What Schools & Sports Teams Should Know Before Ordering Custom Shirts
By Lindy Williams | AccentTShirts.com - Custom Screen Printing & Embroidery in Las Vegas
Introduction: Why Custom Shirts Matter
Whether you're a coach organizing jerseys for a youth football league, a PTO member prepping for a school fundraiser, or a teacher managing field trip gear, custom shirts are more than apparel. They're pride. They're identity. They're unity. But getting them done right takes more than just sending in a logo and a size list.
At Accent T-Shirts, we’ve been printing for Las Vegas schools and teams for over 25 years. We know what works, what causes hiccups, and how to avoid last-minute panic. Here’s our comprehensive guide to help schools and sports organizations make smart, stress-free decisions before ordering custom apparel.
1. Know Your Purpose (and Your Audience)
Before you choose shirt styles, colors, or printing methods, ask: what is this shirt for?
Is it for players on a team (i.e., needs numbers, durability, moisture-wicking)?
A spirit wear fundraiser for families and students?
A one-day field trip or school event?
An award or gift for graduating seniors or MVPs?
Knowing your purpose will drive every other decision—from budget to fabric to design.
Tip:
Don’t try to “do it all” with one shirt. If needed, split the order into two parts (e.g., jerseys + spirit wear) for clarity and quality.
2. Get Accurate Sizes Early
We’ve seen it happen: orders delayed because no one followed up on the size list.
Best practices:
Use online order forms (we can help set one up).
Offer sample try-ons if you're unsure about sizing, especially for youth.
Always include a buffer (a few extra shirts in common sizes like L or XL).
If you’re ordering for kids, be aware that sizing can vary wildly by brand. Our team can recommend reliable youth-sized apparel that runs true-to-fit.
3. Design Files Matter (But We Can Help)
A blurry screenshot won’t cut it—and you don’t need to stress if you’re not a designer. We offer in-house graphic support to clean up, enhance, or completely build your artwork.
We recommend:
Vector files (.AI, .EPS, .PDF)
High-res PNGs (300 DPI or higher)
Clear instructions on color use, text placement, and any player names/numbers
Bonus:
We provide digital mockups for every approved job so you can show staff, coaches, or the principal exactly what’s coming.
4. Budget Honestly (and Ask About Price Breaks)
Pricing depends on:
Total quantity
Number of ink colors
Locations of print (front, back, sleeve)
Shirt quality/type (cotton, poly blend, dri-fit)
Turnaround time (rush = extra)
Schools often qualify for bulk pricing or nonprofit discounts. Let us know upfront so we can optimize your quote.
Smart Tip:
Consolidate your orders! Combining multiple team or grade-level requests can unlock price breaks and reduce waste.
5. Choose the Right Shirt for the Job
Not all shirts are created equal.
Here are some school/team-friendly favorites:
Soft cotton tees — best for spirit wear and general use
Performance dri-fit tees — for athletes or hot weather events
Hoodies and crewnecks — excellent for fall fundraisers
Polos or button-ups — great for staff, band, or formal activities
Ask us about sustainably made options or tagless tees for sensory-friendly needs.
6. Plan for Customization
Want names or numbers on the back? Customization takes extra time and setup.
Common formats:
Player names + numbers (sports)
Grade year + student name (graduation)
Nickname or club name (student groups)
We use heat transfer vinyl, DTF, or embroidery depending on fabric and finish. Let us know early so we can prepare artwork templates.
7. Use Custom Shirts to Fundraise
T-shirts sell. If your school is looking for ways to raise money, consider a limited-edition spirit wear drop. We’ve helped schools earn thousands with:
Online store setup (we handle it all)
Pre-order campaigns (no upfront cost)
Seasonal designs (homecoming, graduation, holidays)
Fundraiser Tip:
Keep designs bold and simple. Focus on school pride, mascots, and unity slogans.
8. Don’t Forget the Faculty & Families
Coaches, teachers, and parents want in too. Adding a separate batch of adult sizes for teachers or PTA members builds school spirit and grows your order (which means lower per-unit cost).
Consider offering embroidered polos, zip hoodies, or long-sleeve tees for staff and volunteers. We can bundle multiple styles under one production run.
9. Time It Right
Standard production turnaround is usually 7-10 business days after final approval. Add a few more for custom names or specialty items.
Ideal timelines:
Back to School: Place orders in July
Fall Sports: Order by mid-August
Winter Events: Order by early November
Spring Fundraisers: Start planning by February
Rush jobs are doable but incur extra costs. We recommend booking a month out when possible.
10. Choose the Right Print Method
We’ll guide you here, but here’s a quick breakdown:
Screen Printing
Best for large orders
Bold, long-lasting prints
Great for spirit wear and uniforms
Embroidery
Best for polos, jackets, caps
Professional finish, long wear
DTF (Direct to Film)
Best for full-color prints or small batch custom names
No screens needed
Our shop in Las Vegas is fully equipped for all three.
11. Ask for a Sample or Proof
Once you approve the artwork, we can create a press check image or in-person sample for your peace of mind. This ensures:
Colors are correct
Design is positioned accurately
Sizes and garments meet your expectations
12. Think Beyond Tees
Shirts are just the beginning. We also offer:
Embroidered caps
Team warm-up gear
Mascot hoodies
PE uniforms
Event banners
Tote bags & water bottles
It’s all about branding your school’s energy and unity. Let us help you create a full collection.
Final Thoughts: Build Something They’ll Wear With Pride
At Accent T-Shirts, we’re not just printers—we’re partners. We help schools and teams create gear that students actually want to wear. From first grade to varsity, from fundraisers to field day, we’re with you every step.
Need help getting started? Want a custom quote or mockup? Let’s build something legendary together.