If your order arrives damaged, misprinted, or defective, we'll make it right.
Made to order. Most pieces ship within 3-10 business days. Transit time begins after your order ships.
The Man Behind the Standard.
Baldwin IV ruled Jerusalem from 1174 to 1185 — called the "Leper King" for the disease that afflicted him throughout his short life. While tutoring the young prince, William of Tyre noticed something troubling: Baldwin felt little to no pain when he should have and doctors confirmed it was leprosy.
He was thirteen years old when he was crowned king.
Baldwin IV was a heroic and tragic figure a devoted man of faith wracked by a debilitating disease, who spent his life in selfless service to the kingdom but was rewarded on earth with political intrigue and selfish courtiers.
More than wisdom and courage, what made Baldwin IV a great king was his indomitable faith. When Saladin directed 26,000 elite troops toward Jerusalem, Baldwin summoned what little strength he had and rode out to meet the enemy with fewer than 600 knights and a few thousand infantry. The Christian victory at Montgisard was complete a feat considered by William of Tyre the most memorable of the age and Baldwin was gloriously received back in Jerusalem to the singing of the Te Deum.
The leprosy consumed Baldwin's body, and the kingdom's political scheming consumed his mind and energy yet he persevered. When his body finally began to give out around age twenty-four, he offered to abdicate — and his offer was refused, a mark of the tremendous esteem his people had for him.
Having done his best to provide for his kingdom, Baldwin IV relinquished his soul to God on May 16, 1185, and was buried in the Church of the Holy Sepulcher.
Modern society flees suffering but Baldwin drank it to the last drop. The Church has long proclaimed: Per Crucem ad Lucem — Through the Cross to the Light. Baldwin IV not only understood those words. He lived them.
Though leprosy devoured his body, in his soul it left the luminous mark of heroism.
Stricken. Never broken. Wear it like you mean it.
Apostolic Standard is a brand of Shepherd Prepared.
More details
- 100% ring-spun cotton
- Heavyweight fabric (6.1 oz)
- Relaxed fit
EU GPSR Product Information:
- Manufacturer contact information
- Name: Apostolic Standard
- Email: contact@support.shop.theapostolicstandard.com
- Postal address: PO Box 5696 Santa Monica, CA 90405
- Additional information: This product is made for adults. 2 year warranty in EEA and UK, established by Directive 1999/44/EC.
Size & Fit
Quality Guarantee & Returns
- Quality is guaranteed. If there is a print error or visible quality issue, we'll replace or refund it.
- Because the products are made to order, we do not accept general returns or sizing-related returns.
Baldwin IV — The Leper King Heavyweight Tee Size Guide
| Size label | Length | Width | Sleeve length |
|---|---|---|---|
|
S
|
26.62
|
18.25
|
16.25
|
|
M
|
28
|
20.25
|
17.75
|
|
L
|
29.37
|
22
|
19
|
|
XL
|
30.75
|
24
|
20 1/2
|
|
2XL
|
31.62
|
26
|
21.75
|
|
3XL
|
32 1/2
|
27.75
|
23.25
|
|
4XL
|
33 1/2
|
29.75
|
24.63
|
