Custom Apparel Trends for Back to School 2025
From oversized tees to vintage styles, eco-friendly options, and bold campus branding, find the best bulk merch ideas for schools, teams, and student groups.
The new school year is right around the corner, and that means fresh starts, new routines, and—for schools and student groups—new gear. From spirit wear to team uniforms to club merch, back-to-school season is one of the biggest times of year for bulk custom apparel.
This year’s trends are all about comfort, personality, and community. Whether you’re ordering for a sports team, student org, fundraiser, or campus event, these are the styles students will love wearing all year long.
Oversized & Relaxed Fits
Comfort and casual style are still ruling campus. Oversized tees, drop-shoulder cuts, and relaxed-fit sweatshirts are becoming everyday essentials. The best part? These are great options when you're looking for inclusive sizing that works across the board.
Vintage & Garment-Dyed Styles
That retro, lived-in look isn’t going anywhere. Garment-dyed tees and sweatshirts give an instant “favorite shirt” vibe with their soft feel and slightly faded color. Students love the throwback collegiate style, and schools love how easy it is to print bold logos and designs that pop.
Hoodies & Crewnecks as Staples
When it comes to spirit wear, hoodies and crewnecks are still undefeated. They’re versatile, long-lasting, and always in demand. This year, we’re seeing more designs that mix embroidery with puff or specialty inks for logos that really stand out. Whether it’s for the football team, the marching band, or a club fundraiser, hoodies are always a safe bulk buy.
Hats & Accessories for Campus Merch
Not every student wants another t-shirt (shocking, we know). That’s why hats, beanies, and accessories are trending hard. Dad hats, surf caps, and knit beanies are especially popular on campuses. And since they’re one-size-fits-most, they’re an easy win for bulk orders without worrying about sizing.
Eco-Friendly Apparel Options
Gen Z students care about sustainability, and schools are taking notice. More organizations are choosing eco-friendly apparel made from organic cotton, recycled blends, or using water-based inks for a greener print process. Not only does it help the planet, but it also sends a strong message about values, a big plus for schools and nonprofits.
Gear Up for the Semester
Back-to-school season is about more than school supplies and new schedules—it’s about creating a sense of community. Custom apparel is one of the best ways to bring people together, and this year’s trends make it easy to give students, staff, and supporters something they’ll actually love to wear.
If your school, team, or organization is planning merch for the new year, now’s the time to get started. Bulk orders mean better pricing, less stress, and gear that’s ready to go when the school year kicks into high gear.
Ready to get started? Our team of custom apparel pros is ready to help make your back to school order happen.
